Naoya Uematsu

Autophosphorylation of DNA-PKCS regulates its dynamics at DNA double-strand breaks

The DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKCS) plays an important role during the repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). It is recruited to DNA ends in the early stages of the nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) process, which mediates DSB repair. To study DNA-PKCS recruitment in vivo, we used a laser system to introduce DSBs in a specified region of the cell nucleus. We show that DNA-PKCS accumulates at DSB sites in a Ku80-dependent manner, and that neither the kinase activity nor the phosphorylation status of DNA-PKCS influences its initial accumulation. However, impairment of both of these functions results in deficient DSB repair and the maintained presence of DNA-PKCS at unrepaired DSBs. The use of photobleaching techniques allowed us to determine that the kinase activity and phosphorylation status of DNA-PKCS influence the stability of its binding to DNA ends. We suggest a model in which DNA-PKCS phosphorylation/autophosphorylation facilitates NHEJ by destabilizing the interaction of DNA-PKCS with the DNA ends.

Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM) Is Essential for DNA-PKcs Phosphorylations at the Thr-2609 Cluster upon DNA Double Strand Break

The catalytic subunit of DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PKcs) is rapidly phosphorylated at the Thr-2609 cluster and Ser-2056 upon ionizing radiation (IR). Furthermore, DNA-PKcs phosphorylation at both regions is critical for its role in DNA double strand break (DSB) repair as well as cellular resistance to radiation. IR-induced DNA-PKcs phosphorylation at Thr-2609 and Ser-2056, however, exhibits distinct kinetics indicating that they are differentially regulated. Although DNA-PKcs autophosphorylates itself at Ser-2056 after IR, we have reported here that ATM mediates DNA-PKcs phosphorylation at Thr-2609 as well as at the adjacent (S/T)Q motifs within the Thr-2609 cluster. In addition, our data suggest that DNA-PKcs- and ATM-mediated DNA-PKcs phosphorylations are cooperative and required for the full activation of DNA-PKcs and the subsequent DSB repair. Elimination of DNA-PKcs phosphorylation at both regions severely compromises radioresistance and DSB repair. Finally, our result provides a possible mechanism for the direct involvement of ATM in non-homologous end joining-mediated DSB repair.

Ku recruits XLF to DNA double‐strand breaks

XRCC4‐like factor (XLF)—also known as Cernunnos—has recently been shown to be involved in non‐homologous end‐joining (NHEJ), which is the main pathway for the repair of DNA double‐strand breaks (DSBs) in mammalian cells. XLF is likely to enhance NHEJ by stimulating XRCC4–ligase IV‐mediated joining of DSBs. Here, we report mechanistic details of XLF recruitment to DSBs. Live cell imaging combined with laser micro‐irradiation showed that XLF is an early responder to DSBs and that Ku is essential for XLF recruitment to DSBs. Biochemical analysis showed that Ku–XLF interaction occurs on DNA and that Ku stimulates XLF binding to DNA. Unexpectedly, XRCC4 is dispensable for XLF recruitment to DSBs, although photobleaching analysis showed that XRCC4 stabilizes the binding of XLF to DSBs. Our observations showed the direct involvement of XLF in the dynamic assembly of the NHEJ machinery and provide mechanistic insights into DSB recognition.

Repair of HZE-particle-induced DNA double-strand breaks in normal human fibroblasts.

