E2F1-dependent Apoptosis Research Articles

Expression level is a key determinant of E2F1-mediated cell fate

The Rb/E2F network has a critical role in regulating cell cycle progression and cell fate decisions. It is dysfunctional in virtually all human cancers, because of genetic lesions that cause overexpression of activators, inactivation of repressors, or both. Paradoxically, the downstream target of this network, E2F1, is rarely strongly overexpressed in cancer. E2F1 can induce both proliferation and apoptosis but the factors governing these critical cell fate decisions remain unclear. Previous studies have focused on qualitative mechanisms such as differential cofactors, posttranslational modification or state of other signaling pathways as modifiers of the cell fate decisions downstream of E2F1 activation. In contrast, the importance of the expression levels of E2F1 itself in dictating the downstream phenotypes has not been rigorously studied, partly due to the limited resolution of traditional population-level measurements. Here, through single-cell quantitative analysis, we demonstrate that E2F1 expression levels have a critical role in determining the fate of individual cells. Low levels of exogenous E2F1 promote proliferation, moderate levels induce G1, G2 and mitotic cell cycle arrest, and very high levels promote apoptosis. These multiple anti-proliferative mechanisms result in a strong selection pressure leading to rapid elimination of E2F1-overexpressing cells from the population. RNA-sequencing and RT-PCR revealed that low levels of E2F1 are sufficient to induce numerous cell cycle-promoting genes, intermediate levels induce growth arrest genes (i.e., p18, p19 and p27), whereas higher levels are necessary to induce key apoptotic E2F1 targets APAF1, PUMA, HRK and BIM. Finally, treatment of a lung cancer cell line with a proteasome inhibitor, MLN2238, resulted in an E2F1-dependent mitotic arrest and apoptosis, confirming the role of endogenous E2F1 levels in these phenotypes. The strong anti-proliferative activity of moderately overexpressed E2F1 in multiple cancer types suggests that targeting E2F1 for upregulation may represent an attractive therapeutic strategy in cancer.

Abstract B15: Synergistic functions of E2F7 and E2F8 are critical to suppress stress induced skin cancer

Abstract E2F transcription factors are important regulators of the cell cycle, and unrestrained activation of E2F-dependent transcription is considered to be an important driver of tumor formation and progression. Although highly expressed in normal skin and skin cancer, the role of the atypical E2Fs, E2F7 and E2F8, in keratinocyte homeostasis, regeneration and tumorigenesis is unknown. Surprisingly, keratinocyte-specific deletion of E2F7 and E2F8 in mice did not interfere with skin development and wound healing. However, the rate for successful isolation and establishment of E2f7/8-deficient primary keratinocyte cultures was much higher than for wild-type keratinocytes. Moreover, E2f7/8-deficient primary keratinocytes proliferate more efficiently under stress conditions, such as low/high confluence or DNA damage. Application of in vivo stress using the DMBA/TPA skin carcinogenesis protocol revealed that combined inactivation of E2f7/8 enhanced tumorigenesis and accelerated malignant progression. Loss of atypical E2Fs resulted in increased expression of E2F target genes, including E2f1. Additional loss of E2f1 did not rescue, but worsened skin tumorigenesis. We show that loss of E2F7/8 triggers apoptosis via induction of E2F1 in response to stress, indicating that the tumor-promoting effect of E2F7/8 inactivation can be partially compensated via E2F1-dependent apoptosis. Importantly, E2F7/8 repressed a large set of E2F target gene that are highly expressed in human patients with skin cancer. Together, our studies demonstrate that atypical E2Fs act as tumor suppressors, most likely via transcriptional repression of cell cycle genes in response to stress. Citation Format: Bart Westendorp, Ingrid Thurlings, Lina Martinez-Lopez, Marjolein Zijp, Raoul Kuiper, Peter Tooten, HarmJan Vos, Boudewijn Burgering, Alain de Bruin. Synergistic functions of E2F7 and E2F8 are critical to suppress stress induced skin cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Precision Medicine Series: Cancer Cell Cycle - Tumor Progression and Therapeutic Response; Feb 28-Mar 2, 2016; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2016;14(11_Suppl):Abstract nr B15.

