Processing of clustered DNA damage in human breast cancer cells MCF-7 with partial DNA-PKcs deficiency.
Complex DNA damage such as double strand breaks (DSBs) and non-DSB bistranded oxidative clustered DNA lesions (OCDL) (two or more DNA lesions within a short DNA fragment of 1-10bp on opposing DNA strands) are considered the hallmark of ionizing radiation. Clustered DNA lesions are hypothesized to be repair-resistant lesions challenging the repair mechanisms of the cell. The DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) plays an important role during the processing of DSBs. To evaluate the role of DNA-PKcs in the processing of complex DNA damage in human MCF-7 breast cancer cells we used small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to target the silencing of the gene Prkdc coding for DNA-PKcs. MCF-7 cells with knockdown DNA-PKcs expression showed a marked decrease in their efficiency to process DSBs and OCDL after exposure to radiotherapy-relevant gamma ray doses. For the detection and measurement of complex DSBs and OCDL, we used the gamma-H2AX assay and an adaptation of pulsed field gel electrophoresis with Escherichia coli repair enzymes as DNA damage probes. An accumulation of all types of DNA damage was detected for the siRNA-treated MCF-7 cells compared to controls. These findings point to the important role of DNA-PKcs in the processing of complex DNA damage and its potential association with breast cancer development.
Department of Biology, Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences, East Carolina University, Howell Science Complex, Greenville, NC 27858, USA.
Prakash
P
Peddi
Dave C
DC
Francisco
Angela M
AM
Cecil
Jessica M
JM
Hair
Mihalis I
MI
Panayiotidis
Alexandros G
AG
Georgakilas
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics*; D020134:Catalytic Domain; D053903:DNA Breaks, Double-Stranded; D004249:DNA Damage; D004260:DNA Repair; D051747:DNA-Activated Protein Kinase / Q000737:chemistry / Q000172:deficiency / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000494:pharmacology
D034741:RNA, Small Interfering; D051747:DNA-Activated Protein Kinase