Centrosome Amplification and a Defective G 2–M Cell Cycle Checkpoint Induce Genetic Instability in BRCA1 Exon 11 Isoform–Deficient Cells

Abstract

Germline mutations of the Brca1 tumor suppressor gene predispose women to breast and ovarian cancers. To study mechanisms underlying BRCA1-related tumorigenesis, we derived mouse embryonic fibroblast cells carrying a targeted deletion of exon 11 of the Brca1 gene. We show that the mutant cells maintain an intact G 1–S cell cycle checkpoint and proliferate poorly. However, a defective G 2–M checkpoint in these cells is accompanied by extensive chromosomal abnormalities. Mutant fibroblasts contain multiple, functional centrosomes, which lead to unequal chromosome segregation, abnormal nuclear division, and aneuploidy. These data uncover an essential role of BRCA1 in maintaining genetic stability through the regulation of centrosome duplication and the G 2–M checkpoint and provide a molecular basis for the role of BRCA1 in tumorigenesis.