Recruitment of ATR-ATRIP, Rad17, and 9-1-1 complexes to DNA damage

The ATR (ataxia-telangiectasia mutated and rad3-related)-ATRIP (ATR-interacting protein) kinase complex plays a central role in the checkpoint responses to a variety of types of DNA damage, especially those interfering with DNA replication. The checkpoint-signaling pathway activated by ATR-ATRIP regulates and coordinates cell-cycle progression, DNA replication, DNA repair, and many other cellular processes critical for genomic stability. Upon DNA damage or DNA replication interference, ATR-ATRIP and two of its key regulators, the Rad17 and the 9-1-1 complexes, are localized to sites of DNA damage and stalled replication forks. Recent biochemical and cell biological studies have revealed that RPA-coated single-stranded DNA, a common structure generated at sites of DNA damage and stalled replication forks, plays crucial roles in the recruitment of ATR-ATRIP, Rad17, and 9-1-1 complexes. The recruitment of ATR-ATRIP and its regulators to DNA damage is a key step for the recognition of DNA damage by the checkpoint, and is likely important for the regulation of ATR activity and/or function in response to DNA damage. The methods used to characterize the DNA association of ATR-ATRIP, Rad17, and 9-1-1 complexes have laid a foundation for further biochemical studies, which may ultimately lead us to understand the molecular mechanisms by which ATR-ATRIP monitors and protects genomic integrity.