Homologous recombination （HR） comprises a series of interrelated pathways that function in the repair of DNA double-stranded breaks （DSBs） and interstrand crosslinks （ICLs）. In addition, recombination provides c...Homologous recombination （HR） comprises a series of interrelated pathways that function in the repair of DNA double-stranded breaks （DSBs） and interstrand crosslinks （ICLs）. In addition, recombination provides critical support for DNA replication in the recovery of stalled or broken replication forks, contributing to tolerance of DNA damage. A central core of proteins, most critically the RecA homolog Rad51, catalyzes the key reactions that typify HR： homology search and DNA strand invasion. The diverse functions of recombination are reflected in the need for context-specific factors that perform supplemental functions in conjunction with the core proteins. The inability to properly repair complex DNA damage and resolve DNA replication stress leads to genomic instability and contributes to cancer etiology. Mutations in the BRCA2 recombination gene cause predisposition to breast and ovarian cancer as well as Fanconi anemia, a cancer predisposition syndrome characterized by a defect in the repair of DNA interstrand crosslinks. The cellular functions of recombination are also germane to DNA-based treatment modalities of cancer, which target replicating cells by the direct or indirect induction of DNA lesions that are substrates for recombination pathways. This review focuses on mechanistic aspects of HR relating to DSB and ICL repair as well as replication fork support.展开更多
Meiotic prophase I is a long and complex phase. Homologous recombination is an important process that occurs between homologous chromosomes during meiotic prophase I. Formation of chiasmata, which hold homologous chro...Meiotic prophase I is a long and complex phase. Homologous recombination is an important process that occurs between homologous chromosomes during meiotic prophase I. Formation of chiasmata, which hold homologous chromosomes together until the metaphase I to anaphase I transition, is critical for proper chromosome segregation. Recent studies have suggested that the SPO 11 proteins have conserved functions in a number of organisms in generating sites of double-stranded DNA breaks （DSBs） that are thought to be the starting points of homologous recombination. Processing of these sites of DSBs requires the function of RecA homologs, such as RAD5 1, DMC 1, and others, as suggested by mutant studies; thus the failure to repair these meiotic DSBs results in abnormal chromosomal alternations, leading to disrupted meiosis. Recent discoveries on the functions of these RecA homologs have improved the understanding of the mechanisms underlying meiotic homologous recombination.展开更多
It is proposed that mismatch repair (MMR) mediates the cytotoxic effects of DNA damaging agents by exerting a futile repair pathway which leads to double strand breaks (DSBs). Previous reports indicate that the sensit...It is proposed that mismatch repair (MMR) mediates the cytotoxic effects of DNA damaging agents by exerting a futile repair pathway which leads to double strand breaks (DSBs). Previous reports indicate that the sensitivity of cells defective in homologous recombination (HR) to DNA alkylation is reduced by defects in MMR genes. We have assessed the contribution of different MMR genes to the processing of alkylation damage in vivo. We have directly visualized recombination complexes formed upon DNA damage using fluorescent protein (FP) fusions. We find that msh6 mutants are more resistant than wild type cells to MNNG, and that an msh6 mutation rescues the sensitivity of rad52 strains more efficiently than an msh3 mutation. Analysis of RAD52-GFP tagged strains indicate that MNNG increases repair foci formation, and that the inactivation of the MHS2 and MSH6 genes but not the MSH3 gene result in a reduction of the number of foci formed. In addition, in the absence of HR, NHEJ could process the MNNG-induced DSBs as indicated by the formation of NHEJ-GFP tagged foci. These data suggest that processing of the alkylation damage by MMR, mainly by MSH2-MSH6, is required for recruitment of recombination proteins to the damage site for repair.展开更多
