The RAD9-RAD1-HUS1 (9.1.1) complex interacts with WRN and is crucial to regulate its response to replication fork stalling

Oncogene. 2012 Jun 7;31(23):2809-23. doi: 10.1038/onc.2011.468. Epub 2011 Oct 17.

Abstract

The WRN protein belongs to the RecQ family of DNA helicases and is implicated in replication fork restart, but how its function is regulated remains unknown. We show that WRN interacts with the 9.1.1 complex, one of the central factors of the replication checkpoint. This interaction is mediated by the binding of the RAD1 subunit to the N-terminal region of WRN and is instrumental for WRN relocalization in nuclear foci and its phosphorylation in response to replication arrest. We also find that ATR-dependent WRN phosphorylation depends on TopBP1, which is recruited by the 9.1.1 complex in response to replication arrest. Finally, we provide evidence for a cooperation between WRN and 9.1.1 complex in preventing accumulation of DNA breakage and maintaining genome integrity at naturally occurring replication fork stalling sites. Taken together, our data unveil a novel functional interplay between WRN helicase and the replication checkpoint, contributing to shed light into the molecular mechanism underlying the response to replication fork arrest.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated Proteins
  • Blotting, Western
  • Carrier Proteins / genetics
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / genetics
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / metabolism*
  • Chromosome Fragile Sites / genetics
  • DNA Damage
  • DNA Replication*
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Exodeoxyribonucleases / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Exodeoxyribonucleases / genetics
  • Exodeoxyribonucleases / metabolism*
  • Exonucleases / genetics
  • Exonucleases / metabolism*
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Immunoprecipitation
  • In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence
  • Nuclear Proteins / genetics
  • Nuclear Proteins / metabolism
  • Phosphorylation
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / genetics
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / metabolism
  • RNA, Small Interfering / genetics
  • RecQ Helicases / antagonists & inhibitors
  • RecQ Helicases / genetics
  • RecQ Helicases / metabolism*
  • Werner Syndrome Helicase

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • HUS1 protein, human
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • TOPBP1 protein, human
  • rad9 protein
  • ATR protein, human
  • Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated Proteins
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases
  • Exodeoxyribonucleases
  • Exonucleases
  • Rad1 protein, human
  • RecQ Helicases
  • WRN protein, human
  • Werner Syndrome Helicase