Frédéric Coin - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Frédéric Coin

Research paper thumbnail of Assay of promoter melting and extension of mRNA: role of TFIIH subunits

Methods in enzymology, 2003

Research paper thumbnail of TFIIH functions are altered by the P210BCR-ABL oncoprotein produced on the Philadelphia chromosome

Mutation research, 2001

P210BCR-ABL counteracted against the complementary effect of XPB on DNA repair when ultraviolet (... more P210BCR-ABL counteracted against the complementary effect of XPB on DNA repair when ultraviolet (UV)-sensitive 27-1 cells were treated with UV or cisplatin but not with hydrogen peroxide. Wortmannin, an inhibitor of PI3 kinase did not affect its anti-repair effect. Enhanced recruitment of p44 with TFIIH after cisplatin treatment is inhibited by the expression of P210BCR-ABL in a kinase activity-dependent manner. Although purified TFIIH from P210BCR-ABL expressor and non-expressor showed almost no difference in molar ratio of each component, the in vitro activity of TFIIH was decreased by 5-10% in repair assay but was increased by more than two-fold in transcription assay.

Research paper thumbnail of p8/TTD-A as a Repair-Specific TFIIH Subunit

Molecular Cell, 2006

How subunits of the transcription/repair factor TFIIH cooperate to allow for the removal of DNA l... more How subunits of the transcription/repair factor TFIIH cooperate to allow for the removal of DNA lesions or for the transcription of genes is crucial to understand the functioning of this complex. Here, we reveal that p8/TTD-A, the tenth subunit of TFIIH, has a critical role in DNA repair where it triggers DNA opening by stimulating XPB ATPase activity together with the damage recognition factor XPC-hHR23B. Fluorescent antibody labeling shows that such opening is needed for the recruitment of XPA to the site of the damage. By contrast, p8 is dispensable for RNA synthesis and doesn't interfere with the transcriptional function of CAK, although both interact with the XPD subunit. Interestingly, p8 overexpression in TTD-XPD cells counteracts the detrimental effect of XPD mutations by restoring the cellular TFIIH concentration. These findings resolve the primary functions of p8 and unveil how TFIIH components specifically direct the complex toward repair or transcription.

Research paper thumbnail of Developmental defects caused by mutations in the p52 subunit of TFIIH in Drosophila mimic human diseases

Developmental Biology, 2007

Research paper thumbnail of Mutations in XPB and XPD helicases found in xeroderma pigmentosum patients impair the transcription function of TFIIH

The EMBO Journal, 1999

As part of TFIIH, XPB and XPD helicases have been shown to play a role in nucleotide excision rep... more As part of TFIIH, XPB and XPD helicases have been shown to play a role in nucleotide excision repair (NER). Mutations in these subunits are associated with three genetic disorders: xeroderma pigmentosum (XP), Cockayne syndrome (CS) and trichothiodystrophy (TTD). The strong heterogeneous clinical features observed in these patients cannot be explained by defects in NER alone. We decided to look at the transcriptional activity of TFIIH from cell lines of XP individuals. We set up an immunopurification procedure to isolate purified TFIIH from patient cell extracts. We demonstrated that mutations in two XP-B/CS patients decrease the transcriptional activity of the corresponding TFIIH by preventing promoter opening. The defect of XPB in transcription can be circumvented by artificial opening of the promoter. Western blot analysis and enzymatic assays indicate that XPD mutations affect the stoichiometric composition of TFIIH due to a weakness in the interaction between XPD-CAK complex and the core TFIIH, resulting in a partial reduction of transcription activity. This work, in addition to clarifying the role of the various TFIIH subunits, supports the current hypothesis that XP-B/D patients are more likely to suffer from transcription repair syndromes rather than DNA repair disorders alone.

Research paper thumbnail of Phosphorylation of XPB helicase regulates TFIIH nucleotide excision repair activity

The EMBO Journal, 2004

Nucleotide excision repair (NER) removes damage from DNA in a tightly regulated multiprotein proc... more Nucleotide excision repair (NER) removes damage from DNA in a tightly regulated multiprotein process. The xeroderma pigmentosum group B (XPB) helicase subunit of TFIIH functions in NER and transcription. The serine 751 (S751) residue of XPB was found to be phosphorylated in vivo. This phosphorylation inhibits NER and the microinjection of a phosphomimicking XPB-S751E mutant is unable to correct the NER defect of XP-B cells. Conversely, XPB-S751 dephosphorylation or its substitution with alanine (S751A) restores NER both in vivo and in vitro. Surprisingly, phospho/dephosphorylation of S751 spares TFIIH-dependent transcription. Finally, the phosphorylation of XPB-S751 does not impair the TFIIH unwinding of the DNA around the lesion, but rather prevents the 5 0 incision triggered by the ERCC1-XPF endonuclease. These data support an additional role for XPB in promoting the incision of the damaged fragment and reveal a point of NER regulation on TFIIH without interference in its transcription activity.

