BRCA1-associated RING Domain Protein Research Articles

Correlation of BARD1 gene polymorphisms with risk of neuroblastoma: a meta-analysis

BRCA1-associated RING domain protein 1 (BARD1) gene polymorphisms may be associated with neuroblastoma (NB) susceptibility. However, the results remain controversial. Relevant studies were identified by searching PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases up to March 5, 2023. The strength of the association between BARD1 polymorphisms and susceptibility of NB was assessed by calculating odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) through the fixed- or random-effects model. Eight articles involving 12 studies were finally included. We found that rs6435862 T > G, rs3768716 A > G, rs17487792 C > T and rs7587476 C > T variant increase the risk of NB in allelic, dominant, recessive, homozygous and heterozygous genetic models, while rs7585356 G > A variant appeared protective against NB. When stratified by ethnicity, subgroup analysis indicated that the above association remained significant in Caucasian populations in all genetic models, except for rs7585356G > A polymorphism in Asians. In Asian populations, we found the similar results in the allelic and dominant model of rs6435862 T > G, rs3768716 A > G, rs17487792 C > T and rs7587476 C > T as in Caucasians, while there lacked a significant association in the other three model. In addition, rs7585356 G > A was not associated with an increased risk of NB in the Asian population. After Bonferroni correction, significant associations for rs7585356 G > A disappeared in both Asian and Caucasian populations, with no significant association found for rs7587476 in the allelic and dominant models among Asians. BARD1 polymorphisms might be significantly associated with NB susceptibility. It is crucial that these finding should be further confirmed through extensive and well-planned studies.

Metformin alleviates ionizing radiation-induced senescence by restoring BARD1-mediated DNA repair in human aortic endothelial cells.

Metformin is one of the most effective therapies for treating type 2 diabetes and has been shown to also attenuate aging and age-related disorders. In this study, we explored the relationship between metformin and DNA damage repair in ionizing radiation (IR)-induced damage of human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs). Metformin treatment suppressed IR-induced senescence phenotypes, such as increased senescent-associated β-galactosidase (SA β-gal) activity and decreased tube formation and proliferation. Moreover, metformin increased BRCA1-associated RING domain protein 1 (BARD1) and RAD51 expression in both aging and IR-exposed cells. Metformin-treated cells exhibited higher levels of the BRCA1-BARD1-RAD51 complex during irradiation, even in the presence of compound C, an AMP-activated protein kinase inhibitor. BARD1 knockdown confirmed its critical role in metformin-mediated inhibition of endothelial senescence. Metformin increased blood vessel sprouting and decreased SA β-gal activity in mouse aortas. Collectively, our findings provide new insights into how metformin can prevent endothelial cell senescence by promoting BARD1-related DNA damage repair, suggesting that metformin may be an effective anti-aging agent and a promising therapeutic for protecting against radiation-induced cardiotoxicity.

Computational structural assessment of BReast CAncer type 1 susceptibility protein (BRCA1) and BRCA1-Associated Ring Domain protein 1 (BARD1) mutations on the protein-protein interface.

Breast cancer type 1 susceptibility protein (BRCA1) is closely related to the BRCA2 (breast cancer type 2 susceptibility protein) and BARD1 (BRCA1-associated RING domain-1) proteins. The homodimers were formed through their RING fingers; however they form more compact heterodimers preferentially, influencing BRCA1 residues 1-109 and BARD1 residues 26-119. We implemented an integrative computational pipeline to screen all the mutations in BRCA1 and identify the most significant mutations influencing the Protein-Protein Interactions (PPI) in the BRCA1-BARD1 protein complex. The amino acids involved in the PPI regions were identified from the PDBsum database with the PDB ID: 1JM7. We screened 2118 missense mutations in BRCA1 and none in BARD1 for pathogenicity and stability and analyzed the amino acid sequences for conserved residues. We identified the most significant mutations from these screenings as V11G, M18K, L22S, and T97R positioned in the PPI regions of the BRCA1-BARD1 protein complex. We further performed protein-protein docking using the ZDOCK server. The native protein-protein complex showed the highest binding score of 2118.613, and the V11G mutant protein complex showed the least binding score of 1992.949. The other three mutation protein complexes had binding scores between the native and V11G protein complexes. Finally, a molecular dynamics simulation study using GROMACS was performed to comprehend changes in the BRCA1-BARD1 complex's binding pattern due to the mutation. From the analysis, we observed the highest deviation with lowest compactness and a decrease in the intramolecular h-bonds in the BRCA1-BARD1 protein complex with the V11G mutation compared to the native complex or the complexes with other mutations.

