Catherine T. Yan

Increased ionizing radiation sensitivity and genomic instability in the absence of histone H2AX

In mammalian cells, DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) cause rapid phosphorylation of the H2AX core histone variant (to form γ-H2AX) in megabase chromatin domains flanking sites of DNA damage. To investigate the role of H2AX in mammalian cells, we generated H2AX-deficient (H2AXΔ/Δ) mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells. H2AXΔ/Δ ES cells are viable. However, they are highly sensitive to ionizing radiation (IR) and exhibit elevated levels of spontaneous and IR-induced genomic instability. Notably, H2AX is not required for NHEJ per se because H2AXΔ/Δ ES cells support normal levels and fidelity of V(D)J recombination in transient assays and also support lymphocyte development in vivo. However, H2AXΔ/Δ ES cells exhibit altered IR-induced BRCA1 focus formation. Our findings indicate that H2AX function is essential for mammalian DNA repair and genomic stability.

IgH class switching and translocations use a robust non-classical end-joining pathway.

Immunoglobulin variable region exons are assembled in developing B cells by V(D)J recombination. Once mature, these cells undergo class-switch recombination (CSR) when activated by antigen. CSR changes the heavy chain constant region exons (Ch) expressed with a given variable region exon from Cμ to a downstream Ch (for example, Cγ, Cε or Cα), thereby switching expression from IgM to IgG, IgE or IgA. Both V(D)J recombination and CSR involve the introduction of DNA double-strand breaks and their repair by means of end joining. For CSR, double-strand breaks are introduced into switch regions that flank Cμ and a downstream Ch, followed by fusion of the broken switch regions. In mammalian cells, the ‘classical’ non-homologous end joining (C-NHEJ) pathway repairs both general DNA double-strand breaks and programmed double-strand breaks generated by V(D)J recombination. C-NHEJ, as observed during V(D)J recombination, joins ends that lack homology to form ‘direct’ joins, and also joins ends with several base-pair homologies to form microhomology joins. CSR joins also display direct and microhomology joins, and CSR has been suggested to use C-NHEJ. Xrcc4 and DNA ligase IV (Lig4), which cooperatively catalyse the ligation step of C-NHEJ, are the most specific C-NHEJ factors; they are absolutely required for V(D)J recombination and have no known functions other than C-NHEJ. Here we assess whether C-NHEJ is also critical for CSR by assaying CSR in Xrcc4- or Lig4-deficient mouse B cells. C-NHEJ indeed catalyses CSR joins, because C-NHEJ-deficient B cells had decreased CSR and substantial levels of IgH locus (immunoglobulin heavy chain, encoded by Igh) chromosomal breaks. However, an alternative end-joining pathway, which is markedly biased towards microhomology joins, supports CSR at unexpectedly robust levels in C-NHEJ-deficient B cells. In the absence of C-NHEJ, this alternative end-joining pathway also frequently joins Igh locus breaks to other chromosomes to generate translocations.

WAVE2 deficiency reveals distinct roles in embryogenesis and Rac‐mediated actin‐based motility

The Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome related protein WAVE2 is implicated in the regulation of actin‐cytoskeletal reorganization downstream of the small Rho GTPase, Rac. We inactivated the WAVE2 gene by gene‐targeted mutation to examine its role in murine development and in actin assembly. WAVE2‐deficient embryos survived until approximately embryonic day 12.5 and displayed growth retardation and certain morphological defects, including malformations of the ventricles in the developing brain. WAVE2‐deficient embryonic stem cells displayed normal proliferation, whereas WAVE2‐deficient embryonic fibroblasts exhibited severe growth defects, as well as defective cell motility in response to PDGF, lamellipodium formation and Rac‐mediated actin polymerization. These results imply a non‐redundant role for WAVE2 in murine embryogenesis and a critical role for WAVE2 in actin‐based processes downstream of Rac that are essential for cell movement.

Alternative end-joining catalyzes robust IgH locus deletions and translocations in the combined absence of ligase 4 and Ku70

Class switch recombination (CSR) in B lymphocytes is initiated by introduction of multiple DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) into switch (S) regions that flank immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) constant region exons. CSR is completed by joining a DSB in the donor Sμ to a DSB in a downstream acceptor S region (e.g., Sγ1) by end-joining. In normal cells, many CSR junctions are mediated by classical nonhomologous end-joining (C-NHEJ), which employs the Ku70/80 complex for DSB recognition and XRCC4/DNA ligase 4 for ligation. Alternative end-joining (A-EJ) mediates CSR, at reduced levels, in the absence of C-NHEJ, even in combined absence of Ku70 and ligase 4, demonstrating an A-EJ pathway totally distinct from C-NHEJ. Multiple DSBs are introduced into Sμ during CSR, with some being rejoined or joined to each other to generate internal switch deletions (ISDs). In addition, S-region DSBs can be joined to other chromosomes to generate translocations, the level of which is increased by absence of a single C-NHEJ component (e.g., XRCC4). We asked whether ISD and S-region translocations occur in the complete absence of C-NHEJ (e.g., in Ku70/ligase 4 double-deficient B cells). We found, unexpectedly, that B-cell activation for CSR generates substantial ISD in both Sμ and Sγ1 and that ISD in both is greatly increased by the absence of C-NHEJ. IgH chromosomal translocations to the c-myc oncogene also are augmented in the combined absence of Ku70 and ligase 4. We discuss the implications of these findings for A-EJ in normal and abnormal DSB repair.