Research paper thumbnail of Molecular insights into the recruitment of TFIIH to sites of DNA damage

The EMBO Journal, 2009

XPB and XPD subunits of TFIIH are central genome caretakers involved in nucleotide excision repai... more XPB and XPD subunits of TFIIH are central genome caretakers involved in nucleotide excision repair (NER), although their respective role within this DNA repair pathway remains difficult to delineate. To obtain insight into the function of XPB and XPD, we studied cell lines expressing XPB or XPD ATPase-deficient complexes. We show the involvement of XPB, but not XPD, in the accumulation of TFIIH to sites of DNA damage. Recruitment of TFIIH occurs independently of the helicase activity of XPB, but requires two recently identified motifs, a R-E-D residue loop and a Thumb-like domain. Furthermore, we show that these motifs are specifically involved in the DNAinduced stimulation of the ATPase activity of XPB. Together, our data demonstrate that the recruitment of TFIIH to sites of damage is an active process, under the control of the ATPase motifs of XPB and suggest that this subunit functions as an ATP-driven hook to stabilize the binding of the TFIIH to damaged DNA.

Research paper thumbnail of Sirt1 suppresses RNA synthesis after UV irradiation in combined xeroderma pigmentosum group D/Cockayne syndrome (XP-D/CS) cells

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2013

Specific mutations in the XPD subunit of transcription factor IIH result in combined xeroderma pi... more Specific mutations in the XPD subunit of transcription factor IIH result in combined xeroderma pigmentosum (XP)/Cockayne syndrome (CS), a severe DNA repair disorder characterized at the cellular level by a transcriptional arrest following UV irradiation. This transcriptional arrest has always been thought to be the result of faulty transcription-coupled repair. In the present study, we showed that, following UV irradiation, XP-D/CS cells displayed a gross transcriptional dysregulation compared with "pure" XP-D cells or WT cells. Furthermore, global RNA-sequencing analysis showed that XP-D/CS cells repressed the majority of genes after UV, whereas pure XP-D cells did not. By using housekeeping genes as a model, we demonstrated that XP-D/CS cells were unable to reassemble these gene promoters and thus to restart transcription after UV irradiation. Furthermore, we found that the repression of these promoters in XP-D/CS cells was not a simple consequence of deficient repair but rather an active heterochromatinization process mediated by the histone deacetylase Sirt1. Indeed, RNA-sequencing analysis showed that inhibition of and/or silencing of Sirt1 changed the chromatin environment at these promoters and restored the transcription of a large portion of the repressed genes in XP-D/CS cells after UV irradiation. Our work demonstrates that a significant part of the transcriptional arrest displayed by XP-D/CS cells arises as a result of an active repression process and not simply as a result of a DNA repair deficiency. This dysregulation of Sirt1 function that results in transcriptional repression may be the cause of various severe clinical features in patients with XP-D/ CS that cannot be explained by a DNA repair defect. nucleotide excision repair | sirtuins | aging | progeria

Research paper thumbnail of Histone Methyltransferase DOT1L Drives Recovery of Gene Expression after a Genotoxic Attack

PLoS Genetics, 2013

UV-induced DNA damage causes repression of RNA synthesis. Following the removal of DNA lesions, t... more UV-induced DNA damage causes repression of RNA synthesis. Following the removal of DNA lesions, transcription recovery operates through a process that is not understood yet. Here we show that knocking-out of the histone methyltransferase DOT1L in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF DOT1L ) leads to a UV hypersensitivity coupled to a deficient recovery of transcription initiation after UV irradiation. However, DOT1L is not implicated in the removal of the UV-induced DNA damage by the nucleotide excision repair pathway. Using FRAP and ChIP experiments we established that DOT1L promotes the formation of the pre-initiation complex on the promoters of UV-repressed genes and the appearance of transcriptionally active chromatin marks. Treatment with Trichostatin A, relaxing chromatin, recovers both transcription initiation and UVsurvival. Our data suggest that DOT1L secures an open chromatin structure in order to reactivate RNA Pol II transcription initiation after a genotoxic attack.

Research paper thumbnail of Rescue of Progeria in Trichothiodystrophy by Homozygous Lethal Xpd Alleles

Research paper thumbnail of A new, tenth subunit of TFIIH is responsible for the DNA repair syndrome trichothiodystrophy group A

Nature Genetics, 2004

DNA repair-deficient trichothiodystrophy (TTD) results from mutations in the XPD and XPB subunits... more DNA repair-deficient trichothiodystrophy (TTD) results from mutations in the XPD and XPB subunits of the DNA repair and transcription factor TFIIH. In a third form of DNA repair-deficient TTD, called group A, none of the nine subunits encoding TFIIH carried mutations; instead, the steady-state level of the entire complex was severely reduced 1 . A new, tenth TFIIH subunit (TFB5) was recently identified in yeast 2 . Here, we describe the identification of the human TFB5 ortholog and its association with human TFIIH. Microinjection of cDNA encoding TFB5 (GTF2H5, also called TTDA) corrected the