BARD1 reads H2A lysine 15 ubiquitination to direct homologous recombination.

Protein ubiquitination at sites of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) by RNF168 recruits BRCA1 and 53BP11,2, which are mediators of the homologous recombination and non-homologous end joining DSB repair pathways, respectively3. Non-homologous end joining relies on 53BP1 binding directly to ubiquitinated lysine15 on H2A-type histones (H2AK15ub)4,5 (which is an RNF168-dependent modification6), but how RNF168 promotes BRCA1 recruitment and function remains unclear. Here we identify a tandem BRCT-domain-associated ubiquitin-dependent recruitment motif (BUDR) in BRCA1-associated RING domain protein1 (BARD1) (the obligate partner protein of BRCA1) that, by engaging H2AK15ub, recruits BRCA1 to DSBs. Disruption of the BUDR of BARD1 compromises homologous recombination and renders cells hypersensitive to PARP inhibition and cisplatin. We further show that BARD1 binds nucleosomes through multivalent interactions: coordinated binding of H2AK15ub and unmethylated H4 lysine20 by its adjacent BUDR and ankyrin repeat domains, respectively, provides high-affinity recognition of DNA lesions in replicated chromatin and promotes the homologous recombination activities of the BRCA1-BARD1 complex. Finally, our genetic epistasis experiments confirm that the need for BARD1 chromatin-binding activities can be entirely relieved upon deletion of RNF168 or 53BP1. Thus, our results demonstrate that by sensing DNA-damage-dependent and post-replication histone post-translation modification states, BRCA1-BARD1 complexes coordinate the antagonization of the 53BP1 pathway with promotion of homologous recombination, establishing a simple paradigm for the governance of the choice of DSB repair pathway.

Abstract PR-002: SIRT2 promotes BRCA1-BARD1 heterodimerization through deacetylation

Abstract The breast cancer type I susceptibility protein (BRCA1) and BRCA1-associated RING domain protein I (BARD1) heterodimer promotes genome integrity through pleiotropic functions, including DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair by homologous recombination (HR). BRCA1-BARD1 heterodimerization is required for their mutual stability, HR function, and role in tumor suppression; however, the upstream signaling events governing BRCA1-BARD1 heterodimerization are unclear. Here, we show that SIRT2, a sirtuin deacetylase and breast tumor suppressor, promotes BRCA1-BARD1 heterodimerization through deacetylation. SIRT2 complexes with BRCA1-BARD1 and deacetylates conserved lysines in the BARD1 RING domain, interfacing BRCA1, which promotes BRCA1-BARD1 heterodimerization and consequently BRCA1-BARD1 stability, nuclear retention, and localization to DNA damage sites, as well as efficient HR. Our findings define a mechanism for regulation of BRCA1-BARD1 heterodimerization through SIRT2 deacetylation, elucidating a critical upstream signaling event directing BRCA1-BARD1 heterodimerization, which facilitates HR and tumor suppression, and delineating a role for SIRT2 in directing DSB repair by HR. Citation Format: Elizabeth V. Minten, Priya Kappor-Vazirani, Chunyang Li, Hui Zhang, Kamakshi Balakrishnan, David S. Yu. SIRT2 promotes BRCA1-BARD1 heterodimerization through deacetylation [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Special Conference on Radiation Science and Medicine; 2021 Mar 2-3. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2021;27(8_Suppl):Abstract nr PR-002.

Dysregulation of the centrosome induced by BRCA1 deficiency contributes to tissue-specific carcinogenesis.

