ATM: genome stability, neuronal development, and cancer cross paths
1Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel.
Abstract:
One of the cornerstones of the web of signaling pathways governing cellular life and differentiation is the DNA damage response. It spans a complex network of pathways, ranging from DNA repair to modulation of numerous processes in the cell. DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), which are formed as a result of genotoxic stress or normal recombinational processes, are extremely lethal lesions that rapidly mobilize this intricate defense system. The master controller that pilots cellular responses to DSBs is the ATM protein kinase, which turns on this network by phosphorylating key players in its various branches. ATM is the protein product of the gene mutated in the human genetic disorder ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T), which is characterized by neuronal degeneration, immunodeficiency, sterility, genomic instability, cancer predisposition, and radiation sensitivity. The clinical and cellular phenotype of A-T attests to the numerous roles of ATM, on the one hand, and to the link between the DNA damage response and developmental processes on the other hand. Recent studies of this protein and its effectors, combined with a thorough investigation of animal models of A-T, have led to new insights into the mode of action of this master controller of the DNA damage response. The evidence that ATM is involved in signaling pathways other than those related to damage response, particularly ones relating to cellular growth and differentiation, reinforces the multifaceted nature of this protein, in which genome stability, developmental processes, and cancer cross paths.
Insights
The ATM protein kinase controls cellular responses to DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), crucial for genome stability and development. Its dysfunction, seen in ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T), highlights ATM
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- The DNA damage response (DDR) is vital for cellular life and differentiation.
- DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are lethal lesions that trigger the DDR.
- ATM protein kinase is the master controller of cellular responses to DSBs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the multifaceted roles of ATM in cellular signaling.
- To understand the link between the DDR and developmental processes.
- To gain insights into ATM's mode of action and its involvement in other signaling pathways.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of ATM protein kinase function.
- Investigation of ATM's effectors.
- Study of animal models of ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T).
Main Results:
- ATM phosphorylates key players to activate the DDR network.
- ATM dysfunction in A-T leads to neurodegeneration, immunodeficiency, genomic instability, and cancer predisposition.
- ATM is involved in signaling pathways beyond DNA damage, including those regulating cellular growth and differentiation.
Conclusions:
- ATM is a master controller with diverse roles in genome stability, development, and cancer.
- Understanding ATM's signaling network is crucial for comprehending cellular life and disease.
- ATM's involvement in multiple pathways underscores its significance in integrating DNA damage response with cellular growth and differentiation.
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