Research paper thumbnail of Reconstitution of the Transcription Factor TFIIH

Molecular Cell, 1999

ing the role of TFIIH will help to explain some phenotypes of the human hereditary diseases xerod... more ing the role of TFIIH will help to explain some phenotypes of the human hereditary diseases xeroderma pigmento-France sum (XP), trichothiodystrophy (TTD) and Cockayne syndrome (CS), resulting from subtle mutations in the XPB and XPD helicases. Whereas hyperpigmentation upon Summary exposure of the skin to the sun with high risk of skin cancer may be explained as a NER defect specifically, To understand the initiation of the transcription of prothe cause of mental and developmental retardation, tein-coding genes, we have dissected the role of the deafness, or ichtyosis, for example, remains obscure basal transcription/DNA repair factor TFIIH. Having (Taylor et al., 1997).

Research paper thumbnail of Transcriptional Activators Stimulate DNA Repair

Molecular Cell, 2002

the transcribed strand, transcription might also affect Philippe Frit, 2,3 Kyungrim Kwon, 2 Fré d... more the transcribed strand, transcription might also affect Philippe Frit, 2,3 Kyungrim Kwon, 2 Fré dé ric Coin, Jé rô me Auriol, Sandy Dubaele, Bernard Salles, 3 DNA repair through nucleosome rearrangements that accompany RNA pol II progression (Meijer and Smer-and Jean-Marc Egly 1 Institut de Gé né tique et don, 1999; Wellinger and ). This hypothesis concerns elongating RNA pol II and does not explain de Biologie Molé culaire et Cellulaire CNRS/INSERM/ULP why, near the transcription initiation site, a preferential repair is observed on both the transcribed and the non-B.P.163 67404 Illkirch Cedex transcribed strands (Tu et al., 1996). Transcriptional activators are thought to operate in France part by binding to DNA and negating the repressive effect of chromatin in order to ensure the formation of transcription initiation complexes (Bjorklund et al., 1999; Summary Buratowski, 2000; Ptashne and Gann, 1997). Conceivably, such activators might also facilitate DNA repair by To counteract the deleterious effects of genotoxic indisengaging chromatin and recruiting factors that would jury, cells have set up a sophisticated network of DNA stimulate DNA repair. This point has been supported by repair pathways. We show that Gal4-VP16 and RAR acidic transactivators, such as human p53 and herpes transcriptional activators stimulate nucleotide excisimplex virus activator VP16,

Research paper thumbnail of Distinct Roles for the XPB/p52 and XPD/p44 Subcomplexes of TFIIH in Damaged DNA Opening during Nucleotide Excision Repair

Molecular Cell, 2007

Mutations in XPB, an essential subunit of the transcription/repair factor TFIIH, lead to nucleoti... more Mutations in XPB, an essential subunit of the transcription/repair factor TFIIH, lead to nucleotide excision repair (NER) defects and xeroderma pigmentosum (XP). The role of XPB in NER and the molecular mechanisms resulting in XP are poorly understood. Here, we show that the p52 subunit of TFIIH interacts with XPB and stimulates its ATPase activity. A mutation found among XP-B patients (F99S) weakens this interaction and the resulting ATPase stimulation, thereby explaining the defect in the damaged DNA opening. We next found that mutations in the helicase motifs III (T469A) and VI (Q638A) that inhibit XPB helicase activity preserve the NER function of TFIIH. Our results suggest a mechanism in which the helicase activity of XPB is not used for the opening and repair of damaged DNA, which is instead only driven by its ATPase activity, in combination with the helicase activity of XPD.

Research paper thumbnail of XPG Stabilizes TFIIH, Allowing Transactivation of Nuclear Receptors: Implications for Cockayne Syndrome in XP-G/CS Patients

Research paper thumbnail of Nucleotide Excision Repair Driven by the Dissociation of CAK from TFIIH

Molecular Cell, 2008

The transcription/DNA repair factor TFIIH is organized into a core that associates with the CDKac... more The transcription/DNA repair factor TFIIH is organized into a core that associates with the CDKactivating kinase (CAK) complex. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation, we have followed the composition of TFIIH over time after UV irradiation of repair-proficient or -deficient human cells. We show that TFIIH changes subunit composition in response to DNA damage. The CAK is released from the core during nucleotide excision repair (NER). Using reconstituted in vitro NER assay, we show that XPA catalyzes the detachment of the CAK from the core, together with the arrival of the other NER-specific factors. The release of the CAK from the core TFIIH promotes the incision/excision of the damaged oligonucleotide and thereby the repair of the DNA. Following repair, the CAK reappears with the core TFIIH on the chromatin, together with the resumption of transcription. Our findings demonstrate that the composition of TFIIH is dynamic to adapt its engagement in distinct cellular processes.