Alterations in breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1), a tumor suppressor gene, increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancers. BRCA1 forms a heterodimer with BRCA1‐associated RING domain protein 1 (BARD1) and functions in multiple cellular processes, including DNA repair and centrosome regulation. BRCA1 acts as a tumor suppressor by promoting homologous recombination (HR) repair, and alterations in BRCA1 cause HR deficiency, not only in breast and ovarian tissues but also in other tissues. The molecular mechanisms underlying BRCA1 alteration‐induced carcinogenesis remain unclear. Centrosomes are the major microtubule‐organizing centers and function in bipolar spindle formation. The regulation of centrosome number is critical for chromosome segregation in mitosis, which maintains genomic stability. BRCA1/BARD1 function in centrosome regulation together with Obg‐like ATPase (OLA1) and receptor for activating protein C kinase 1 (RACK1). Cancer‐derived variants of BRCA1, BARD1, OLA1, and RACK1 do not interact, and aberrant expression of these proteins results in abnormal centrosome duplication in mammary‐derived cells, and rarely in other cell types. RACK1 is involved in centriole duplication in the S phase by promoting polo‐like kinase 1 activation by Aurora A, which is critical for centrosome duplication. Centriole number is higher in cells derived from mammary tissues compared with in those derived from other tissues, suggesting that tissue‐specific centrosome characterization may shed light on the tissue specificity of BRCA1‐associated carcinogenesis. Here, we explored the role of the BRCA1‐containing complex in centrosome regulation and the effect of its deficiency on tissue‐specific carcinogenesis.

SIRT2 promotes BRCA1-BARD1 heterodimerization through deacetylation

SUMMARYThe breast cancer type I susceptibility protein (BRCA1) and BRCA1-associated RING domain protein I (BARD1) heterodimer promote genome integrity through pleiotropic functions, including DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair by homologous recombination (HR). BRCA1-BARD1 heterodimerization is required for their mutual stability, HR function, and role in tumor suppression; however, the upstream signaling events governing BRCA1-BARD1 heterodimerization are unclear. Here, we show that SIRT2, a sirtuin deacetylase and breast tumor suppressor, promotes BRCA1-BARD1 heterodimerization through deacetylation. SIRT2 complexes with BRCA1-BARD1 and deacetylates conserved lysines in the BARD1 RING domain, interfacing BRCA1, which promotes BRCA1-BARD1 heterodimerization and consequently BRCA1-BARD1 stability, nuclear retention, and localization to DNA damage sites, thus contributing to efficient HR. Our findings define a mechanism for regulation of BRCA1-BARD1 heterodimerization through SIRT2 deacetylation, elucidating a critical upstream signaling event directing BRCA1-BARD1 heterodimerization, which facilitates HR and tumor suppression, and delineating a role for SIRT2 in directing DSB repair by HR.

BRCA1-BARD1 Regulates Axon Regeneration in Concert with the Gqα-DAG Signaling Network.

The breast cancer susceptibility protein BRCA1 and its partner BRCA1-associated RING domain protein 1 (BARD1) form an E3-ubiquitin (Ub) ligase complex that acts as a tumor suppressor in mitotic cells. However, the roles of BRCA1–BARD1 in postmitotic cells, such as neurons, remain poorly defined. Here, we report that BRC-1 and BRD-1, the Caenorhabditis elegans orthologs of BRCA1 and BARD1, are required for adult-specific axon regeneration, which is positively regulated by the EGL-30 Gqα–diacylglycerol (DAG) signaling pathway. This pathway is downregulated by DAG kinase (DGK), which converts DAG to phosphatidic acid (PA). We demonstrate that inactivation of DGK-3 suppresses the brc-1 brd-1 defect in axon regeneration, suggesting that BRC-1–BRD-1 inhibits DGK-3 function. Indeed, we show that BRC-1–BRD-1 poly-ubiquitylates DGK-3 in a manner dependent on its E3 ligase activity, causing DGK-3 degradation. Furthermore, we find that axon injury causes the translocation of BRC-1 from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, where DGK-3 is localized. These results suggest that the BRC-1–BRD-1 complex regulates axon regeneration in concert with the Gqα–DAG signaling network. Thus, this study describes a new role for breast cancer proteins in fully differentiated neurons and the molecular mechanism underlying the regulation of axon regeneration in response to nerve injury.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT BRCA1–BRCA1-associated RING domain protein 1 (BARD1) is an E3-ubiquitin (Ub) ligase complex acting as a tumor suppressor in mitotic cells. The roles of BRCA1–BARD1 in postmitotic cells, such as neurons, remain poorly defined. We show here that Caenorhabditis elegans BRC-1/BRCA1 and BRD-1/BARD1 are required for adult-specific axon regeneration, a process that requires high diacylglycerol (DAG) levels in injured neurons. The DAG kinase (DGK)-3 inhibits axon regeneration by reducing DAG levels. We find that BRC-1–BRD-1 poly-ubiquitylates and degrades DGK-3, thereby keeping DAG levels elevated and promoting axon regeneration. Furthermore, we demonstrate that axon injury causes the translocation of BRC-1 from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, where DGK-3 is localized. Thus, this study describes a new role for BRCA1–BARD1 in fully-differentiated neurons.