Alternative end-joining catalyzes class switch recombination in the absence of both Ku70 and DNA ligase 4

The classical nonhomologous end-joining (C-NHEJ) DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair pathway employs the Ku70/80 complex (Ku) for DSB recognition and the XRCC4/DNA ligase 4 (Lig4) complex for ligation. During IgH class switch recombination (CSR) in B lymphocytes, switch (S) region DSBs are joined by C-NHEJ to form junctions either with short microhomologies (MHs; “MH-mediated” joins) or no homologies (“direct” joins). In the absence of XRCC4 or Lig4, substantial CSR occurs via “alternative” end-joining (A-EJ) that generates largely MH-mediated joins. Because upstream C-NHEJ components remain in XRCC4- or Lig4-deficient B cells, residual CSR might be catalyzed by C-NHEJ using a different ligase. To address this, we have assayed for CSR in B cells deficient for Ku70, Ku80, or both Ku70 and Lig4. Ku70- or Ku80-deficient B cells have reduced, but still substantial, CSR. Strikingly, B cells deficient for both Ku plus Lig4 undergo CSR similarly to Ku-deficient B cells, firmly demonstrating that an A-EJ pathway distinct from C-NHEJ can catalyze CSR end-joining. Ku-deficient or Ku- plus Lig4-deficient B cells are also biased toward MH-mediated CSR joins; but, in contrast to XRCC4- or Lig4-deficient B cells, generate substantial numbers of direct CSR joins. Our findings suggest that more than one form of A-EJ can function in CSR.

Mechanisms promoting translocations in editing and switching peripheral B cells

Variable, diversity and joining gene segment (V(D)J) recombination assembles immunoglobulin heavy or light chain (IgH or IgL) variable region exons in developing bone marrow B cells, whereas class switch recombination (CSR) exchanges IgH constant region exons in peripheral B cells. Both processes use directed DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) repaired by non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ). Errors in either V(D)J recombination or CSR can initiate chromosomal translocations, including oncogenic IgH locus (Igh) to c-myc (also known as Myc) translocations of peripheral B cell lymphomas. Collaboration between these processes has also been proposed to initiate translocations. However, the occurrence of V(D)J recombination in peripheral B cells is controversial. Here we show that activated NHEJ-deficient splenic B cells accumulate V(D)J-recombination-associated breaks at the lambda IgL locus (Igl), as well as CSR-associated Igh breaks, often in the same cell. Moreover, Igl and Igh breaks are frequently joined to form translocations, a phenomenon associated with specific Igh–Igl co-localization. Igh and c-myc also co-localize in these cells; correspondingly, the introduction of frequent c-myc DSBs robustly promotes Igh–c-myc translocations. Our studies show peripheral B cells that attempt secondary V(D)J recombination, and determine a role for mechanistic factors in promoting recurrent translocations in tumours.

Oncogenic transformation in the absence of Xrcc4 targets peripheral B cells that have undergone editing and switching

Nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) repairs DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) during V(D)J recombination in developing lymphocytes and during immunoglobulin (Ig) heavy chain (IgH) class switch recombination (CSR) in peripheral B lymphocytes. We now show that CD21-cre–mediated deletion of the Xrcc4 NHEJ gene in p53-deficient peripheral B cells leads to recurrent surface Ig-negative B lymphomas (“CXP lymphomas”). Remarkably, CXP lymphomas arise from peripheral B cells that had attempted both receptor editing (secondary V[D]J recombination of Igκ and Igλ light chain genes) and IgH CSR subsequent to Xrcc4 deletion. Correspondingly, CXP tumors frequently harbored a CSR-based reciprocal chromosomal translocation that fused IgH to c-myc, as well as large chromosomal deletions or translocations involving Igκ or Igλ, with the latter fusing Igλ to oncogenes or to IgH. Our findings reveal peripheral B cells that have undergone both editing and CSR and show them to be common progenitors of CXP tumors. Our studies also reveal developmental stage-specific mechanisms of c-myc activation via IgH locus translocations. Thus, Xrcc4/p53-deficient pro–B lymphomas routinely activate c-myc by gene amplification, whereas Xrcc4/p53-deficient peripheral B cell lymphomas routinely ectopically activate a single c-myc copy.

