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Histone deacetylase 4 interacts with 53BP1 to mediate the DNA damage response

Gary D Kao1, W Gillies McKenna, Matthew G Guenther

  • 1Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. kao@xrt.upenn.edu

Insights

Histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) is recruited to DNA damage sites, colocalizing with 53BP1. Its resolution indicates successful DNA repair, and its silencing impairs the DNA damage response.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Nuclear foci form upon DNA damage, involving proteins like 53BP1 and Rad51.
  • The exact function of these DNA damage-induced foci is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) in the DNA damage response.
  • To determine the relationship between HDAC4 foci and DNA repair processes.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized various human cell lines.
  • Observed protein recruitment to nuclear foci using microscopy.
  • Employed RNA interference to silence HDAC4.
  • Assessed DNA damage response pathways, including G2 cell cycle delay and radiosensitivity.

Main Results:

  • HDAC4 was recruited to nuclear foci with kinetics and localization similar to 53BP1 after double-strand DNA breaks.
  • HDAC4 foci resolution correlated with DNA repair proficiency.
  • Silencing HDAC4 reduced 53BP1 protein levels, abrogated the G2 delay, and increased radiosensitivity in HeLa cells.

Conclusions:

  • HDAC4 is a crucial component of the DNA damage response pathway.
  • HDAC4 acts via 53BP1 and contributes to maintaining the G2 cell cycle checkpoint.
  • HDAC4 foci dynamics provide insights into DNA repair status.

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