Research paper thumbnail of Dissection of the Molecular Defects Caused by Pathogenic Mutations in the DNA Repair Factor XPC

Molecular and Cellular Biology, 2008

XPC is responsible for DNA damage sensing in nucleotide excision repair (NER). Mutations in XPC l... more XPC is responsible for DNA damage sensing in nucleotide excision repair (NER). Mutations in XPC lead to a defect in NER and to xeroderma pigmentosum (XP-C). Here, we analyzed the biochemical properties behind mutations found within three patients: one amino acid substitution (P334H, XP1MI, and GM02096), one amino acid incorporation in a conserved domain (697insVal, XP8BE, and GM02249), and a stop mutation (R579St, XP67TMA, and GM14867). Using these mutants, we demonstrated that HR23B stabilizes XPC on DNA and protects it from degradation. XPC recruits the transcription/repair factor TFIIH and stimulates its XPB ATPase activity to initiate damaged DNA opening. In an effort to understand the severity of XP-C phenotypes, we also demonstrated that single mutations in XPC perturb other repair processes, such as base excision repair (e.g., the P334H mutation prevents the stimulation of Ogg1 glycosylase because it thwarts the interaction between XPC and Ogg1), thereby leading to a deeper understanding of the molecular repair defect of the XP-C patients.

Research paper thumbnail of Mechanism of Promoter Melting by the Xeroderma Pigmentosum Complementation Group B Helicase of Transcription Factor IIH Revealed by Protein-DNA Photo-Cross-Linking

Molecular and Cellular Biology, 2000

The p89/xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group B (XPB) ATPase-helicase of transcription fact... more The p89/xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group B (XPB) ATPase-helicase of transcription factor IIH (TFIIH) is essential for promoter melting prior to transcription initiation by RNA polymerase II (RNA-PII). By studying the topological organization of the initiation complex using site-specific protein-DNA photo-cross-linking, we have shown that p89/XPB makes promoter contacts both upstream and downstream of the initiation site. The upstream contact, which is in the region where promoter melting occurs (positions ؊9 to ؉2), requires tight DNA wrapping around RNAPII. The addition of hydrolyzable ATP tethers the template strand at positions ؊5 and ؉1 to RNAPII subunits. A mutation in p89/XPB found in a xeroderma pigmentosum patient impairs the ability of TFIIH to associate correctly with the complex and thereby melt promoter DNA. A model for open complex formation is proposed.

Research paper thumbnail of DNA Repair and Transcriptional Deficiencies Caused by Mutations in the Drosophila p52 Subunit of TFIIH Generate Developmental Defects and Chromosome Fragility

Molecular and Cellular Biology, 2007

The transcription and DNA repair factor TFIIH is composed of 10 subunits. Mutations in the XPB, X... more The transcription and DNA repair factor TFIIH is composed of 10 subunits. Mutations in the XPB, XPD, and p8 subunits are genetically linked to human diseases, including cancer. However, no reports of mutations in other TFIIH subunits have been reported in higher eukaryotes. Here, we analyze at genetic, molecular, and biochemical levels the Drosophila melanogaster p52 (DMP52) subunit of TFIIH. We found that DMP52 is encoded by the gene marionette in Drosophila and that a defective DMP52 produces UV light-sensitive flies and specific phenotypes during development: organisms are smaller than their wild-type siblings and present tumors and chromosomal instability. The human homologue of DMP52 partially rescues some of these phenotypes. Some of the defects observed in the fly caused by mutations in DMP52 generate trichothiodystrophy and cancer-like phenotypes. Biochemical analysis of DMP52 point mutations introduced in human p52 at positions homologous to those of defects in DMP52 destabilize the interaction between p52 and XPB, another TFIIH subunit, thus compromising the assembly of the complex. This study significantly extends the role of p52 in regulating XPB ATPase activity and, consequently, both its transcriptional and nucleotide excision repair functions.

Research paper thumbnail of Solution Structure and Self-association Properties of the p8 TFIIH Subunit Responsible for Trichothiodystrophy

Journal of Molecular Biology, 2007

Trichothiodystrophy (TTD) is a rare hereditary multi-system disorder associated with defects in n... more Trichothiodystrophy (TTD) is a rare hereditary multi-system disorder associated with defects in nucleotide excision repair (NER) and transcription as consequences of mutations in XPB, XPD and p8/TTD-A subunits of transcription factor IIH (TFIIH). Here, we report the solution structure of the p8/TTD-A protein, a small α/β protein built around an antiparallel β-sheet that forms a homodimer with an extended interface. In order to characterize the dimer interface, we have introduced a mutation at position 44, which destabilizes the dimeric form of the protein. We have shown that this mutation has no effect on the intrinsic ability of p8/TTD-A to stimulate NER in vitro, but affects the capacity of p8/TTD-A to restore TFIIH concentration in TTD-A fibroblasts. Point mutations found in TTD-A patients are discussed on the basis of the present structure.