DNA damage in oocytes can cause infertility and birth defects. DNA double-strand breaks （DSBs） are highly deleterious and can substantially impair genome integrity. Homologous recombination （HR）-mediated DNA DSB r...DNA damage in oocytes can cause infertility and birth defects. DNA double-strand breaks （DSBs） are highly deleterious and can substantially impair genome integrity. Homologous recombination （HR）-mediated DNA DSB repair plays dominant roles in safeguarding oocyte quantity and quality. However, little is known regarding the key players of the HR repair pathway in oocytes. Here, we identified oocyte-specific gene Ooep as a novel key component of the HR repair pathway in mouse oocytes. OOEP was required for efficient ataxia telangiectasia mutated （ATM） kinase activation and Rad51 recombinase （RAD51） focal accumulation at DNA DSBs. Ooep null oocytes were defective in DNA DSB repair and prone to apoptosis upon exogenous DNA damage insults. Moreover, Ooep null oocytes exhibited delayed meiotic maturation. Therefore, OOEP played roles in preserving oocyte quantity and quality by maintaining genome stability. Ooep expression decreased with the advance of maternal age, suggesting its involvement in maternal aging.展开更多
Genomic instability is a characteristic of cancer cells.In order to maintain genomic integrity,cells have evolved a complex DNA repair system to detect,signal and repair a diversity of DNA lesions.Homologous recombina...Genomic instability is a characteristic of cancer cells.In order to maintain genomic integrity,cells have evolved a complex DNA repair system to detect,signal and repair a diversity of DNA lesions.Homologous recombination(HR)-mediated DNA repair represents an error-free repair mechanism to maintain genomic integrity and ensure high-fidelity transmission of genetic information.Deficiencies in HR repair are of tremendous importance in the etiology of human cancers and at the same time offer great opportunities for designing targeted therapeutic strategies.The increase in the number of proteins identified as being involved in HR repair has dramatically shifted our concept of the proteins involved in this process:traditionally viewed as existing in a linear and simple pathway,today they are viewed as existing in a dynamic and interconnected network.Moreover,exploration of the targets within this network that can be modulated by small molecule drugs has led to the discovery of many effective kinase inhibitors,such as ATM,ATR,DNA-PK,CHK1,and CHK2 inhibitors.In preclinical studies,these inhibitors have been shown to sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapy and radiation therapy.The most exciting discovery in the field of HR repair is the identification of the synthetic lethality relationship between poly(ADPribose)polymerase(PARP)inhibitors and HR deficiency.The promises of clinical applications of PARP inhibitors and the concept of synthetic lethality also bring challenges into focus.Future research directions in the area of HR repair include determining how to identify the patients most likely to benefit from PARP inhibitors and developing strategies to overcome resistance to PARP inhibitors.展开更多
We introduce a homology-based recombination approach for generating a cDNA construct. This method depends on amplifying several exon fragments and their fusions by the homology-based recombination. This method provide...We introduce a homology-based recombination approach for generating a cDNA construct. This method depends on amplifying several exon fragments and their fusions by the homology-based recombination. This method provides a way to generate the cDNA sequence of any gene without any need for its mRNA. The paper describes the strategy by assembling cDNA of the MYB1 and MYB2 genes of Arabidopsis thaliana.展开更多
