MRE11-RAD50-NBS1 Complex Is Sufficient to Promote Transcription by RNA Polymerase II at Double-Strand Breaks by Melting DNA Ends

Sheetal Sharma, Roopesh Anand, Xuzhu Zhang, Sofia Francia, Flavia Michelini, Alessandro Galbiati, Hannah Williams, Daryl A. Ronato, Jean Yves Masson, Eli Rothenberg, Petr Cejka, Fabrizio d'Adda di Fagagna

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

41 Scopus citations

Abstract

The MRE11-RAD50-NBS1 (MRN) complex supports the synthesis of damage-induced long non-coding RNA (dilncRNA) by RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) from DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) by an unknown mechanism. Here, we show that recombinant human MRN and native RNAPII are sufficient to reconstitute a minimal functional transcriptional apparatus at DSBs. MRN recruits and stabilizes RNAPII at DSBs. Unexpectedly, transcription is promoted independently from MRN nuclease activities. Rather, transcription depends on the ability of MRN to melt DNA ends, as shown by the use of MRN mutants and specific allosteric inhibitors. Single-molecule FRET assays with wild-type and mutant MRN show a tight correlation between the ability to melt DNA ends and to promote transcription. The addition of RPA enhances MRN-mediated transcription, and unpaired DNA ends allow MRN-independent transcription by RNAPII. These results support a model in which MRN generates single-strand DNA ends that favor the initiation of transcription by RNAPII.
Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)108565
JournalCell Reports
Volume34
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 5 2021
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

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