Synergistic functions of E2F7 and E2F8 are critical to suppress stress-induced skin cancer

E2F transcription factors are important regulators of the cell cycle, and unrestrained activation of E2F-dependent transcription is considered to be an important driver of tumor formation and progression. Although highly expressed in normal skin and skin cancer, the role of the atypical E2Fs, E2F7 and E2F8, in keratinocyte homeostasis, regeneration and tumorigenesis is unknown. Surprisingly, keratinocyte-specific deletion of E2F7 and E2F8 in mice did not interfere with skin development and wound healing. However, the rate for successful isolation and establishment of E2f7/8-deficient primary keratinocyte cultures was much higher than for wild-type keratinocytes. Moreover, E2f7/8-deficient primary keratinocytes proliferate more efficiently under stress conditions, such as low/high confluence or DNA damage. Application of in vivo stress using the DMBA/TPA skin carcinogenesis protocol revealed that combined inactivation of E2f7/8 enhanced tumorigenesis and accelerated malignant progression. Loss of atypical E2Fs resulted in increased expression of E2F target genes, including E2f1. Additional loss of E2f1 did not rescue, but worsened skin tumorigenesis. We show that loss of E2F7/8 triggers apoptosis via induction of E2F1 in response to stress, indicating that the tumor-promoting effect of E2F7/8 inactivation can be partially compensated via E2F1-dependent apoptosis. Importantly, E2F7/8 repressed a large set of E2F target genes that are highly expressed in human patients with skin cancer. Together, our studies demonstrate that atypical E2Fs act as tumor suppressors, most likely via transcriptional repression of cell cycle genes in response to stress.

Nucleoprotein of influenza A virus negatively impacts antiapoptotic protein API5 to enhance E2F1-dependent apoptosis and virus replication.

Apoptosis of host cells profoundly influences virus propagation and dissemination, events that are integral to influenza A virus (IAV) pathogenesis. The trigger for activation of apoptosis is regulated by an intricate interplay between cellular and viral proteins, with a strong bearing on IAV replication. Though the knowledge of viral proteins and mechanisms employed by IAV to induce apoptosis has advanced considerably of late, we know relatively little about the repertoire of host factors targeted by viral proteins. Thus, identification of cellular proteins that are hijacked by the virus will help us not only to understand the molecular underpinnings of IAV-induced apoptosis, but also to design future antiviral therapies. Here we show that the nucleoprotein (NP) of IAV directly interacts with and suppresses the expression of API5, a host antiapoptotic protein that antagonizes E2F1-dependent apoptosis. siRNA-mediated depletion of API5, in NP-overexpressed as well as IAV-infected cells, leads to upregulation of apoptotic protease activating factor 1 (APAF1), a downstream modulator of E2F1-mediated apoptosis, and cleavage of caspases 9 and 3, although a reciprocal pattern of these events was observed on ectopic overexpression of API5. In concordance with these observations, annexin V and 7AAD staining assays exhibit downregulation of early and late apoptosis in IAV-infected or NP-transfected cells on overexpression of API5. Most significantly, while overexpression of API5 decreases viral titers, cellular NP protein as well as mRNA levels in IAV-infected A549 cells, silencing of API5 expression causes a steep rise in the same parameters. From the data reported in this manuscript, we propose a proapoptotic role for NP in IAV pathogenesis, whereby it suppresses expression of antiapoptotic factor API5, thus potentiating the E2F1-dependent apoptotic pathway and ensuring viral replication.

Targeting TopBP1 at a convergent point of multiple oncogenic pathways for cancer therapy.

