Purification and characterization of ATM from human placenta. A manganese-dependent, wortmannin-sensitive

D W Chan1, S C Son, W Block

  • 1Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada.

Insights

The ATM protein kinase phosphorylates key proteins like p53 and Chk2, crucial for DNA damage response. This ATM kinase activity, dependent on manganese, is vital for cellular repair mechanisms following radiation exposure.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Ataxia telangiectasia is a human genetic disorder linked to ATM mutations, causing immune defects and cancer predisposition.
  • ATM-deficient cells show delayed p53 upregulation after ionizing radiation.
  • p53 phosphorylation at serine 15 occurs in vivo following ionizing radiation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To purify and characterize the protein kinase activity of ATM.
  • To identify substrates phosphorylated by ATM.
  • To investigate the enzymatic properties and regulation of ATM.

Main Methods:

  • Purification of ATM from human cells using nine chromatographic steps.
  • In vitro kinase assays using purified ATM.
  • Analysis of ATM phosphorylation sites on Chk2.
  • Inhibition studies using wortmannin.

Main Results:

  • Highly purified ATM phosphorylates PHAS-I, RPA, p53 (at serine 15), and Chk2 in vitro.
  • ATM kinase activity is strictly dependent on manganese.
  • Wortmannin inhibits ATM kinase activity with an IC50 of approximately 100 nM.
  • DNA stimulates RPA phosphorylation by ATM, but not p53, Chk2, or PHAS-I.

Conclusions:

  • ATM functions as a protein kinase that phosphorylates multiple substrates involved in DNA damage response.
  • Manganese is essential for ATM kinase activity.
  • ATM's substrate specificity and regulation provide insights into DNA repair pathways.

Related Concept Videos