Abstract PO-075: Dysfunction of centrosome regulation by BRCA1-containing complex increases tumor heterogeneity

Abstract Centrosomes are the major microtubule-organizing centers in animal cells and are critical for the formation of a bipolar mitotic spindle. Alterations in centrosome number and structure often occur together and are associated with many cancers. Centrosome aberrations results in chromosome segregation errors and abnormal cell division, leading to chromosomal instability (CIN). CIN is a major source of aneuploidy, resulting in tumor heterogeneity. Centrosome aberrations are observed in the early stages of tumorigenesis and are correlated with CIN. Breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) is a tumor suppressor that is associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. Functions of BRCA1 in DNA repair, especially homologous recombination, has been focused, whereas BRCA1 regulates centrosome together with BRCA1-associated RING domain protein (BARD1). We identified BRCA1-interacting proteins, Obg-like ATPase 1 (OLA1) and receptor for activated C kinase (RACK1). OLA1 and RACK1 directly bound to BRCA1, BARD1, and γ-tubulin and localized the centrosomes throughout the cell cycle. Overexpression of OLA1 or RACK1 caused centrosome amplification due to centriole overduplication in mammary tissue-derived cells. The number of centrioles in cells was higher in cell lines derived from mammary tissue compared to those derived from other tissues. Knockdown of RACK1 caused abnormal centrosomal localization of BRCA1 and abrogated centriole duplication. Overexpression of RACK1 increased the centrosomal localization of BRCA1. Cancer-derived variants of BRCA1, BARD1, OLA1, and RACK1 abolished or weakened their interaction and function in centrosome duplication. These data suggest that the formation of BRCA1/BARD1/OLA1/RACK1 complex is important for centrosome regulation to maintain genome stability and that dysfunction of this complex will increase tumor heterogeneity that associated with carcinogenesis and cancer progression. Citation Format: Natsuko Chiba. Dysfunction of centrosome regulation by BRCA1-containing complex increases tumor heterogeneity [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Special Conference on Tumor Heterogeneity: From Single Cells to Clinical Impact; 2020 Sep 17-18. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(21 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-075.

BARD1 and Breast Cancer: The Possibility of Creating Screening Tests and New Preventive and Therapeutic Pathways for Predisposed Women.

Current oncological developments are based on improved understanding of genetics, and especially the discovery of genes whose alterations affect cell functions with consequences for the whole body. Our work is focused on the one of these genes, BRCA1-associated RING domain protein 1 (BARD1), and its oncogenic role in breast cancer. Most importantly, the study points to new avenues in the treatment and prevention of the most frequent female cancer based on BARD1 research. The BARD1 and BRCA1 (BReast CAncer type 1) proteins have similar structures and functions, and they combine to form the new molecule BARD1-BRCA1 heterodimer. The BARD1-BRCA1 complex is involved in genetic stabilization at the cellular level. It allows to mark abnormal DNA fragments by attaching ubiquitin to them. In addition, it blocks (by ubiquitination of RNA polymerase II) the transcription of damaged DNA. Ubiquitination, as well as stabilizing chromatin, or regulating the number of centrosomes, confirms the protective cooperation of BARD1 and BRCA1 in the stabilization of the genome. The overexpression of the oncogenic isoforms BARD1β and BARD1δ permit cancer development. The introduction of routine tests, for instance, to identify the presence of the BARD1β isoform, would make it possible to detect patients at high risk of developing cancer. On the other hand, introducing BARD1δ isoform blocking therapy, which would reduce estrogen sensitivity, may be a new line of cancer therapy with potential to modulate responses to existing treatments. It is possible that the BARD 1 gene offers new hope for improving breast cancer therapy.

