Transketolase promotes RNF20-dependent H2BK120 ubiquitination and DNA repair through a non-enzymatic adaptor function

Efficient repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) is essential for maintaining genome stability and conferring tumor radioresistance. Histone H2B monoubiquitination at lysine 120 (H2BK120ub), catalyzed by the RNF20/RNF40 E3 ligase complex, promotes DSB repair by coordinating chromatin remodeling and repair factor recruitment. Here we identify transketolase (TKT) as a non-enzymatic regulator of DNA damage repair in colorectal cancer cells. TKT enhances DNA repair efficiency and radioresistance independently of its catalytic activity by facilitating RNF20-dependent H2BK120ub. Mechanistically, TKT interacts with both the RNF20/RNF40 complex and the FACT chromatin remodeling complex, functioning as a non-enzymatic adaptor that facilitates FACT-RNF20 association and RNF20 foci formation following DNA damage. Disruption of this TKT-FACT-RNF20 axis impairs RNF20 foci formation and H2BK120ub induction, increases DNA damage, and enhances radiosensitivity. These findings reveal a previously unrecognized non-enzymatic adaptor function of TKT in DNA damage repair and highlight a potential vulnerability in radioresistant tumors.