The progression of many solid tumors is driven by de-regulation of multiple common pathways, particularly Rb, PI (3) K/Akt and p53. Prior studies identified TopBP1as a key mediator for the oncogenic gain-of-function activities of mutant p53 (mutp53) in cancer. In Akt-hyperactive cancer, TopBP1 forms oligomers and represses E2F1-dependent apoptosis. Here we perform a molecular docking screening and identify a lead compound, calcein, capable of blocking TopBP1 oligomerization and p53 binding, resulting in re-activation of E2F1-dependent apoptosis and blockade of mutp53 gain-of-function. Calcein AM, the cell permeable derivative of calcein, shows significant anti-tumor activity in a wide-spectrum of cultured cancer cells harboring high TopBP1 levels. These biochemical findings are recapitulated in breast cancer xenograft models. Thus, our study provides proof-of-concept evidence for targeting TopBP1, a convergent point of multiple pathways, as a cancer therapy.

ELL Inhibits E2F1 Transcriptional Activity by Enhancing E2F1 Deacetylation via Recruitment of Histone Deacetylase 1

ELL (eleven-nineteen lysine-rich leukemia protein) was first identified as a translocation partner of MLL in acute myeloid leukemia; however, the exact mechanism of its action has remained elusive. In this study, we identified ELL as a direct downstream target gene of E2F1. Coimmunoprecipitation assays showed that ELL interacted with E2F1 in vitro and in vivo, leading to inhibition of E2F1 transcriptional activity. In addition, ELL enhanced E2F1 deacetylation via recruitment of histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1). Notably, the MLL-ELL fusion protein lost the inhibitory role of ELL in E2F1 transcriptional activity. Furthermore, DNA damage induced ELL in an E2F1-dependent manner and ELL protected cells against E2F1-dependent apoptosis. Our findings not only connect ELL to E2F1 function and uncover a novel role of ELL in response to DNA damage but also provide an insight into the mechanism for MLL-ELL-associated leukemogenesis.

Targeting the epigenetic machinery of cancer cells

Cancer is characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and the acquisition of metastatic properties. In most cases, the activation of oncogenes and/or deactivation of tumour suppressor genes lead to uncontrolled cell cycle progression and inactivation of apoptotic mechanisms. Although the underlying mechanisms of carcinogenesis remain unknown, increasing evidence links aberrant regulation of methylation to tumourigenesis. In addition to the methylation of DNA and histones, methylation of nonhistone proteins, such as transcription factors, is also implicated in the biology and development of cancer. Because the metabolic cycling of methionine is a key pathway for many of these methylating reactions, strategies to target the epigenetic machinery of cancer cells could result in novel and efficient anticancer therapies. The application of these new epigenetic therapies could be of utility in the promotion of E2F1-dependent apoptosis in cancer cells, in avoiding metastatic pathways and/or in sensitizing tumour cells to radiotherapy.

E2f2 induces cone photoreceptor apoptosis independent of E2f1 and E2f3

The 'activating' E2fs (E2f1-3) are transcription factors that potently induce quiescent cells to divide. Work on cultured fibroblasts suggested they were essential for division, but in vivo analysis in the developing retina and other tissues disproved this notion. The retina, therefore, is an ideal location to assess other in vivo adenovirus E2 promoter binding factor (E2f) functions. It is thought that E2f1 directly induces apoptosis, whereas other activating E2fs only induce death indirectly by upregulating E2f1 expression. Indeed, mouse retinoblastoma (Rb)-null retinal neuron death requires E2f1, but not E2f2 or E2f3. However, we report an entirely distinct mechanism in dying cone photoreceptors. These neurons survive Rb loss, but undergo apoptosis in the cancer-prone retina lacking both Rb and its relative p107. We show that while E2f1 killed Rb/p107 null rod, bipolar and ganglion neurons, E2f2 was required and sufficient for cone death, independent of E2f1 and E2f3. Moreover, whereas E2f1-dependent apoptosis was p53 and p73-independent, E2f2 caused p53-dependent cone death. Our in vivo analysis of cone photoreceptors provides unequivocal proof that E2f-induces apoptosis independent of E2f1, and reveals distinct E2f1- and E2f2-activated death pathways in response to a single tumorigenic insult.