The antitumorigenic roles of BRCA1-BARD1 in DNA repair and replication.

The tumour suppressor breast cancer type 1 susceptibility protein (BRCA1) promotes DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair by homologous recombination and protects DNA replication forks from attrition. BRCA1 partners with BRCA1-associated RING domain protein 1 (BARD1) and other tumour suppressor proteins to mediate the initial nucleolytic resection of DNA lesions and the recruitment and regulation of the recombinase RAD51. The discovery of the opposing functions of BRCA1 and the p53-binding protein 1 (53BP1)-associated complex in DNA resection sheds light on how BRCA1 influences the choice of homologous recombination over non-homologous end joining and potentially other mutagenic pathways of DSB repair. Understanding the functional crosstalk between BRCA1-BARD1 and its cofactors and antagonists will illuminate the molecular basis of cancers that arise from a deficiency or misregulation of chromosome damage repair and replication fork maintenance. Such knowledge will also be valuable for understanding acquired tumour resistance to poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors and other therapeutics and for the development of new treatments. In this Review, we discuss recent advances in elucidating the mechanisms by which BRCA1-BARD1 functions in DNA repair, replication fork maintenance and tumour suppression, and its therapeutic relevance.

Abstract 3577: A p53-responsive long noncoding RNA GUARDIN is essential for genome integrity

Abstract The list of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) involved in the p53 pathway of the DNA damage response is rapidly expanding, but whether lncRNAs have a role in maintaining the de novo structure of DNA is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that the p53-responsive lncRNA GUARDIN is important for maintaining genomic integrity under steady-state conditions and after exposure to exogenous genotoxic stress. GUARDIN is necessary for preventing chromosome end-to-end fusion through maintaining the expression of telomeric repeat-binding factor 2 (TRF2) by sequestering microRNA-23a. Moreover, GUARDIN also sustains breast cancer 1 (BRCA1) stability by acting as an RNA scaffold to facilitate the heterodimerization of BRCA1 and BRCA1-associated RING domain protein 1 (BARD1). As such, GUARDIN silencing triggered apoptosis and senescence, enhanced cytotoxicity of additional genotoxic stress and inhibited cancer xenograft growth. Thus, GUARDIN may constitute a target for cancer treatment. Citation Format: Lei Jin, Wang Lai Hu, An Xu, Yu Fang Wang, Rick F. Thorne, Xu Dong Zhang, Mian Wu. A p53-responsive long noncoding RNA GUARDIN is essential for genome integrity [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3577.

H4K20me0 recognition by BRCA1-BARD1 directs homologous recombination to sister chromatids.

Genotoxic DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) can be repaired by error-free homologous recombination (HR) or mutagenic non-homologous end-joining1. HR supresses tumorigenesis1, but is restricted to the S and G2 phases of the cell cycle when a sister chromatid is present2. Breast cancer type 1 susceptibility protein (BRCA1) promotes HR by antagonizing the anti-resection factor TP53-binding protein 1(53BP1) (refs. 2-5), but it remains unknown how BRCA1 function is limited to the S and G2 phases. We show that BRCA1 recruitment requires recognition of histone H4 unmethylated at lysine 20 (H4K20me0), linking DSB repair pathway choice directly to sister chromatid availability. We identify the ankyrin repeat domain of BRCA1-associated RING domain protein 1 (BARD1)-the obligate BRCA1 binding partner3-as a reader of H4K20me0 present on new histones in post-replicative chromatin6. BARD1 ankyrin repeat domain mutations disabling H4K20me0 recognition abrogate accumulation of BRCA1 at DSBs, causing aberrant build-up of 53BP1, and allowing anti-resection activity to prevail in S and G2. Consequently, BARD1 recognition of H4K20me0 is required for HR and resistance to poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors. Collectively, this reveals that BRCA1-BARD1 monitors the replicative state of the genome to oppose 53BP1 function, routing only DSBs within sister chromatids to HR.