Research paper thumbnail of Assay of promoter melting and extension of mRNA: role of TFIIH subunits

Methods in enzymology, 2003

Research paper thumbnail of TFIIH functions are altered by the P210BCR-ABL oncoprotein produced on the Philadelphia chromosome

Mutation research, 2001

P210BCR-ABL counteracted against the complementary effect of XPB on DNA repair when ultraviolet (... more P210BCR-ABL counteracted against the complementary effect of XPB on DNA repair when ultraviolet (UV)-sensitive 27-1 cells were treated with UV or cisplatin but not with hydrogen peroxide. Wortmannin, an inhibitor of PI3 kinase did not affect its anti-repair effect. Enhanced recruitment of p44 with TFIIH after cisplatin treatment is inhibited by the expression of P210BCR-ABL in a kinase activity-dependent manner. Although purified TFIIH from P210BCR-ABL expressor and non-expressor showed almost no difference in molar ratio of each component, the in vitro activity of TFIIH was decreased by 5-10% in repair assay but was increased by more than two-fold in transcription assay.

Research paper thumbnail of p8/TTD-A as a Repair-Specific TFIIH Subunit

Molecular Cell, 2006

How subunits of the transcription/repair factor TFIIH cooperate to allow for the removal of DNA l... more How subunits of the transcription/repair factor TFIIH cooperate to allow for the removal of DNA lesions or for the transcription of genes is crucial to understand the functioning of this complex. Here, we reveal that p8/TTD-A, the tenth subunit of TFIIH, has a critical role in DNA repair where it triggers DNA opening by stimulating XPB ATPase activity together with the damage recognition factor XPC-hHR23B. Fluorescent antibody labeling shows that such opening is needed for the recruitment of XPA to the site of the damage. By contrast, p8 is dispensable for RNA synthesis and doesn't interfere with the transcriptional function of CAK, although both interact with the XPD subunit. Interestingly, p8 overexpression in TTD-XPD cells counteracts the detrimental effect of XPD mutations by restoring the cellular TFIIH concentration. These findings resolve the primary functions of p8 and unveil how TFIIH components specifically direct the complex toward repair or transcription.

Research paper thumbnail of Developmental defects caused by mutations in the p52 subunit of TFIIH in Drosophila mimic human diseases

Developmental Biology, 2007

Research paper thumbnail of Mutations in XPB and XPD helicases found in xeroderma pigmentosum patients impair the transcription function of TFIIH

The EMBO Journal, 1999

As part of TFIIH, XPB and XPD helicases have been shown to play a role in nucleotide excision rep... more As part of TFIIH, XPB and XPD helicases have been shown to play a role in nucleotide excision repair (NER). Mutations in these subunits are associated with three genetic disorders: xeroderma pigmentosum (XP), Cockayne syndrome (CS) and trichothiodystrophy (TTD). The strong heterogeneous clinical features observed in these patients cannot be explained by defects in NER alone. We decided to look at the transcriptional activity of TFIIH from cell lines of XP individuals. We set up an immunopurification procedure to isolate purified TFIIH from patient cell extracts. We demonstrated that mutations in two XP-B/CS patients decrease the transcriptional activity of the corresponding TFIIH by preventing promoter opening. The defect of XPB in transcription can be circumvented by artificial opening of the promoter. Western blot analysis and enzymatic assays indicate that XPD mutations affect the stoichiometric composition of TFIIH due to a weakness in the interaction between XPD-CAK complex and the core TFIIH, resulting in a partial reduction of transcription activity. This work, in addition to clarifying the role of the various TFIIH subunits, supports the current hypothesis that XP-B/D patients are more likely to suffer from transcription repair syndromes rather than DNA repair disorders alone.

Research paper thumbnail of Phosphorylation of XPB helicase regulates TFIIH nucleotide excision repair activity

The EMBO Journal, 2004

Nucleotide excision repair (NER) removes damage from DNA in a tightly regulated multiprotein proc... more Nucleotide excision repair (NER) removes damage from DNA in a tightly regulated multiprotein process. The xeroderma pigmentosum group B (XPB) helicase subunit of TFIIH functions in NER and transcription. The serine 751 (S751) residue of XPB was found to be phosphorylated in vivo. This phosphorylation inhibits NER and the microinjection of a phosphomimicking XPB-S751E mutant is unable to correct the NER defect of XP-B cells. Conversely, XPB-S751 dephosphorylation or its substitution with alanine (S751A) restores NER both in vivo and in vitro. Surprisingly, phospho/dephosphorylation of S751 spares TFIIH-dependent transcription. Finally, the phosphorylation of XPB-S751 does not impair the TFIIH unwinding of the DNA around the lesion, but rather prevents the 5 0 incision triggered by the ERCC1-XPF endonuclease. These data support an additional role for XPB in promoting the incision of the damaged fragment and reveal a point of NER regulation on TFIIH without interference in its transcription activity.