CTSL2 is a pro-apoptotic target of E2F1 and a modulator of histone deacetylase inhibitor and DNA damage-induced apoptosis

Aberrant regulation of the pRB/E2F1 pathway has been invariably linked to inappropriate proliferation and/apoptosis in human cancers. Therefore, understanding the intricacies of the signaling pathway and identification of novel E2F1 targets involved in apoptosis could pave way for new therapeutic manipulation. Here, we identified CTSL2 (cathepsin L2/cathepsin V) as a novel E2F1 target that participates in E2F1-dependent apoptosis. We showed that E2F1 directly binds to CTSL2 promoter and that CTSL2 is regulated by both exogenous and endogenous E2F1. RNAi-mediated depletion of CTSL2 effectively abrogated ectopic E2F1-induced apoptosis, coupled with reduced lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP) and mitochondrial membrane depolarization. CTSL2 knockdown also inhibited apoptosis mediated by the endogenous E2F1 activated by DNA damage. Furthermore, we showed that CTSL2 depletion in cancer cells resulted in inhibition of histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi)-induced apoptosis, and conversely ectopic overexpression of CTSL2-sensitized cancer cells to HDACi. This study uncovered a novel E2F1 target implicated in LMP and apoptosis activation, as well as in the modulation of HDACi and chemotherapeutic drugs response.

Translating DNA damage into cancer cell death—A roadmap for E2F1 apoptotic signalling and opportunities for new drug combinations to overcome chemoresistance

The cellular transcription factor E2F1 has been identified as a tumor suppressor regulating the activities of p53 and its homologue TAp73, and promoting apoptosis by the activation of a plethora of death pathways. More than 15 years of experimentation recognized E2F1 as the key player in apoptosis induced by DNA damage in all types of human cancer. This occurs by several mechanisms that affect RB-E2F1 interaction, E2F1 stability and its binding to promoters of E2F1-regulated genes. Recent progress has been made in revealing new proapoptotic genes regulated by E2F1 and it seems that many still remain to be discovered. However, whereas in the past one focused mainly on identifying E2F1 target genes translating cellular stress signals into cell death, today the DNA damage-induced regulatory network governing E2F1's ability to induce apoptosis is rapidly gaining attention as well. Notably, the lately uncovered role of pRB and E2F3 in triggering E2F1-dependent apoptosis through chemotherapy gains our understanding of the DNA damage response in normal and tumor cells. In this context a large body of evidence indicates that nuclear cofactors targeting E2F1 seem to have a major impact on its tumor suppressor function. These new findings are discussed in the context of preclinical studies applying E2F1 overexpression in combination with genotoxic anticancer agents - called chemogene therapy, thereby providing new mechanistic links between the E2F1-induced apoptotic programming and advanced cancer phenotype.

E2F1-directed activation of Bcl-2 is correlated with lactoferrin-induced apoptosis in Jurkat leukemia T lymphocytes

