Loss of H3K36 Methyltransferase SETD2 Impairs V(D)J Recombination during Lymphoid Development.

Repair of DNA double-stranded breaks (DSBs) during lymphocyte development is essential for V(D)J recombination and forms the basis of immunoglobulin variable region diversity. Understanding of this process in lymphogenesis has historically been centered on the study of RAG1/2 recombinases and a set of classical non-homologous end-joining factors. Much less has been reported regarding the role of chromatin modifications on this process.

MRI Is a DNA Damage Response Adaptor during Classical Non-homologous End Joining.

The modulator of retrovirus infection (MRI or CYREN) is a 30-kDa protein with a conserved N-terminal Ku-binding motif (KBM) and a C-terminal XLF-like motif (XLM). We show that MRI is intrinsically disordered and interacts with many DNA damage response (DDR) proteins, including the kinases ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and DNA-PKcs and the classical non-homologous end joining (cNHEJ) factors Ku70, Ku80, XRCC4, XLF, PAXX, and XRCC4. MRI forms large multimeric complexes that depend on its N and C termini and localizes to DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), where it promotes the retention of DDR factors.

A type I IFN-dependent DNA damage response regulates the genetic program and inflammasome activation in macrophages.

Macrophages produce genotoxic agents, such as reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, that kill invading pathogens. Here we show that these agents activate the DNA damage response (DDR) kinases ATM and DNA-PKcs through the generation of double stranded breaks (DSBs) in murine macrophage genomic DNA. In contrast to other cell types, initiation of this DDR depends on signaling from the type I interferon receptor.

Deficiency of XLF and PAXX prevents DNA double-strand break repair by non-homologous end joining in lymphocytes.

Non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) is a major DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair pathway that functions in all phases of the cell cycle. NHEJ repairs genotoxic and physiological DSBs, such as those generated by ionizing radiation and during V(D)J recombination at antigen receptor loci, respectively. DNA end joining by NHEJ relies on the core factors Ku70, Ku80, XRCC4, and DNA Ligase IV.