Research paper thumbnail of Molecular insights into the recruitment of TFIIH to sites of DNA damage

The EMBO Journal, 2009

XPB and XPD subunits of TFIIH are central genome caretakers involved in nucleotide excision repai... more XPB and XPD subunits of TFIIH are central genome caretakers involved in nucleotide excision repair (NER), although their respective role within this DNA repair pathway remains difficult to delineate. To obtain insight into the function of XPB and XPD, we studied cell lines expressing XPB or XPD ATPase-deficient complexes. We show the involvement of XPB, but not XPD, in the accumulation of TFIIH to sites of DNA damage. Recruitment of TFIIH occurs independently of the helicase activity of XPB, but requires two recently identified motifs, a R-E-D residue loop and a Thumb-like domain. Furthermore, we show that these motifs are specifically involved in the DNAinduced stimulation of the ATPase activity of XPB. Together, our data demonstrate that the recruitment of TFIIH to sites of damage is an active process, under the control of the ATPase motifs of XPB and suggest that this subunit functions as an ATP-driven hook to stabilize the binding of the TFIIH to damaged DNA.

Research paper thumbnail of Sirt1 suppresses RNA synthesis after UV irradiation in combined xeroderma pigmentosum group D/Cockayne syndrome (XP-D/CS) cells

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2013

Specific mutations in the XPD subunit of transcription factor IIH result in combined xeroderma pi... more Specific mutations in the XPD subunit of transcription factor IIH result in combined xeroderma pigmentosum (XP)/Cockayne syndrome (CS), a severe DNA repair disorder characterized at the cellular level by a transcriptional arrest following UV irradiation. This transcriptional arrest has always been thought to be the result of faulty transcription-coupled repair. In the present study, we showed that, following UV irradiation, XP-D/CS cells displayed a gross transcriptional dysregulation compared with "pure" XP-D cells or WT cells. Furthermore, global RNA-sequencing analysis showed that XP-D/CS cells repressed the majority of genes after UV, whereas pure XP-D cells did not. By using housekeeping genes as a model, we demonstrated that XP-D/CS cells were unable to reassemble these gene promoters and thus to restart transcription after UV irradiation. Furthermore, we found that the repression of these promoters in XP-D/CS cells was not a simple consequence of deficient repair but rather an active heterochromatinization process mediated by the histone deacetylase Sirt1. Indeed, RNA-sequencing analysis showed that inhibition of and/or silencing of Sirt1 changed the chromatin environment at these promoters and restored the transcription of a large portion of the repressed genes in XP-D/CS cells after UV irradiation. Our work demonstrates that a significant part of the transcriptional arrest displayed by XP-D/CS cells arises as a result of an active repression process and not simply as a result of a DNA repair deficiency. This dysregulation of Sirt1 function that results in transcriptional repression may be the cause of various severe clinical features in patients with XP-D/ CS that cannot be explained by a DNA repair defect. nucleotide excision repair | sirtuins | aging | progeria

Research paper thumbnail of Histone Methyltransferase DOT1L Drives Recovery of Gene Expression after a Genotoxic Attack

PLoS Genetics, 2013

UV-induced DNA damage causes repression of RNA synthesis. Following the removal of DNA lesions, t... more UV-induced DNA damage causes repression of RNA synthesis. Following the removal of DNA lesions, transcription recovery operates through a process that is not understood yet. Here we show that knocking-out of the histone methyltransferase DOT1L in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF DOT1L ) leads to a UV hypersensitivity coupled to a deficient recovery of transcription initiation after UV irradiation. However, DOT1L is not implicated in the removal of the UV-induced DNA damage by the nucleotide excision repair pathway. Using FRAP and ChIP experiments we established that DOT1L promotes the formation of the pre-initiation complex on the promoters of UV-repressed genes and the appearance of transcriptionally active chromatin marks. Treatment with Trichostatin A, relaxing chromatin, recovers both transcription initiation and UVsurvival. Our data suggest that DOT1L secures an open chromatin structure in order to reactivate RNA Pol II transcription initiation after a genotoxic attack.

Research paper thumbnail of Rescue of Progeria in Trichothiodystrophy by Homozygous Lethal Xpd Alleles

Research paper thumbnail of A new, tenth subunit of TFIIH is responsible for the DNA repair syndrome trichothiodystrophy group A

Nature Genetics, 2004

DNA repair-deficient trichothiodystrophy (TTD) results from mutations in the XPD and XPB subunits... more DNA repair-deficient trichothiodystrophy (TTD) results from mutations in the XPD and XPB subunits of the DNA repair and transcription factor TFIIH. In a third form of DNA repair-deficient TTD, called group A, none of the nine subunits encoding TFIIH carried mutations; instead, the steady-state level of the entire complex was severely reduced 1 . A new, tenth TFIIH subunit (TFB5) was recently identified in yeast 2 . Here, we describe the identification of the human TFB5 ortholog and its association with human TFIIH. Microinjection of cDNA encoding TFB5 (GTF2H5, also called TTDA) corrected the