Lactoferrin (Lf) has been shown to control the proliferation of a variety of mammalian cells. Recently, we reported that human Lf induces apoptosis via a c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK)-associated Bcl-2 pathway that stimulates programmed cell death. In order to gain insight into the mechanism underlying Lf-triggered apoptotic features, we attempted to determine the mechanisms whereby the Lf-induced Bcl-2 family proteins exert their pro- or anti-apoptotic effects in Jurkat leukemia T lymphocytes. Treatment of the cells with high concentrations of Lf resulted in a significant reduction in in vitro growth and cell viability. As the levels of Lf increased, greater quantities of CDK6 and hyper-phosphorylated retinoblastoma protein were produced, resulting in the induction of E2F1-dependent apoptosis. Simultaneously, PARP and caspases were efficiently cleaved during Lf-induced apoptosis. The E2F1-induced apoptotic process occurred preferentially in p53-deficient Jurkat leukemia cells. Therefore, we attempted to determine whether E2F1-regulated Bcl-2 family proteins involved in the apoptotic process were relevant to Lf-induced apoptosis. We found that Lf increased the interaction of Bcl-2 with the pro-apoptotic protein Bad, whereas the total protein levels did not change significantly. Our results, collectively, suggest that Lf exploits the control mechanism of E2F1-regulated target genes or Bcl-2 family gene networks involved in the apoptotic process in Jurkat human leukemia T lymphocytes.

Abstract 1221: Apoptosis is regulated by MCPH1 via p38 MAPK

Abstract Microcephalin (MCPH1) is a member of the BRCA1 COOH terminal (BRCT) domain family of protein that involved in the cellular response to DNA damage. MCPH1 gene are associated with primary microcephaly (OMIM 251200), premature chromosome condensation, homologous DNA repair, chromosomal integrity, cell cycle arrest, telomerase activity and apoptosis. Recently reports, And MCPH1 is regulated the p53 phosphorylation in apoptosis, and enhanced E2F1-dependent apoptosis and the role of MCPH1 in p73 induction during DNA damage. And E2F1 activation leads to a transient increase in phosphorylation of the MAPK p38 and also leads to phosphorylation of p53 in apoptosis. But it is not unclear mechanisms that MCPH1/ E2F1 binging induced phosphorylation of p38 MAPK. We have used western blotting and immunopresipitation for detecting protein expression and also real-time PCR for RNA expression. Cell lines were used MCF7, MDA-MB231, MCF10A and U2OS. We use the anti-cancer drugs, as cisplatin and doxorubicin for induced the apoptosis. Anti-cancer drugs are induced the MCPH1 protein expression for 2h∼6h, but reduced for 24h. We show the binging between E2F1and MCPH1and p38 MAPK expressions. And MCPH1 regulates p38 expression in apoptosis. Note: This abstract was not presented at the AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010 because the presenter was unable to attend. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1221.

Polycomb protein EZH2 regulates E2F1-dependent apoptosis through epigenetically modulating Bim expression

Deregulation of the pRB/E2F pathway, which occurs frequently in human malignancy, is often associated with inappropriate proliferation and/or apoptosis. While the role of E2F1 in apoptosis induction has been well-established, it remains unclear how this pro-apoptotic activity is regulated in cancer. Here we describe EZH2, an oncogenic polycomb histone methyltransferase and an E2F1 target, as an important regulator of E2F1-dependent apoptosis. We show that E2F1 induces EZH2 expression, which in turn antagonizes the induction of E2F1 pro-apoptotic target Bim expression. RNAi-mediated gene depletion of EZH2 enhances E2F1-dependent Bim expression, thereby promoting the pro-apoptotic activity of E2F1. Hence, the concomitant induction of EZH2 and Bim by E2F1 constitutes a fail-safe mechanism to allow tumor cells with aberrant E2F1 activity to evade apoptosis. These findings reveal a novel mechanism by which the apoptotic activity of E2F1 is restrained in human cancer and also provide the first evidence that EZH2 directly regulates apoptotic process in cancer cells.

Common and specific roles of the related CDK inhibitors p27 and p57 revealed by a knock-in mouse model

Although p27 and p57 are structurally related cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CKIs), and are thought to perform similar functions, p27 knockout (p27(KO)) and p57(KO) mice show distinct phenotypes. To elucidate the in vivo functions of these CKIs, we have now generated a knock-in mouse model (p57(p27KI)), in which the p57 gene has been replaced with the p27 gene. The p57(p27KI) mice are viable and appear healthy, with most of the developmental defects characteristic of p57(KO) mice having been corrected by p27 knock-in. Such developmental defects of p57(KO) mice were also ameliorated in mice deficient in both p57 and the transcription factor E2F1, suggesting that loss of p57 promotes E2F1-dependent apoptosis. The developmental defects apparent in a few tissues of p57(KO) mice were unaffected or only partially corrected by knock-in expression of p27. Thus, these observations indicate that p57 and p27 share many characteristics in vivo, but that p57 also performs specific functions not amenable to substitution with p27.

