Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Using Next Generation Sequencing to Identify Mutations Associated with Repair of a CAS9-induced Double Strand Break Near the CD4 Promoter
Published on: March 31, 2022
CsA can induce DNA double-strand breaks: implications for BMT regimens particularly for individuals with defective
1Genome Damage and Stability Centre, University of Sussex, Brighton, East Sussex, UK.
Abstract:
Several human disorders mutated in core components of the major DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair pathway, non-homologous end joining (NHEJ), have been described. Cell lines from these patients are characterized by sensitivity to DSB-inducing agents. DNA ligase IV syndrome (LIG4) patients specifically, for unknown reasons, respond particularly badly following treatment for malignancy or BMT. We report the first systematic evaluation of the response of LIG4 syndrome to compounds routinely employed for BMT conditioning. We found human pre-B lymphocytes, a key target population for BMT conditioning, when deficient for DNA ligase IV, unexpectedly exhibit significant sensitivity to CsA the principal prophylaxis for GVHD. Furthermore, we found that CsA treatment alone or in combination with BU and fludarabine resulted in increased levels of DSBs specifically in LIG4 syndrome cells compared to wild-type or Artemis-deficient cells. Our study shows that CsA can induce DSBs and that LIG4 syndrome patient's fail to adequately repair this damage. These DSBs likely arise as a consequence of DNA replication in the presence of CsA. This work has implications for BMT and GVHD management in general and specifically for LIG4 syndrome.
Insights
DNA ligase IV syndrome (LIG4) patients show unexpected sensitivity to CsA, a common GVHD prophylaxis. This drug induces DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) that LIG4 cells cannot repair, impacting BMT and GVHD management.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Immunology
Background:
- Mutations in non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) pathway components cause human disorders with DSB sensitivity.
- DNA ligase IV syndrome (LIG4) patients exhibit poor outcomes post-bone marrow transplant (BMT) and malignancy treatment.
- The specific reasons for LIG4 syndrome patient sensitivity to BMT conditioning are unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the response of LIG4 syndrome to standard BMT conditioning agents.
- To investigate the effect of Cyclosporine A (CsA) on LIG4 syndrome cells.
Main Methods:
- Systematic evaluation of LIG4 syndrome response to BMT conditioning compounds.
- Assessment of human pre-B lymphocytes deficient for DNA ligase IV.
- Analysis of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) after treatment with CsA, busulfan (BU), and fludarabine.
Main Results:
- LIG4 syndrome pre-B lymphocytes are unexpectedly sensitive to CsA, a primary prophylaxis for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).
- CsA, alone or with BU and fludarabine, increased DSBs in LIG4 syndrome cells compared to wild-type or Artemis-deficient cells.
- CsA induces DSBs, which LIG4 syndrome cells fail to repair, likely due to DNA replication issues.
Conclusions:
- Cyclosporine A (CsA) can induce DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs).
- LIG4 syndrome patients are unable to adequately repair CsA-induced DSBs.
- Findings have implications for managing BMT and GVHD, particularly in LIG4 syndrome patients.
Related Concept Videos
Fixing Double-strand Breaks
Fixing Double-strand Breaks
DNA Damage can Stall the Cell Cycle
DNA Damage Can Stall the Cell Cycle
Long-patch Base Excision Repair
Base Excision Repair
The first step of...

