The non-homologous end-joining protein Nej1p is a target of the DNA damage checkpoint

DNA Repair (Amst). 2007 Feb 4;6(2):190-201. doi: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2006.09.010. Epub 2006 Nov 13.

Abstract

DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), which are generated by ionizing radiation (IR) and a range of other DNA damaging agents, are repaired by homologous recombination (HR) or non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ). Previous studies have shown that NHEJ in Saccharomyces cerevisiae requires the Yku70p-Yku80p heterodimer and a complex consisting of DNA Ligase IV, Lif1p and Nej1p. Here, we report that Nej1p is phosphorylated in response to DNA damage in a manner that relies on the DNA damage checkpoint kinases Mec1p, Rad53p and Dun1p. By using a mutational approach, we have identified a consensus Dun1p phosphorylation site in Nej1p, and mutation of conserved serine residues within it leads to decreased NHEJ efficiency. These data, together with previous findings that Rad55p--a protein involved in HR--is phosphorylated analogously, point to there being a broad signalling network connecting DNA damage checkpoint responses with the regulation of DNA DSB repair activities.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Amino Acid Substitution
  • Binding Sites / genetics
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / metabolism
  • Cell Nucleus / metabolism
  • Checkpoint Kinase 2
  • DNA Breaks, Double-Stranded*
  • DNA Repair
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / chemistry
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics*
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Genetic Complementation Test
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Mutagenesis, Site-Directed
  • Phosphorylation
  • Protein Kinases / metabolism
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / metabolism
  • Recombinant Proteins / chemistry
  • Recombinant Proteins / genetics
  • Recombinant Proteins / metabolism
  • Recombination, Genetic
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / genetics
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / metabolism
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins / chemistry
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins / genetics*
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins / metabolism*
  • Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
  • Serine / chemistry
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • LIF1 protein, S cerevisiae
  • NEJ1 protein, S cerevisiae
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins
  • Serine
  • Protein Kinases
  • DUN1 protein, S cerevisiae
  • Checkpoint Kinase 2
  • MEC1 protein, S cerevisiae
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases
  • RAD53 protein, S cerevisiae