MCPH1/BRIT1 cooperates with E2F1 in the activation of checkpoint, DNA repair and apoptosis

Microcephalin (MCPH1) has a crucial role in the DNA damage response by promoting the expression of Checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1) and Breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 (BRCA1); however, the mechanism of this regulation remains unclear. Here, we show that MCPH1 regulates CHK1 and BRCA1 through the interaction with E2F1 on the promoters of both genes. MCPH1 also regulates other E2F target genes involved in DNA repair and apoptosis such as RAD51, DDB2, TOPBP1, p73 and caspases. MCPH1 interacts with E2F1 on the p73 promoter, and regulates p73 induction and E2F1-induced apoptosis as a result of DNA damage. MCPH1 forms oligomers through the second and third BRCT domains. An MCPH1 mutant containing only its oligomerization domain has a dominant-negative role by blocking MCPH1 binding to E2F1. It also inhibits p73 induction in DNA damage and E2F1-dependent apoptosis. Taken together, MCPH1 cooperates with E2F1 to regulate genes involved in DNA repair, checkpoint and apoptosis, and might participate in the maintenance of genomic integrity.

The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Binds to E2F1 and Inhibits E2F1-induced Apoptosis

Cellular stress by DNA damage induces checkpoint kinase-2 (CHK2)-mediated phosphorylation and stabilization of the E2F1 transcription factor, leading to induction of apoptosis by activation of a subset of proapoptotic E2F1 target genes, including Apaf1 and p73. This report characterizes an interaction between the aryl hydrocarbon (Ah) receptor (AHR), a ligand-activated transcription factor, and E2F1 that results in the attenuation of E2F1-mediated apoptosis. In Ahr(-/-) fibroblasts stably transfected with a doxycycline-regulated AHR expression vector, inhibition of AHR expression causes a significant elevation of oxidative stress, gammaH2A.X histone phosphorylation, and E2F1-dependent apoptosis, which can be blocked by small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of E2F1 expression. In contrast, ligand-dependent AHR activation protects these cells from etoposide-induced cell death. In cells expressing both proteins, AHR and E2F1 interact independently of the retinoblastoma protein (RB), because AHR and E2F1 coimmunoprecipitate from extracts of RB-negative cells. Additionally, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays indicate that AHR and E2F1 bind to the Apaf1 promoter at a region containing a consensus E2F1 binding site but no AHR binding sites. AHR activation represses Apaf1 and TAp73 mRNA induction by a constitutively active CHK2 expression vector. Furthermore, AHR overexpression blocks the transcriptional induction of Apaf1 and p73 and the accumulation of sub-G(0)/G(1) cells resulting from ectopic overexpression of E2F1. These results point to a proproliferative, antiapoptotic function of the Ah receptor that likely plays a role in tumor progression.

E2F7 and E2F8 Keep the E2F Family in Balance

An article by Li and colleagues (in this issue of Developmental Cell) shows that the atypical E2Fs, E2F7 and E2F8, are critical for mouse development. One of the important functions of these family members stems from a negative feedback loop in which E2F7 and E2F8 limit the expression of E2F1 and prevent E2F1-dependent apoptosis.

