TRIM29 regulates the assembly of DNA repair proteins into damaged chromatin

Yasushi Masuda1, Hidehisa Takahashi1, Shigeo Sato2

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Kita 15, Nishi 7, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8638, Japan.

Nature Communications
|June 23, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Tripartite motif protein 29 (TRIM29) acts as a scaffold protein, binding histones to assemble DNA repair proteins at double-strand break sites. This assembly is crucial for activating the DNA damage response and maintaining cell viability after radiation.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) trigger a complex DNA damage response (DDR).
  • The precise mechanisms of DNA repair protein assembly at DSB sites within chromatin remain incompletely understood.
  • Understanding chromatin dynamics during DDR is essential for comprehending cellular response to genotoxic stress.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the role of tripartite motif protein 29 (TRIM29) in the DNA damage response.
  • To investigate how TRIM29 facilitates the assembly of DNA repair proteins onto damaged chromatin.
  • To determine the functional significance of TRIM29 in activating DDR pathways.

Main Methods:

  • Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays to assess protein binding.
  • Co-immunoprecipitation to identify protein interactions.
  • Western blotting to detect histone modifications like H2AX phosphorylation.
  • Cell viability assays following ionizing radiation exposure.

Main Results:

  • TRIM29 was identified as a histone-binding protein involved in the DDR.
  • TRIM29 interacts with key DDR proteins including the BRCA1-associated surveillance complex, cohesion, DNA-PKcs, and TIP60 complex components.
  • TRIM29 binding to chromatin is essential for H2AX phosphorylation and cell survival after ionizing radiation.
  • TRIM29 dynamics on H2AX nucleosomes are regulated by crosstalk between histone modifications.

Conclusions:

  • TRIM29 functions as a critical scaffold protein in the DDR.
  • TRIM29 facilitates the recruitment and assembly of DNA repair machinery onto damaged chromatin.
  • TRIM29 plays a vital role in activating the DDR pathway and ensuring genomic stability.

Related Concept Videos

DNA Damage can Stall the Cell Cycle02:36

DNA Damage can Stall the Cell Cycle

In response to DNA damage, cells can pause the cell cycle to assess and repair the breaks. However, the cell must check the DNA at certain critical stages during the cell cycle. If the cell cycle pauses before DNA replication, the cells will contain twice the amount of DNA. On the other hand, if cells arrest after DNA replication but before mitosis, they will contain four times the normal amount of DNA. With a host of specialized proteins at their disposal,cells must use the right protein at...
10.4K
DNA Damage Can Stall the Cell Cycle02:36

DNA Damage Can Stall the Cell Cycle

In response to DNA damage, cells can pause the cell cycle to assess and repair the breaks. However, the cell must check the DNA at certain critical stages during the cell cycle. If the cell cycle pauses before DNA replication, the cells will contain twice the amount of DNA. On the other hand, if cells arrest after DNA replication but before mitosis, they will contain four times the normal amount of DNA. With a host of specialized proteins at their disposal,cells must use the right protein at...
3.4K
Homologous Recombination02:31

Homologous Recombination

The basic reaction of homologous recombination (HR) involves two chromatids that contain DNA sequences sharing a significant stretch of identity. One of these sequences uses a strand from another as a template to synthesize DNA in an enzyme-catalyzed reaction. The final product is a novel amalgamation of the two substrates. To ensure an accurate recombination of sequences, HR is restricted to the S and G2 phases of the cell cycle. At these stages, the DNA has been replicated already and the...
65.7K
Restarting Stalled Replication Forks02:37

Restarting Stalled Replication Forks

DNA replication is initiated at sites containing predefined DNA sequences known as origins of replication. DNA is unwound at these sites by the minichromosome maintenance (MCM) helicase and other factors such as Cdc45 and the associated GINS complex.The unwound single strands are protected by replication protein A (RPA) until DNA polymerase starts synthesizing DNA at the 5’ end of the strand in the same direction as the replication fork. To prevent the replication fork from falling apart,...
6.6K
Fixing Double-strand Breaks02:04

Fixing Double-strand Breaks

The double-stranded structure of DNA has two major advantages. First, it serves as a safe repository of genetic information where one strand serves as the back-up in case the other strand is damaged. Second, the double-helical structure can be wrapped around proteins called histones to form nucleosomes, which can then be tightly wound to form chromosomes. This way, DNA chains up to 2 inches long can be contained within microscopic structures in a cell. A double-stranded break not only damages...
16.4K
Fixing Double-strand Breaks02:04

Fixing Double-strand Breaks

4.7K