DNA is the genetic material of all cells, containing coded information about cellular molecules and processes. DNA consists of two polynucleofide strands twisted around each other in a double helix. The first step in ...DNA is the genetic material of all cells, containing coded information about cellular molecules and processes. DNA consists of two polynucleofide strands twisted around each other in a double helix. The first step in cellular division is to replicate DNA so that copies can be distributed to daughter cells. Additionally, DNA is involved in transcribing proteins that direct cell growth and activities. However, DNA is tightly packed into genes and chromosomes. In order for replication or transcription to take place, DNA must firstly unpack itself so that it can interact with enzymes. DNA packing can be visualized as two very long strands that have been intertwined millions of times, tied into knots, and subjected to successive coiling. However, replication and transcription are much easier to accomplish if the DNA is neatly arranged rather than tangled up in knots. Enzymes are essential to unpacking DNA. Enzymes act to slice through individual knots and reconnect strands in a more orderly way. Hypothesizing that Termination of DNA replication proteins gave rise to those of eukaryotes during evolution, we chose the DNA polymerase （which infects microalgae） as the basis of this analysis, as it represents a primitive recombination. We show that it has significant similarity with replicative DNA polymerases of eukaryotes and certain of their large DNA. Sequence alignment confirms this similarity and establishes the presence of highly conserved domains in the polymerase amino terminus. Subsequent reconstruction of a phylogenetic tree indicates that these algal DNA are near the root of the containing all recombination. DNA polymerase delta members but that this does not contain the polymerases of other DNA. We consider arguments for the polarity of this relationship and present the hypothesis that the replication genes of DNA. DNA can be visualized as a complicated knot that must be unknotted by enzymes in order for replication or transcription to occur. It is perhaps not surprising then that connections between mathematical knot theory and biology have been discovered. By thinking of DNA as a knot, we can use knot theory to estimate how hard DNA is to unknot. This can help us estimate properties of the enzymes that unknot DNA.展开更多
BACKGROUND Poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase inhibitors(PARPis)are approved as first-line therapies for breast cancer gene(BRCA)-positive,human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative locally advanced or metastatic breas...BACKGROUND Poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase inhibitors(PARPis)are approved as first-line therapies for breast cancer gene(BRCA)-positive,human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer.They are also effective for new and recurrent ovarian cancers that are BRCA-or homologous recombination deficiency(HRD)-positive.However,data on these mutations and PARPi use in the Middle East are limited.AIM To assess BRCA/HRD prevalence and PARPi use in patients in the Middle East with breast/ovarian cancer.METHODS This was a single-center retrospective study of 57 of 472 breast cancer patients tested for BRCA mutations,and 25 of 65 ovarian cancer patients tested for HRD.These adult patients participated in at least four visits to the oncology service at our center between August 2021 and May 2023.Data were summarized using descriptive statistics and compared using counts and percentages.Response to treatment was assessed using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors criteria.RESULTS Among the 472 breast cancer patients,12.1%underwent BRCA testing,and 38.5%of 65 ovarian cancer patients received HRD testing.Pathogenic mutations were found in 25.6%of the tested patients:26.3%breast cancers had germline BRCA(gBRCA)mutations and 24.0%ovarian cancers showed HRD.Notably,40.0%of gBRCA-positive breast cancers and 66.0%of HRD-positive ovarian cancers were Middle Eastern and Asian patients,respectively.PARPi treatment was used in 5(33.3%)gBRCA-positive breast cancer patients as first-line therapy(n=1;7-months progression-free),for maintenance(n=2;>15-months progression-free),or at later stages due to compliance issues(n=2).Four patients(66.6%)with HRD-positive ovarian cancer received PARPi and all remained progression-free.CONCLUSION Lower testing rates but higher BRCA mutations in breast cancer were found.Ethnicity reflected United Arab Emirates demographics,with breast cancer in Middle Eastern and ovarian cancer in Asian patients.展开更多
