SENP3 regulates DNA damage repair by downregulating RAP80 SUMOylation

Receptor-associated protein 80 (RAP80) is a key component of the BRCA1-A complex and plays an essential role in recruiting this complex to DNA double strand break (DSB) sites to facilitate homologous recombination (HR) repair. The function of RAP80 in DNA damage repair is tightly regulated by post-translational modifications (PTMs). However, the detailed mechanisms by which PTMs modulate RAP80 activity remain to be fully elucidated. Here, we demonstrate that SENP3 dynamically regulates DSB repair by targeting RAP80. Mechanistically, upon DNA damage, RAP80 undergoes SUMOylation and is recruited to DSB sites, promoting subsequent BRCA1 recruitment. SENP3 may facilitate the timely dissociation of RAP80 from DNA damage sites during the later stage, thereby promoting proper repair progression and ensuring timely termination of the DNA damage response. Dysregulation of RAP80 SUMOylation due to SENP3 depletion impairs HR repair and increases cellular sensitivity to irradiation and chemotherapy drugs. Collectively, our findings identify SENP3 as a key regulator of DNA repair through its dynamic control of RAP80-BRCA1 complex formation and DNA damage repair processes.