Analysis of the topoisomerase II-dependent decatenation G2 checkpoint and checkpoint kinases in human cells

Methods Mol Biol. 2009:582:155-66. doi: 10.1007/978-1-60761-340-4_13.

Abstract

Inhibition of Topo II function using poisons and catalytic inhibitors triggers checkpoints that act to delay progression of G2 cells into mitosis. Topo II poisons induce Topo II-associated DNA double-strand breaks that activate ATM and the DNA damage G2 checkpoint. Topo II catalytic inhibitors do not induce DNA double-strand breaks but block decatenation of intertwined daughter chromatids. Complete decatenation before anaphase of mitosis is required for chromatid segregation. G2 cells appear to sense the degree of chromatid arm catenations and actively delay the onset of mitosis by sustaining the inhibition of mitosis-promoting factor (MPF) and polo-like kinase 1 (Plk-1) kinase activities that normally propel G2 cells into mitosis. This chapter details the methods for assay of decatenation G2 checkpoint function and checkpoint kinase activities.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / genetics
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / metabolism*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • DNA Topoisomerases, Type II / genetics
  • DNA Topoisomerases, Type II / metabolism*
  • Fibroblasts / cytology
  • Fibroblasts / physiology
  • Flow Cytometry / methods*
  • G2 Phase / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Maturation-Promoting Factor / genetics
  • Maturation-Promoting Factor / metabolism*
  • Nucleic Acid Conformation
  • Polo-Like Kinase 1
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / genetics
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / metabolism*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / genetics
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases
  • Maturation-Promoting Factor
  • DNA Topoisomerases, Type II