MutSβ-MutLβ-FANCJ axis mediates the restart of DNA replication after fork stalling at cotranscriptional G4/R-loops

Sci Adv. 2024 Feb 9;10(6):eadk2685. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adk2685. Epub 2024 Feb 7.

Abstract

Transcription-replication conflicts (TRCs) induce formation of cotranscriptional RNA:DNA hybrids (R-loops) stabilized by G-quadruplexes (G4s) on the displaced DNA strand, which can cause fork stalling. Although it is known that these stalled forks can resume DNA synthesis in a process initiated by MUS81 endonuclease, how TRC-associated G4/R-loops are removed to allow fork passage remains unclear. Here, we identify the mismatch repair protein MutSβ, an MLH1-PMS1 heterodimer termed MutLβ, and the G4-resolving helicase FANCJ as factors that are required for MUS81-initiated restart of DNA replication at TRC sites in human cells. This DNA repair process depends on the G4-binding activity of MutSβ, the helicase activity of FANCJ, and the binding of FANCJ to MLH1. Furthermore, we show that MutSβ, MutLβ, and MLH1-FANCJ interaction mediate FANCJ recruitment to G4s. These data suggest that MutSβ, MutLβ, and FANCJ act in conjunction to eliminate G4/R-loops at TRC sites, allowing replication restart.

MeSH terms

  • DNA / genetics
  • DNA Helicases / genetics
  • DNA Helicases / metabolism
  • DNA Replication
  • Fanconi Anemia Complementation Group Proteins* / genetics
  • Fanconi Anemia Complementation Group Proteins* / metabolism
  • Humans
  • R-Loop Structures*

Substances

  • Fanconi Anemia Complementation Group Proteins
  • DNA Helicases
  • DNA