Research paper thumbnail of Reconstitution of the Transcription Factor TFIIH

Molecular Cell, 1999

ing the role of TFIIH will help to explain some phenotypes of the human hereditary diseases xerod... more ing the role of TFIIH will help to explain some phenotypes of the human hereditary diseases xeroderma pigmento-France sum (XP), trichothiodystrophy (TTD) and Cockayne syndrome (CS), resulting from subtle mutations in the XPB and XPD helicases. Whereas hyperpigmentation upon Summary exposure of the skin to the sun with high risk of skin cancer may be explained as a NER defect specifically, To understand the initiation of the transcription of prothe cause of mental and developmental retardation, tein-coding genes, we have dissected the role of the deafness, or ichtyosis, for example, remains obscure basal transcription/DNA repair factor TFIIH. Having (Taylor et al., 1997).

Research paper thumbnail of Transcriptional Activators Stimulate DNA Repair

Molecular Cell, 2002

the transcribed strand, transcription might also affect Philippe Frit, 2,3 Kyungrim Kwon, 2 Fré d... more the transcribed strand, transcription might also affect Philippe Frit, 2,3 Kyungrim Kwon, 2 Fré dé ric Coin, Jé rô me Auriol, Sandy Dubaele, Bernard Salles, 3 DNA repair through nucleosome rearrangements that accompany RNA pol II progression (Meijer and Smer-and Jean-Marc Egly 1 Institut de Gé né tique et don, 1999; Wellinger and ). This hypothesis concerns elongating RNA pol II and does not explain de Biologie Molé culaire et Cellulaire CNRS/INSERM/ULP why, near the transcription initiation site, a preferential repair is observed on both the transcribed and the non-B.P.163 67404 Illkirch Cedex transcribed strands (Tu et al., 1996). Transcriptional activators are thought to operate in France part by binding to DNA and negating the repressive effect of chromatin in order to ensure the formation of transcription initiation complexes (Bjorklund et al., 1999; Summary Buratowski, 2000; Ptashne and Gann, 1997). Conceivably, such activators might also facilitate DNA repair by To counteract the deleterious effects of genotoxic indisengaging chromatin and recruiting factors that would jury, cells have set up a sophisticated network of DNA stimulate DNA repair. This point has been supported by repair pathways. We show that Gal4-VP16 and RAR acidic transactivators, such as human p53 and herpes transcriptional activators stimulate nucleotide excisimplex virus activator VP16,

Research paper thumbnail of Distinct Roles for the XPB/p52 and XPD/p44 Subcomplexes of TFIIH in Damaged DNA Opening during Nucleotide Excision Repair

Molecular Cell, 2007

Mutations in XPB, an essential subunit of the transcription/repair factor TFIIH, lead to nucleoti... more Mutations in XPB, an essential subunit of the transcription/repair factor TFIIH, lead to nucleotide excision repair (NER) defects and xeroderma pigmentosum (XP). The role of XPB in NER and the molecular mechanisms resulting in XP are poorly understood. Here, we show that the p52 subunit of TFIIH interacts with XPB and stimulates its ATPase activity. A mutation found among XP-B patients (F99S) weakens this interaction and the resulting ATPase stimulation, thereby explaining the defect in the damaged DNA opening. We next found that mutations in the helicase motifs III (T469A) and VI (Q638A) that inhibit XPB helicase activity preserve the NER function of TFIIH. Our results suggest a mechanism in which the helicase activity of XPB is not used for the opening and repair of damaged DNA, which is instead only driven by its ATPase activity, in combination with the helicase activity of XPD.

Research paper thumbnail of XPG Stabilizes TFIIH, Allowing Transactivation of Nuclear Receptors: Implications for Cockayne Syndrome in XP-G/CS Patients

Research paper thumbnail of Nucleotide Excision Repair Driven by the Dissociation of CAK from TFIIH

Molecular Cell, 2008

The transcription/DNA repair factor TFIIH is organized into a core that associates with the CDKac... more The transcription/DNA repair factor TFIIH is organized into a core that associates with the CDKactivating kinase (CAK) complex. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation, we have followed the composition of TFIIH over time after UV irradiation of repair-proficient or -deficient human cells. We show that TFIIH changes subunit composition in response to DNA damage. The CAK is released from the core during nucleotide excision repair (NER). Using reconstituted in vitro NER assay, we show that XPA catalyzes the detachment of the CAK from the core, together with the arrival of the other NER-specific factors. The release of the CAK from the core TFIIH promotes the incision/excision of the damaged oligonucleotide and thereby the repair of the DNA. Following repair, the CAK reappears with the core TFIIH on the chromatin, together with the resumption of transcription. Our findings demonstrate that the composition of TFIIH is dynamic to adapt its engagement in distinct cellular processes.

