Mechanism and function of DNA replication-independent DNA-protein crosslink repair via the SUMO-RNF4 pathway

Julio C Y Liu, Ulrike Kühbacher, Nicolai B Larsen, Nikoline Borgermann, Dimitriya H Garvanska, Ivo A Hendriks, Leena Ackermann, Peter Haahr, Irene Gallina, Claire Guérillon, Emma Branigan, Ronald T. Hay, Yoshiaki Azuma, Michael Lund Nielsen, Julien P Duxin, Niels Mailand

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Abstract

DNA-protein crosslinks (DPCs) obstruct essential DNA transactions, posing a serious threat to genome stability and functionality. DPCs are proteolytically processed in a ubiquitin- and DNA replication-dependent manner by SPRTN and the proteasome but can also be resolved via targeted SUMOylation. However, the mechanistic basis of SUMO-mediated DPC resolution and its interplay with replication-coupled DPC repair remain unclear. Here, we show that the SUMO-targeted ubiquitin ligase RNF4 defines a major pathway for ubiquitylation and proteasomal clearance of SUMOylated DPCs in the absence of DNA replication. Importantly, SUMO modifications of DPCs neither stimulate nor inhibit their rapid DNA replication-coupled proteolysis. Instead, DPC SUMOylation provides a critical salvage mechanism to remove DPCs formed after DNA replication, as DPCs on duplex DNA do not activate interphase DNA damage checkpoints. Consequently, in the absence of the SUMO-RNF4 pathway cells are able to enter mitosis with a high load of unresolved DPCs, leading to defective chromosome segregation and cell death. Collectively, these findings provide mechanistic insights into SUMO-driven pathways underlying replication-independent DPC resolution and highlight their critical importance in maintaining chromosome stability and cellular fitness.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere107413
JournalE M B O Journal
Volume40
Number of pages21
ISSN0261-4189
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021

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