Abstract Asaithamby, A., Uematsu, N., Chatterjee, A., Story, M. D., Burma, S. and Chen, D. J. Repair of HZE-Particle-Induced DNA Double-Strand Breaks in Normal Human Fibroblasts. Radiat. Res. 169, 437–446 (2008). DNA damage generated by high-energy and high-Z (HZE) particles is more skewed toward multiply damaged sites or clustered DNA damage than damage induced by low-linear energy transfer (LET) X and γ rays. Clustered DNA damage includes abasic sites, base damages and single- (SSBs) and double-strand breaks (DSBs). This complex DNA damage is difficult to repair and may require coordinated recruitment of multiple DNA repair factors. As a consequence of the production of irreparable clustered lesions, a greater biological effectiveness is observed for HZE-particle radiation than for low-LET radiation. To understand how the inability of cells to rejoin DSBs contributes to the greater biological effectiveness of HZE particles, the kinetics of DSB rejoining and cell survival after exposure of normal human skin fibroblasts to a spectrum of HZE particles was examined. Using γ-H2AX as a surrogate marker for DSB formation and rejoining, the ability of cells to rejoin DSBs was found to decrease with increasing Z; specifically, iron-ion-induced DSBs were repaired at a rate similar to those induced by silicon ions, oxygen ions and γ radiation, but a larger fraction of iron-ion-induced damage was irreparable. Furthermore, both DNA-PKcs (DSB repair factor) and 53BP1 (DSB sensing protein) co-localized with γ-H2AX along the track of dense ionization produced by iron and silicon ions and their focus dissolution kinetics was similar to that of γ-H2AX. Spatial co-localization analysis showed that unlike γ-H2AX and 53BP1, phosphorylated DNA-PKcs was localized only at very specific regions, presumably representing the sites of DSBs within the tracks. Examination of cell survival by clonogenic assay indicated that cell killing was greater for iron ions than for silicon and oxygen ions and γ rays. Collectively, these data demonstrate that the inability of cells to rejoin DSBs within clustered DNA lesions likely contributes to the greater biological effectiveness of HZE particles.

The Ku80 Carboxy Terminus Stimulates Joining and Artemis-Mediated Processing of DNA Ends

ABSTRACT Repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) is predominantly mediated by nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) in mammalian cells. NHEJ requires binding of the Ku70-Ku80 heterodimer (Ku70/80) to the DNA ends and subsequent recruitment of the DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKCS) and the XRCC4/ligase IV complex. Activation of the DNA-PKCS serine/threonine kinase requires an interaction with Ku70/80 and is essential for NHEJ-mediated DSB repair. In contrast to previous models, we found that the carboxy terminus of Ku80 is not absolutely required for the recruitment and activation of DNA-PKCS at DSBs, although cells that harbored a carboxy-terminal deletion in the Ku80 gene were sensitive to ionizing radiation and showed reduced end-joining capacity. More detailed analysis of this repair defect showed that DNA-PKCS autophosphorylation at Thr2647 was diminished, while Ser2056 was phosphorylated to normal levels. This resulted in severely reduced levels of Artemis nuclease activity in vivo and in vitro. We therefore conclude that the Ku80 carboxy terminus is important to support DNA-PKCS autophosphorylation at specific sites, which facilitates DNA end processing by the Artemis endonuclease and the subsequent joining reaction.

Establishment of an X-ray irradiation-induced glossitis model in rats: biphasic elevation of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines

Oral mucositis is a frequent and serious side effect in patients who receive radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. The purpose of this study was to develop a noninvasive and quantitative model of oral mucositis in rats, investigate the pathophysiology, and evaluate the efficacy of pharmacological interventions. Rats received a single dose of 15 Gy of X-rays to the snout after shielding of the remainder of the rat body with lead plates to protect the body from irradiation (day 0). After irradiation, the macroscopic area of tongue injury gradually increased. The total area of injury and the ulcer-like area reached a maximum on day 7 and then gradually decreased until disappearance on day 28. Expression of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines occurred transiently within 1–4 hours after irradiation and returned to a normal level at 24 hours. This expression was again observed from days 3 to 5 and increased significantly on day 7, which approximately coincided with the histologic severity of tissue damage. Subcutaneous administration of palifermin at 3 mg/kg per day for 3 consecutive days before irradiation completely prevented ulcer formation in this model. In conclusion, we established a novel model of glossitis in rats, induced by X-ray irradiation, in which biphasic elevations of expression of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines could be monitored. This model is considered useful to investigate the pathophysiology of oral mucositis and evaluate the preventive effect of pharmacological interventions on oral mucositis induced by X-ray irradiation.