研究证实,在基因的表观遗传调控中DNA甲基化起着至关重要的作用。而DNA甲基转移酶(DNMT)催化DNA甲基化,这是DNA甲基化模式形成和保持的必要条件。在哺乳动物细胞中,有三种关键的DNMT负责着不同的任务。首先是DNMT1,负责维持DNA的甲基化...研究证实,在基因的表观遗传调控中DNA甲基化起着至关重要的作用。而DNA甲基转移酶(DNMT)催化DNA甲基化,这是DNA甲基化模式形成和保持的必要条件。在哺乳动物细胞中,有三种关键的DNMT负责着不同的任务。首先是DNMT1,负责维持DNA的甲基化状态,保持细胞功能正常运转。而另外两种则是DNMT3a和DNMT3b,它们则负责推动DNA从头开始的甲基化过程。目前,急性髓系白血病(AML)的病因仍无法完全阐明。通过研究发现,异常的表观遗传学变化与AML的发病密切相关。深入探讨DNA甲基化与AML之间的联系,将为治疗这种疾病和开发新药物提供关键的分子靶点。这一领域的突破将为医学界带来新的希望,为患者提供更有效的治疗方案。Research has confirmed that DNA methylation plays a crucial role in the epigenetic regulation of genes. DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) catalyzes DNA methylation, which is a necessary condition for the formation and maintenance of DNA methylation patterns. In mammalian cells, there are three key DNMTs responsible for different tasks. Firstly, DNMT1 is responsible for maintaining the methylation status of DNA and ensuring the normal functioning of cells. The other two are DNMT3a and DNMT3b, which are responsible for driving the DNA methylation process from scratch. At present, the etiology of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cannot be fully elucidated. Through research, it has been found that abnormal epigenetic changes are closely related to the onset of AML. Exploring the relationship between DNA methylation and AML in depth will provide key molecular targets for the treatment of this disease and the development of new drugs. Breakthroughs in this field will bring new hope to the medical community and provide more effective treatment options for patients.展开更多
文摘Homologous recombination （HR） comprises a series of interrelated pathways that function in the repair of DNA double-stranded breaks （DSBs） and interstrand crosslinks （ICLs）. In addition, recombination provides critical support for DNA replication in the recovery of stalled or broken replication forks, contributing to tolerance of DNA damage. A central core of proteins, most critically the RecA homolog Rad51, catalyzes the key reactions that typify HR： homology search and DNA strand invasion. The diverse functions of recombination are reflected in the need for context-specific factors that perform supplemental functions in conjunction with the core proteins. The inability to properly repair complex DNA damage and resolve DNA replication stress leads to genomic instability and contributes to cancer etiology. Mutations in the BRCA2 recombination gene cause predisposition to breast and ovarian cancer as well as Fanconi anemia, a cancer predisposition syndrome characterized by a defect in the repair of DNA interstrand crosslinks. The cellular functions of recombination are also germane to DNA-based treatment modalities of cancer, which target replicating cells by the direct or indirect induction of DNA lesions that are substrates for recombination pathways. This review focuses on mechanistic aspects of HR relating to DSB and ICL repair as well as replication fork support.
基金The authors thank Alexandra Surcel and Carey L Hendrix Lord for helpful comments on this manuscript.The work in our laboratory is supported by grants from the National Science Foundation(IBN-0077832,MCB-9896340,MCB-0092075)the National Institutes of Health(R0 1 GM63871)+3 种基金the US Department of Agriculture(2001-35301-10570 and 2003-35301-13313)Wuxing L was partially supported by the Intercollege Graduate Degree Program in Plant PhysiologyHong M gratefully acknowledges the support of the John Simon Guggenheim Foundationthe National Institutes of Health(F33 GM72245-1).
文摘Meiotic prophase I is a long and complex phase. Homologous recombination is an important process that occurs between homologous chromosomes during meiotic prophase I. Formation of chiasmata, which hold homologous chromosomes together until the metaphase I to anaphase I transition, is critical for proper chromosome segregation. Recent studies have suggested that the SPO 11 proteins have conserved functions in a number of organisms in generating sites of double-stranded DNA breaks （DSBs） that are thought to be the starting points of homologous recombination. Processing of these sites of DSBs requires the function of RecA homologs, such as RAD5 1, DMC 1, and others, as suggested by mutant studies; thus the failure to repair these meiotic DSBs results in abnormal chromosomal alternations, leading to disrupted meiosis. Recent discoveries on the functions of these RecA homologs have improved the understanding of the mechanisms underlying meiotic homologous recombination.
