Mouse major satellite DNA is prone to eccDNA formation via DNA Ligase IV-dependent pathway.
Elevated levels of extrachromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA or spcDNA) are closely associated with genomic instability and aging. Despite extensive studies, the mechanism of its generation in mammalian cells is unknown. We report here that mouse major satellite DNA (MSD) is prone to eccDNA formation and that the resulting molecules are multimeres of the basic repeat. Extrachromosomal circular major satellite (ECMS) DNA constitutes the majority of eccDNA in B16 mouse melanoma cells and is highly abundant in other mouse cells. Production of these molecules is enhanced in proliferating cells, suggesting that processes associated with DNA replication are involved in their appearance. Using siRNA technique we show that DNA Ligase IV is engaged in ECMS synthesis. Based on our findings we propose a novel two-step model for eccDNA formation in mammalian cells.
Department of Cell Research and Immunology, Faculty of Life Science, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
Z
Z
Cohen
E
E
Bacharach
S
S
Lavi
D000818:Animals; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D000072481:DNA Ligase ATP; D011088:DNA Ligases / Q000378:metabolism; D004261:DNA Replication; D004270:DNA, Circular; D004276:DNA, Satellite; D015723:Gene Library; D008546:Melanoma, Experimental; D051379:Mice; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000378:metabolism
D004270:DNA, Circular; D004276:DNA, Satellite; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering; D011088:DNA Ligases; D000072481:DNA Ligase ATP