Long-range oncogenic activation of Igh-c-myc translocations by the Igh 3' regulatory region

B-cell malignancies, such as human Burkitt’s lymphoma, often contain translocations that link c-myc or other proto-oncogenes to the immunoglobulin heavy chain locus (IgH, encoded by Igh). The nature of elements that activate oncogenes within such translocations has been a long-standing question. Translocations within Igh involve DNA double-strand breaks initiated either by the RAG1/2 endonuclease during variable, diversity and joining gene segment (V(D)J) recombination, or by activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID, also known as AICDA) during class switch recombination (CSR). V(D)J recombination in progenitor B (pro-B) cells assembles Igh variable region exons upstream of μ constant region (Cμ) exons, which are the first of several sets of CH exons (‘CH genes’) within a CH locus that span several hundred kilobases (kb). In mature B cells, CSR deletes Cμ and replaces it with a downstream CH gene. An intronic enhancer (iEμ) between the variable region exons and Cμ promotes V(D)J recombination in developing B cells. Furthermore, the Igh 3′ regulatory region (Igh3′RR) lies downstream of the CH locus and modulates CSR by long-range transcriptional enhancement of CH genes. Transgenic mice bearing iEμ or Igh3′RR sequences fused to c-myc are predisposed to B lymphomas, demonstrating that such elements can confer oncogenic c-myc expression. However, in many B-cell lymphomas, Igh–c-myc translocations delete iEμ and place c-myc up to 200 kb upstream of the Igh3′RR. Here we address the oncogenic role of the Igh3′RR by inactivating it in two distinct mouse models for B-cell lymphoma with Igh–c-myc translocations. We show that the Igh3′RR is dispensable for pro-B-cell lymphomas with V(D)J recombination-initiated translocations, but is required for peripheral B-cell lymphomas with CSR-associated translocations. As the Igh3′RR is not required for CSR-associated Igh breaks or Igh–c-myc translocations in peripheral B-cell lymphoma progenitors, we conclude that this regulatory region confers oncogenic activity by long-range and developmental stage-specific activation of translocated c-myc genes.

Homozygous DNA ligase IV R278H mutation in mice leads to leaky SCID and represents a model for human LIG4 syndrome

DNA ligase IV (LIG4) is an essential component of the nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) repair pathway and plays a key role in V(D)J recombination. Hypomorphic LIG4 mutations in humans are associated with increased cellular radiosensitivity, microcephaly, facial dysmorphisms, growth retardation, developmental delay, and a variable degree of immunodeficiency. We have generated a knock-in mouse model with a homozygous Lig4 R278H mutation that corresponds to the first LIG4 mutation reported in humans. The phenotype of homozygous mutant mice Lig4R278H/R278H (Lig4R/R) includes growth retardation, a decreased life span, a severe cellular sensitivity to ionizing radiation, and a very severe, but incomplete block in T and B cell development. Peripheral T lymphocytes show an activated and anergic phenotype, reduced viability, and a restricted repertoire, reminiscent of human leaky SCID. Genomic instability is associated with a high rate of thymic tumor development. Finally, Lig4R/R mice spontaneously produce low-affinity antibodies that include autoreactive specificities, but are unable to mount high-affinity antibody responses. These findings highlight the importance of LIG4 in lymphocyte development and function, and in genomic stability maintenance, and provide a model for the complex phenotype of LIG4 syndrome in humans.

Mismatch Repair Proteins MSH2, MLH1, and EXO1 Are Important for Class-Switch Recombination Events Occurring in B Cells That Lack Nonhomologous End Joining

In the absence of core nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) factors, Ab gene class-switch recombination (CSR) uses an alternative end-joining (A-EJ) pathway to recombine switch (S) region DNA breaks. Previous reports showing decreased S-junction microhomologies in MSH2-deficient mice and an exonuclease 1 (EXO1) role in yeast microhomology-mediated end joining suggest that mismatch repair (MMR) proteins might influence A-EJ–mediated CSR. We have directly investigated whether MMR proteins collectively or differentially influence the A-EJ mechanism of CSR by analyzing CSR in mice deficient in both XRCC4 and individual MMR proteins. We find CSR is reduced and that Igh locus chromosome breaks are reduced in the MMR/XRCC4 double-deficient B cells compared with B cells deficient in XRCC4 alone, suggesting MMR proteins function upstream of double-strand break formation to influence CSR efficiency in these cells. Our results show that MLH1, EXO1, and MSH2 are all important for efficient A-EJ–mediated CSR, and we propose that MMR proteins convert DNA nicks and point mutations into dsDNA breaks for both C-NHEJ and A-EJ pathways of CSR. We also find Mlh1-XRCC4− B cells have an increased frequency of direct S junctions, suggesting that MLH1 proteins may have additional functions that influence A-EJ–mediated CSR.