文摘It is proposed that mismatch repair (MMR) mediates the cytotoxic effects of DNA damaging agents by exerting a futile repair pathway which leads to double strand breaks (DSBs). Previous reports indicate that the sensitivity of cells defective in homologous recombination (HR) to DNA alkylation is reduced by defects in MMR genes. We have assessed the contribution of different MMR genes to the processing of alkylation damage in vivo. We have directly visualized recombination complexes formed upon DNA damage using fluorescent protein (FP) fusions. We find that msh6 mutants are more resistant than wild type cells to MNNG, and that an msh6 mutation rescues the sensitivity of rad52 strains more efficiently than an msh3 mutation. Analysis of RAD52-GFP tagged strains indicate that MNNG increases repair foci formation, and that the inactivation of the MHS2 and MSH6 genes but not the MSH3 gene result in a reduction of the number of foci formed. In addition, in the absence of HR, NHEJ could process the MNNG-induced DSBs as indicated by the formation of NHEJ-GFP tagged foci. These data suggest that processing of the alkylation damage by MMR, mainly by MSH2-MSH6, is required for recruitment of recombination proteins to the damage site for repair.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2017YFC1001102)National Natural Science Foundation of China(81760507)
文摘DNA damage in oocytes can cause infertility and birth defects. DNA double-strand breaks （DSBs） are highly deleterious and can substantially impair genome integrity. Homologous recombination （HR）-mediated DNA DSB repair plays dominant roles in safeguarding oocyte quantity and quality. However, little is known regarding the key players of the HR repair pathway in oocytes. Here, we identified oocyte-specific gene Ooep as a novel key component of the HR repair pathway in mouse oocytes. OOEP was required for efficient ataxia telangiectasia mutated （ATM） kinase activation and Rad51 recombinase （RAD51） focal accumulation at DNA DSBs. Ooep null oocytes were defective in DNA DSB repair and prone to apoptosis upon exogenous DNA damage insults. Moreover, Ooep null oocytes exhibited delayed meiotic maturation. Therefore, OOEP played roles in preserving oocyte quantity and quality by maintaining genome stability. Ooep expression decreased with the advance of maternal age, suggesting its involvement in maternal aging.
文摘Genomic instability is a characteristic of cancer cells.In order to maintain genomic integrity,cells have evolved a complex DNA repair system to detect,signal and repair a diversity of DNA lesions.Homologous recombination(HR)-mediated DNA repair represents an error-free repair mechanism to maintain genomic integrity and ensure high-fidelity transmission of genetic information.Deficiencies in HR repair are of tremendous importance in the etiology of human cancers and at the same time offer great opportunities for designing targeted therapeutic strategies.The increase in the number of proteins identified as being involved in HR repair has dramatically shifted our concept of the proteins involved in this process:traditionally viewed as existing in a linear and simple pathway,today they are viewed as existing in a dynamic and interconnected network.Moreover,exploration of the targets within this network that can be modulated by small molecule drugs has led to the discovery of many effective kinase inhibitors,such as ATM,ATR,DNA-PK,CHK1,and CHK2 inhibitors.In preclinical studies,these inhibitors have been shown to sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapy and radiation therapy.The most exciting discovery in the field of HR repair is the identification of the synthetic lethality relationship between poly(ADPribose)polymerase(PARP)inhibitors and HR deficiency.The promises of clinical applications of PARP inhibitors and the concept of synthetic lethality also bring challenges into focus.Future research directions in the area of HR repair include determining how to identify the patients most likely to benefit from PARP inhibitors and developing strategies to overcome resistance to PARP inhibitors.
文摘We introduce a homology-based recombination approach for generating a cDNA construct. This method depends on amplifying several exon fragments and their fusions by the homology-based recombination. This method provides a way to generate the cDNA sequence of any gene without any need for its mRNA. The paper describes the strategy by assembling cDNA of the MYB1 and MYB2 genes of Arabidopsis thaliana.
文摘DNA is the genetic material of all cells, containing coded information about cellular molecules and processes. DNA consists of two polynucleofide strands twisted around each other in a double helix. The first step in cellular division is to replicate DNA so that copies can be distributed to daughter cells. Additionally, DNA is involved in transcribing proteins that direct cell growth and activities. However, DNA is tightly packed into genes and chromosomes. In order for replication or transcription to take place, DNA must firstly unpack itself so that it can interact with enzymes. DNA packing can be visualized as two very long strands that have been intertwined millions of times, tied into knots, and subjected to successive coiling. However, replication and transcription are much easier to accomplish if the DNA is neatly arranged rather than tangled up in knots. Enzymes are essential to unpacking DNA. Enzymes act to slice through individual knots and reconnect strands in a more orderly way. Hypothesizing that Termination of DNA replication proteins gave rise to those of eukaryotes during evolution, we chose the DNA polymerase （which infects microalgae） as the basis of this analysis, as it represents a primitive recombination. We show that it has significant similarity with replicative DNA polymerases of eukaryotes and certain of their large DNA. Sequence alignment confirms this similarity and establishes the presence of highly conserved domains in the polymerase amino terminus. Subsequent reconstruction of a phylogenetic tree indicates that these algal DNA are near the root of the containing all recombination. DNA polymerase delta members but that this does not contain the polymerases of other DNA. We consider arguments for the polarity of this relationship and present the hypothesis that the replication genes of DNA. DNA can be visualized as a complicated knot that must be unknotted by enzymes in order for replication or transcription to occur. It is perhaps not surprising then that connections between mathematical knot theory and biology have been discovered. By thinking of DNA as a knot, we can use knot theory to estimate how hard DNA is to unknot. This can help us estimate properties of the enzymes that unknot DNA.
