Genetic determinants of micronucleus formation in vivo.

Genomic instability arising from defective responses to DNA damage or mitotic chromosomal imbalances can lead to the sequestration of DNA in aberrant extranuclear structures called micronuclei (MN). Although MN are a hallmark of ageing and diseases associated with genomic instability, the catalogue of genetic players that regulate the generation of MN remains to be determined. Here we analyse 997 mouse mutant lines, revealing 145 genes whose loss significantly increases (n = 71) or decreases (n = 74) MN formation, including many genes whose orthologues are linked to human disease.

High throughput drug screening identifies resveratrol as suppressor of hepatic SELENOP expression.

Introduction: Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element that exerts its effects mainly as the proteinogenic amino acid selenocysteine within a small set of selenoproteins. Among all family members, selenoprotein P (SELENOP) constitutes a particularly interesting protein as it serves as a biomarker and serum Se transporter from liver to privileged tissues. SELENOP expression is tightly regulated by dietary Se intake, inflammation, hypoxia and certain substances, but a systematic drug screening has hitherto not been performed.

Targeting of NAT10 enhances healthspan in a mouse model of human accelerated aging syndrome.

Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS) is a rare, but devastating genetic disease characterized by segmental premature aging, with cardiovascular disease being the main cause of death. Cells from HGPS patients accumulate progerin, a permanently farnesylated, toxic form of Lamin A, disrupting the nuclear shape and chromatin organization, leading to DNA-damage accumulation and senescence. Therapeutic approaches targeting farnesylation or aiming to reduce progerin levels have provided only partial health improvements.

Detection of functional protein domains by unbiased genome-wide forward genetic screening.

Establishing genetic and chemo-genetic interactions has played key roles in elucidating mechanisms by which certain chemicals perturb cellular functions. In contrast to gene disruption/depletion strategies to identify mechanisms of drug resistance, searching for point-mutational genetic suppressors that can identify separation- or gain-of-function mutations has been limited. Here, by demonstrating its utility in identifying chemical-genetic suppressors of sensitivity to the DNA topoisomerase I poison camptothecin or the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor olaparib, we detail an approach allowing systematic, large-scale detection of spontaneous or chemically-induced suppressor mutations in yeast or haploid mammalian cells in a short timeframe, and with potential applications in other haploid systems.

Chromatin determinants impart camptothecin sensitivity.

Camptothecin-induced locking of topoisomerase 1 on DNA generates a physical barrier to replication fork progression and creates topological stress. By allowing replisome rotation, absence of the Tof1/Csm3 complex promotes the conversion of impending topological stress to DNA catenation and causes camptothecin hypersensitivity. Through synthetic viability screening, we discovered that histone H4 K16 deacetylation drives the sensitivity of yeast cells to camptothecin and that inactivation of this pathway by mutating H4 K16 or the genes suppresses much of the hypersensitivity of strains towards this agent.