NBS1 I171V variant underlies individual differences in chromosomal radiosensitivity within human populations

Genetic information is protected against a variety of genotoxins including ionizing radiation (IR) through the DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair machinery. Genome-wide association studies and clinical sequencing of cancer patients have suggested that a number of variants in the DNA DSB repair genes might underlie individual differences in chromosomal radiosensitivity within human populations. However, the number of established variants that directly affect radiosensitivity is still limited. In this study, we performed whole-exome sequencing of 29 Japanese ovarian cancer patients and detected the NBS1 I171V variant, which is estimated to exist at a rate of approximately 0.15% in healthy human populations, in one patient. To clarify whether this variant indeed contributes to chromosomal radiosensitivity, we generated NBS1 I171V variant homozygous knock-in HCT116 cells and mice using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Radiation-induced micronucleus formation and chromosomal aberration frequency were significantly increased in both HCT116 cells and mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) with knock-in of the NBS1 I171V variant compared with the levels in wild-type cells. These results suggested that the NBS1 I171V variant might be a genetic factor underlying individual differences in chromosomal radiosensitivity.