文摘BACKGROUND Poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase inhibitors(PARPis)are approved as first-line therapies for breast cancer gene(BRCA)-positive,human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer.They are also effective for new and recurrent ovarian cancers that are BRCA-or homologous recombination deficiency(HRD)-positive.However,data on these mutations and PARPi use in the Middle East are limited.AIM To assess BRCA/HRD prevalence and PARPi use in patients in the Middle East with breast/ovarian cancer.METHODS This was a single-center retrospective study of 57 of 472 breast cancer patients tested for BRCA mutations,and 25 of 65 ovarian cancer patients tested for HRD.These adult patients participated in at least four visits to the oncology service at our center between August 2021 and May 2023.Data were summarized using descriptive statistics and compared using counts and percentages.Response to treatment was assessed using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors criteria.RESULTS Among the 472 breast cancer patients,12.1%underwent BRCA testing,and 38.5%of 65 ovarian cancer patients received HRD testing.Pathogenic mutations were found in 25.6%of the tested patients:26.3%breast cancers had germline BRCA(gBRCA)mutations and 24.0%ovarian cancers showed HRD.Notably,40.0%of gBRCA-positive breast cancers and 66.0%of HRD-positive ovarian cancers were Middle Eastern and Asian patients,respectively.PARPi treatment was used in 5(33.3%)gBRCA-positive breast cancer patients as first-line therapy(n=1;7-months progression-free),for maintenance(n=2;>15-months progression-free),or at later stages due to compliance issues(n=2).Four patients(66.6%)with HRD-positive ovarian cancer received PARPi and all remained progression-free.CONCLUSION Lower testing rates but higher BRCA mutations in breast cancer were found.Ethnicity reflected United Arab Emirates demographics,with breast cancer in Middle Eastern and ovarian cancer in Asian patients.
文摘研究证实,在基因的表观遗传调控中DNA甲基化起着至关重要的作用。而DNA甲基转移酶(DNMT)催化DNA甲基化,这是DNA甲基化模式形成和保持的必要条件。在哺乳动物细胞中,有三种关键的DNMT负责着不同的任务。首先是DNMT1,负责维持DNA的甲基化状态,保持细胞功能正常运转。而另外两种则是DNMT3a和DNMT3b,它们则负责推动DNA从头开始的甲基化过程。目前,急性髓系白血病(AML)的病因仍无法完全阐明。通过研究发现,异常的表观遗传学变化与AML的发病密切相关。深入探讨DNA甲基化与AML之间的联系,将为治疗这种疾病和开发新药物提供关键的分子靶点。这一领域的突破将为医学界带来新的希望,为患者提供更有效的治疗方案。Research has confirmed that DNA methylation plays a crucial role in the epigenetic regulation of genes. DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) catalyzes DNA methylation, which is a necessary condition for the formation and maintenance of DNA methylation patterns. In mammalian cells, there are three key DNMTs responsible for different tasks. Firstly, DNMT1 is responsible for maintaining the methylation status of DNA and ensuring the normal functioning of cells. The other two are DNMT3a and DNMT3b, which are responsible for driving the DNA methylation process from scratch. At present, the etiology of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cannot be fully elucidated. Through research, it has been found that abnormal epigenetic changes are closely related to the onset of AML. Exploring the relationship between DNA methylation and AML in depth will provide key molecular targets for the treatment of this disease and the development of new drugs. Breakthroughs in this field will bring new hope to the medical community and provide more effective treatment options for patients.