Rebamipide protects small intestinal mucosal injuries caused by indomethacin by modulating intestinal microbiota and the gene expression in intestinal mucosa in a rat model

The effect of rebamipide, a mucosal protective drug, on small intestinal mucosal injury caused by indomethacin was examined using a rat model. Indomethacin administration (10 mg/kg, p.o.) induced intestinal mucosal injury was accompanied by an increase in the numbers of intestinal bacteria particularly Enterobacteriaceae in the jejunum and ileum. Rebamipide (30 and 100 mg/kg, p.o., given 5 times) was shown to inhibit the indomethacin-induced small intestinal mucosal injury and decreased the number of Enterococcaceae and Enterobacteriaceae in the jejunal mucosa to normal levels. It was also shown that the detection rate of segmented filamentous bacteria was increased by rebamipide. PCR array analysis of genes related to inflammation, oxidative stress and wound healing showed that indomethacin induced upregulation and downregulation of 14 and 3 genes, respectively in the rat jejunal mucosa by more than 5-fold compared to that of normal rats. Rebamipide suppressed the upregulated gene expression of TNFα and Duox2 in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, our study confirmed that disturbance of intestinal microbiota plays a crucial role in indomethacin-induced small intestinal mucosal injury, and suggests that rebamipide could be used as prophylaxis against non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs -induced gastrointestinal mucosal injury, by modulating microbiota and suppressing mucosal inflammation in the small intestine.

Abstract 4430: Protective effects of rebamipide liquid on radiation-induced glositis in rats.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC [Background & Aims] Rebamipide is widely used for mucosal protection, healing of gastric ulcers and treatment of gastritis. Recently, it was reported that Rebamipide gargle inhibited oral mucositis induced by chemoradiotherapy in head and neck cancer patients. In this study, we examined protective effects of Rebamipide Liquid on radiation-induced glossitis rat model and analyzed the expression level of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the injury area of tongue. [Materials & Methods] Rebamipide Liquid, comprising with Rebamipide crystals less than 500 nm particles, was prepared by a neutralizing crystallization technique. This formulation is a stable homogenous aqueous suspension provided with appropriate viscosity by adding viscosity enhanced agents to improve the retention in the oral cavity. The glossitis was induced by X-ray with 15Gy irradiation only around the snout (Day 0) in rats. Rebamipide Liquid was administered intraorally at doses of 5, 10 or 20 mg/kg (1, 2 or 4%, respectively), 6 times a day for 14 days from Day -7 to Day 6. These tongue tissue specimens were obtained at Day 7 and their images were recorded by a digital camera for efficacy evaluations. Gene expression analysis was performed with quantitative real-time PCR (ABI) and protein level was evaluated with Bio-Plex system(BioRad) or ELISA in a different study which was conducted at the two doses of 0 and 20 mg/kg (0 and 4%). [Result & Conclusions] The ulcer-like areas (10.8 ± 1.2, 7.9 ± 1.1 and 7.0 ± 0.7%) at doses of 5 - 20 mg/kg (1 - 4%) of Rebamipide Liquid administration, were statistically smaller than the vehicle control at 14.7±1.6%. Another study revealed that the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6 and Il-1β) and chemokines (MCP-1 and Gro-α) were dramatically elevated in the irradiated tongue at Day7, as compared to normal. But these elevated expressions were significantly suppressed by the 4% Rebamipide treatment. These immuoassays elucidated that the production of these cytokines and chemokines were significantly suppressed by the Rebamipide administration. These results demonstrated that the Rebamipide Liquid has a potent pharmacological action for the radiation-induced oral mucositis mediated by the suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6 and Il-1β) and chemokines (MCP-1 and Gro-α). Citation Format: Takako Nakashima, Naoya Uematsu, Masafumi Shibamori, Kazushi Sakurai, Masayuki Sato, Takakuni Matsuda, Nobutomo Sako. Protective effects of rebamipide liquid on radiation-induced glositis in rats. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4430. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-4430