Mechanism of homology search expansion during recombinational DNA repair
Homology search is a central step of DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair by homologous recombination. How it operates in cells remains elusive. Here we developed a Hi-C-based methodology to map single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) contacts genome-wide in S. cerevisiae, which revealed two main homology search phases. Initial search conducted by short Rad51-ssDNA nucleoprotein filaments (NPFs) is confined in cis by cohesin-mediated chromatin loop folding. Progressive growth of stiff NPFs enables exploration of distant genomic sites. Long-range resection drives this transition from local to genome-wide search by increasing the probability of assembly of extensive NPFs. DSB end-tethering promotes coordinated homology search by opposite NPFs. Finally, an autonomous genetic element on chromosome III engages the NPF, which stimulates homology search in its vicinity. This work reveals the mechanism of the progressive expansion of homology search orchestrated by chromatin organizers, long-range resection, end-tethering, specialized genetic elements, and that exploits the stiff NPF structure conferred by Rad51 oligomerization. Overall design: Hi-C and a Hi-C-based experiment enabling detection of ssDNA contacts were performed on S. cerevisiae cultures following site-specific formation of a DNA double-strand break on chr. V, in wild-type cells and various mutants and treatment conditions affecting homologous recombination and/or chromosome structure..