Research paper thumbnail of Dissection of the Molecular Defects Caused by Pathogenic Mutations in the DNA Repair Factor XPC

Molecular and Cellular Biology, 2008

XPC is responsible for DNA damage sensing in nucleotide excision repair (NER). Mutations in XPC l... more XPC is responsible for DNA damage sensing in nucleotide excision repair (NER). Mutations in XPC lead to a defect in NER and to xeroderma pigmentosum (XP-C). Here, we analyzed the biochemical properties behind mutations found within three patients: one amino acid substitution (P334H, XP1MI, and GM02096), one amino acid incorporation in a conserved domain (697insVal, XP8BE, and GM02249), and a stop mutation (R579St, XP67TMA, and GM14867). Using these mutants, we demonstrated that HR23B stabilizes XPC on DNA and protects it from degradation. XPC recruits the transcription/repair factor TFIIH and stimulates its XPB ATPase activity to initiate damaged DNA opening. In an effort to understand the severity of XP-C phenotypes, we also demonstrated that single mutations in XPC perturb other repair processes, such as base excision repair (e.g., the P334H mutation prevents the stimulation of Ogg1 glycosylase because it thwarts the interaction between XPC and Ogg1), thereby leading to a deeper understanding of the molecular repair defect of the XP-C patients.

Research paper thumbnail of Mechanism of Promoter Melting by the Xeroderma Pigmentosum Complementation Group B Helicase of Transcription Factor IIH Revealed by Protein-DNA Photo-Cross-Linking

Molecular and Cellular Biology, 2000

The p89/xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group B (XPB) ATPase-helicase of transcription fact... more The p89/xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group B (XPB) ATPase-helicase of transcription factor IIH (TFIIH) is essential for promoter melting prior to transcription initiation by RNA polymerase II (RNA-PII). By studying the topological organization of the initiation complex using site-specific protein-DNA photo-cross-linking, we have shown that p89/XPB makes promoter contacts both upstream and downstream of the initiation site. The upstream contact, which is in the region where promoter melting occurs (positions ؊9 to ؉2), requires tight DNA wrapping around RNAPII. The addition of hydrolyzable ATP tethers the template strand at positions ؊5 and ؉1 to RNAPII subunits. A mutation in p89/XPB found in a xeroderma pigmentosum patient impairs the ability of TFIIH to associate correctly with the complex and thereby melt promoter DNA. A model for open complex formation is proposed.

Research paper thumbnail of DNA Repair and Transcriptional Deficiencies Caused by Mutations in the Drosophila p52 Subunit of TFIIH Generate Developmental Defects and Chromosome Fragility

Molecular and Cellular Biology, 2007

The transcription and DNA repair factor TFIIH is composed of 10 subunits. Mutations in the XPB, X... more The transcription and DNA repair factor TFIIH is composed of 10 subunits. Mutations in the XPB, XPD, and p8 subunits are genetically linked to human diseases, including cancer. However, no reports of mutations in other TFIIH subunits have been reported in higher eukaryotes. Here, we analyze at genetic, molecular, and biochemical levels the Drosophila melanogaster p52 (DMP52) subunit of TFIIH. We found that DMP52 is encoded by the gene marionette in Drosophila and that a defective DMP52 produces UV light-sensitive flies and specific phenotypes during development: organisms are smaller than their wild-type siblings and present tumors and chromosomal instability. The human homologue of DMP52 partially rescues some of these phenotypes. Some of the defects observed in the fly caused by mutations in DMP52 generate trichothiodystrophy and cancer-like phenotypes. Biochemical analysis of DMP52 point mutations introduced in human p52 at positions homologous to those of defects in DMP52 destabilize the interaction between p52 and XPB, another TFIIH subunit, thus compromising the assembly of the complex. This study significantly extends the role of p52 in regulating XPB ATPase activity and, consequently, both its transcriptional and nucleotide excision repair functions.

Research paper thumbnail of Solution Structure and Self-association Properties of the p8 TFIIH Subunit Responsible for Trichothiodystrophy

Journal of Molecular Biology, 2007

Trichothiodystrophy (TTD) is a rare hereditary multi-system disorder associated with defects in n... more Trichothiodystrophy (TTD) is a rare hereditary multi-system disorder associated with defects in nucleotide excision repair (NER) and transcription as consequences of mutations in XPB, XPD and p8/TTD-A subunits of transcription factor IIH (TFIIH). Here, we report the solution structure of the p8/TTD-A protein, a small α/β protein built around an antiparallel β-sheet that forms a homodimer with an extended interface. In order to characterize the dimer interface, we have introduced a mutation at position 44, which destabilizes the dimeric form of the protein. We have shown that this mutation has no effect on the intrinsic ability of p8/TTD-A to stimulate NER in vitro, but affects the capacity of p8/TTD-A to restore TFIIH concentration in TTD-A fibroblasts. Point mutations found in TTD-A patients are discussed on the basis of the present structure.