Apoptosis Signal-regulating Kinase 1 Is a Direct Target of E2F1 and Contributes to Histone Deacetylase Inhibitorinduced Apoptosis through Positive Feedback Regulation of E2F1 Apoptotic Activity

The oncogenic retinoblastoma protein (Rb)/E2F pathway links cellular proliferation control to apoptosis as a fail-safe mechanism to protect aberrant oncogenic transformation. We have previously shown that histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs) activate the E2F1-Bim apoptotic pathway, leading to efficient cell killing in cancer cells with deregulated E2F1 activity. To identify additional gene cassettes that might contribute HDACI-induced apoptosis upon E2F1 activation, we investigated the apoptotic transcriptional network affected by HDAC inhibitor suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) in cancer cells with inducible E2F1. Data analysis focusing on 220 apoptosis-related genes identified apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) as one of a few genes in addition to Bim that are substantially up-regulated by SAHA upon E2F1 activation. We show that ASK1 is directly regulated by E2F1 and that prevention of ASK1 induction by RNA interference decreases SAHA-induced apoptosis. We further show that the role of ASK1 in the SAHA apoptotic response is not associated with its downstream effectors p38 or JNK. Instead, ASK1 knockdown results in reduced E2F1 transcriptional activity, leading to decreased Bim induction by SAHA. Moreover, ASK1 expression reverses the negative effect of Rb on E2F1 activity. These results indicate that ASK1 induction by E2F1 provides positive feedback regulation of E2F1 activity via Rb inhibition, which allows an efficient E2F1-Bim activation. Thus, the concomitant induction of E2F1 targets ASK1 and Bim by HDACIs warrants an effective activation of E2F1-dependent apoptosis in response to SAHA.

Specific Role for p300/CREB-binding Protein-associated Factor Activity in E2F1 Stabilization in Response to DNA Damage

E2F1, a member of the E2F family of transcription factors, plays a pivotal role in controlling both physiological cell-cycle progression and apoptotic cell death in response to DNA damage and oncogene activation. In response to genotoxic stresses, E2F1 is stabilized by signals that include ATM-dependent phosphorylation. We recently demonstrated that DNA damage induces also E2F1 acetylation, which is required for its recruitment onto apoptotic gene promoters. Here we show that E2F1 is stabilized in response to doxorubicin and cisplatin treatments even in the absence of either ATM-dependent phosphorylation or p53 and cAbl, two major transducers of DNA damage signaling. We found that acetylation of E2F1 is, instead, required to stabilize the protein in response to doxorubicin. Finally, we report that the formation of E2F1-p300/CREB-binding protein-associated factor (P/CAF) complexes is preferentially induced in doxorubicin-treated cells, and that P/CAF acetyltransferase (HAT), but not p300 HAT activity, is required for a significant E2F1 stabilization and accumulation. Our results unveil a differential role of P/CAF and p300 in acetylation-induced stabilization of E2F1, thus supporting a specific role for P/CAF HAT activity in E2F1-dependent apoptosis in response to DNA damage.

TopBP1 recruits Brg1/Brm to repress E2F1-induced apoptosis, a novel pRb-independent and E2F1-specific control for cell survival.

TopBP1 (DNA topoisomerase IIbeta binding protein I) contains multiple BRCT domains and is involved in replication and the DNA damage checkpoint. Through its BRCT domain, TopBP1 interacts with and represses exclusively E2F1 but not other E2F factors. This regulation of E2F1 transcriptional activity is mediated by a pRb-independent, but Brg1/Brm-dependent mechanism. TopBP1 recruits Brg1/Brm, a central component of the SWI/SNF chromatin-remodeling complex, to E2F1-responsive promoters and represses the activities of E2F1, but not E2F2 or E2F3. This regulation is crucial in the control of E2F1-dependent apoptosis during normal cell growth and DNA damage. Interestingly, TopBP1 is induced by E2F and interacts with E2F1 during G1/S transition. Thus, TopBP1 functions as a critical modulator and serves as a negative feedback regulator of E2F1 by inhibiting E2F1-dependent apoptosis during G1/S transition as well as DNA damage to promote cell survival.