RACK1 regulates centriole duplication by controlling localization of BRCA1 to the centrosome in mammary tissue-derived cells.

Breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) is a tumor suppressor that is associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. BRCA1 functions in DNA repair and centrosome regulation together with BRCA1-associated RING domain protein (BARD1), a heterodimer partner of BRCA1. Obg-like ATPase 1 (OLA1) was identified as a protein that interacts with BARD1. OLA1 regulates the centrosome by binding to and collaborating with BRCA1 and BARD1. We identified receptor for activated C kinase (RACK1) as a protein that interacts with OLA1. RACK1 directly bound to OLA1, the N-terminal region of BRCA1, and γ-tubulin, associated with BARD1, and localized the centrosomes throughout the cell cycle. Knockdown of RACK1 caused abnormal centrosomal localization of BRCA1 and abrogated centriole duplication. Overexpression of RACK1 increased the centrosomal localization of BRCA1 and caused centrosome amplification due to centriole overduplication. The number of centrioles in cells with two γ-tubulin spots was higher in cell lines derived from mammary tissue compared to those derived from other tissues. The effects of aberrant RACK1 expression level on centriole duplication were observed in cell lines derived from mammary tissue, but not in those derived from other tissues. Two BRCA1 variants, R133H and E143K, and a RACK1 variant, K280E, associated with cancer, which weakened the BRCA1-RACK1 interaction, interfered with the centrosomal localization of BRCA1 and reduced centrosome amplification induced by overexpression of RACK1. These results suggest that RACK1 regulates centriole duplication by controlling the centrosomal localization of BRCA1 in mammary tissue-derived cells and that this is dependent on the BRCA1-RACK1 interaction.

The tumor suppressor BRCA1-BARD1 complex localizes to the synaptonemal complex and regulates recombination under meiotic dysfunction in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 (BRCA1) and binding partner BRCA1-associated RING domain protein 1 (BARD1) form an essential E3 ubiquitin ligase important for DNA damage repair and homologous recombination. The Caenorhabditis elegans orthologs, BRC-1 and BRD-1, also function in DNA damage repair, homologous recombination, as well as in meiosis. Using functional GFP fusions we show that in mitotically-dividing germ cells BRC-1 and BRD-1 are nucleoplasmic with enrichment at foci that partially overlap with the recombinase RAD-51. Co-localization with RAD-51 is enhanced under replication stress. As cells enter meiosis, BRC-1-BRD-1 remains nucleoplasmic and in foci, and beginning in mid-pachytene the complex co-localizes with the synaptonemal complex. Following establishment of the single asymmetrically positioned crossover on each chromosome pair, BRC-1-BRD-1 concentrates to the short arm of the bivalent. Localization dependencies reveal that BRC-1 and BRD-1 are interdependent and the complex fails to properly localize in both meiotic recombination and chromosome synapsis mutants. Consistent with a role for BRC-1-BRD-1 in meiotic recombination in the context of the synaptonemal complex, inactivation of BRC-1 or BRD-1 enhances the embryonic lethality of mutants defective in chromosome synapsis. Our data suggest that under meiotic dysfunction, BRC-1-BRD-1 stabilizes the RAD-51 filament and alters the recombination landscape; these two functions can be genetically separated from BRC-1-BRD-1’s role in the DNA damage response. Together, we propose that BRC-1-BRD-1 serves a checkpoint function at the synaptonemal complex where it monitors and modulates meiotic recombination.

GUARDIN is a p53-responsive long non-coding RNA that is essential for genomic stability.

