TEX264-mediated selective autophagy directs DNA damage repair
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Updated: Jun 7, 2025

Visualizing and Quantifying Endonuclease-Based Site-Specific DNA Damage
Published on: August 21, 2021
1School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
Abstract:
DNA is constantly subject to damage from endogenous and exogenous factors, leading to mutations and disease. While DNA is traditionally repaired in the nucleus, Lascaux et al. reveal a novel role for the lysosome in DNA repair, demonstrating that topoisomerase 1 (TOP1) cleavage complex (TOP1cc) DNA lesions are degraded via TEX264-mediated selective autophagy.
Insights
DNA damage can cause disease, but a new study shows lysosomes aid repair. Lysosomes degrade topoisomerase 1 cleavage complex lesions through TEX264-mediated selective autophagy, revealing a novel DNA repair pathway.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- DNA damage is a significant cause of mutations and diseases.
- DNA repair primarily occurs in the nucleus.
- The role of other organelles in DNA repair is less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of lysosomes in DNA repair.
- To identify mechanisms for clearing DNA lesions outside the nucleus.
Main Methods:
- Utilized cell-based assays to study DNA damage and repair.
- Investigated the role of TEX264 in DNA lesion degradation.
- Examined the involvement of selective autophagy in DNA repair.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated that topoisomerase 1 cleavage complex (TOP1cc) DNA lesions can be degraded in lysosomes.
- Showed that TEX264 mediates the selective autophagy of TOP1cc lesions.
- Identified a novel lysosomal DNA repair pathway.
Conclusions:
- Lysosomes play a previously unrecognized role in DNA repair.
- TEX264-mediated selective autophagy is a key mechanism for clearing TOP1cc lesions.
- This discovery opens new avenues for understanding and treating diseases associated with DNA damage.
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