The list of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) involved in the p53 pathway of the DNA damage response is rapidly expanding, but whether lncRNAs have a role in maintaining the de novo structure of DNA is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that the p53-responsive lncRNA GUARDIN is important for maintaining genomic integrity under steady-state conditions and after exposure to exogenous genotoxic stress. GUARDIN is necessary for preventing chromosome end-to-end fusion through maintaining the expression of telomeric repeat-binding factor 2 (TRF2) by sequestering microRNA-23a. Moreover, GUARDIN also sustains breast cancer 1 (BRCA1) stability by acting as an RNA scaffold to facilitate the heterodimerization of BRCA1 and BRCA1-associated RING domain protein 1 (BARD1). As such, GUARDIN silencing triggered apoptosis and senescence, enhanced cytotoxicity of additional genotoxic stress and inhibited cancer xenograft growth. Thus, GUARDIN may constitute a target for cancer treatment.

Highlights from Recent Cancer Literature

Highlights from Recent Cancer Literature

Structural basis to stabilize the domain motion of BARD1-ARD BRCT by CstF50

BRCA1 associated ring domain protein 1(BARD1) is a tumor suppressor protein having a wide role in cellular processes like cell-cycle checkpoint, DNA damage repair and maintenance of genomic integrity. Germ-line mutation Gln 564 His discovered in linker region of BARD1 leads to loss of binding to Cleavage stimulating factor (CstF50), which in turn instigates the premature mRNA transcript formation and apoptosis. We have studied the dynamics of ARD domain present in the BARD1 wild-type and mutant protein in association with CstF50 using biophysical, biochemical and molecular dynamics simulations. It has been observed that the ARD domain is relatively more flexible than the BRCT domain of BARD1. Further relative orientations of both the ARD and BRCT domains varies due to the highly flexible nature of the connecting linker region present between the domains. It has been observed that mutant ARD domain is more dynamic in nature compared to wild-type protein. Molecular docking studies between BARD1 Gln 564 His mutant and CstF50 shows the loss of interactions. Furthermore, domain motion of ARD present in BARD1 was stabilized when complexed with CstF50.

Molecular Analysis of BRCA1 in Human Breast Cancer Cells Under Oxidative Stress

The precise manner in which physical changes to the breast cancer susceptibility protein (BRCA1) affect its role in DNA repair events remain unclear. Indeed, cancer cells harboring mutations in BRCA1 suffer from genomic instability and increased DNA lesions. Here, we used a combination of molecular imaging and biochemical tools to study the properties of the BRCA1 in human cancer cells. Our results reveal new information for the manner in which full-length BRCA1 engages its binding partner, the BRCA1-associated Ring Domain protein (BARD1) under oxidative stress conditions. We also show how physical differences between wild type and mutated BRCA15382insC impact the cell’s response to oxidative damage. Overall, we demonstrate how clinically relevant changes to BRCA1 affect its structure-function relationship in hereditary breast cancer.

BARD1 Gene Polymorphisms Confer Nephroblastoma Susceptibility

BRCA1-associated RING domain protein 1 (BARD1) is a tumor suppressor, which forms a heterodimer with BRCA1. Three BARD1 gene polymorphisms (rs7585356 G>A, rs6435862 T>G and rs3768716 A>G) were initially identified as high-risk neuroblastoma susceptibility loci by a previous GWAS. Because of the general tumor-suppressing function of BARD1, we hypothesized that these BARD1 gene polymorphisms might modify the susceptibility to nephroblastoma. We genotyped these polymorphisms in 145 cases and 531 controls using Taqman methods. Out of three polymorphisms, only the rs7585356 G>A polymorphism was significantly associated with increased susceptibility to nephroblastoma [AA vs. GG: adjusted odds ratio (OR)=1.78, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.01–3.12]. Combined analysis of three polymorphisms indicated that subjects with 3 risk genotypes exhibited significantly elevated nephroblastoma risk, when compared with subjects with 0–2 risk genotypes (adjusted OR=1.72, 95% CI=1.02–2.89). Stratified analysis revealed that in term of clinical stage, rs7585356 AA carriers were associated with increased risk of developing clinical stage I+II nephroblastoma. The presence of three risk genotypes was significantly associated with nephroblastoma risk in females and clinical stage I+II nephroblastoma. Our results suggested that BARD1 rs7585356 G>A may be associated with nephroblastoma risk.