SHOC1 is a ERCC4-(HhH)2-like protein, integral to the formation of crossover recombination intermediates during mammalian meiosis.

Chromosome segregation errors during meiosis result in the formation of aneuploid gametes and are the leading cause of pregnancy loss and birth defects in humans. Proper chromosome segregation requires pairwise associations of maternal and paternal homologous chromosomes. Chiasmata, which are the cytological manifestations of crossovers (COs), provide a physical link that holds the homologs together as a pair, facilitating their orientation on the spindle at meiosis I. Although CO-promoting activities ensure a balanced number and position of COs, their identity and mechanism of action in mammals remain understudied. Previous work in yeast and Arabidopsis has shown that Zip2 and Shoc1 are ortholog proteins with an important role in promoting the formation of COs. Our work is the first study in mammals showing the in vivo and in vitro function of mouse and human SHOC1. We show that purified recombinant human SHOC1, an XPF/MUS81 family member, preferentially binds branched DNA molecules but apparently lacks in vitro endonuclease activity, despite its conserved ERCC4-(HhH)2 core structure. Cytological observations suggest that initial steps of recombination are normal in a majority of spermatocytes from SHOC1 hypomorphic mice. However, late stages of recombination appear abnormal, as chromosomal localization of MLH1 is reduced. In agreement, chiasma formation is reduced, and cells arrest at metaphase I with a few lagging chromosomes and subsequent apoptosis. This analysis of SHOC1-deficient mice and the selective localization of SHOC1 to a subset of recombination sites show that SHOC1 acts at key mid-stage steps of the CO formation process. The formation of chromosome axial elements and homologous pairing are apparently normal, but synapsis is altered with SYCP1 frequently failing to extend the full length of the chromosome axes. Finally, we describe that SHOC1 interacts with TEX11, another protein important for the formation of COs, connecting SHOC1 to chromosome axis and structure.

The chromatin-remodeling subunit Baf200 promotes homology-directed DNA repair and regulates distinct chromatin-remodeling complexes.

The efficiency and type of pathway chosen to repair DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are critically influenced by the nucleosome packaging and the chromatin architecture surrounding the DSBs. The Swi/Snf (PBAF and BAF) chromatin-remodeling complexes contribute to DNA damage-induced nucleosome remodeling, but the mechanism by which it contributes to this function is poorly understood. Herein, we report how the Baf200 (Arid2) PBAF-defining subunit regulates DSB repair. We used cytological and biochemical approaches to show that Baf200 plays an important function by facilitating homologous recombination-dependent processes, such as recruitment of Rad51 (a key component of homologous recombination) to DSBs, homology-directed repair, and cell survival after DNA damage. Furthermore, we observed that Baf200 and Rad51 are present in the same complex and that this interaction is mediated by C-terminal sequences in both proteins. It has been recognized previously that the interplay between distinct forms of Swi/Snf has profound functional consequences, but we understand little about the composition of complexes formed by PBAF protein subunits. Our biochemical analyses reveal that Baf200 forms at least two distinct complexes. One is a canonical form of PBAF including the Swi/Snf-associated Brg1 catalytic subunit, and the other contains Baf180 but not Brg1. This distinction of PBAF complexes based on their unique composition provides the foundation for future studies on the specific contributions of the PBAF forms to the regulation of DNA repair.

Solution structure and DNA-binding properties of the winged helix domain of the meiotic recombination HOP2 protein.

The HOP2 protein is required for efficient double-strand break repair which ensures the proper synapsis of homologous chromosomes and normal meiotic progression. We previously showed that in vitro HOP2 shows two distinctive activities: when it is incorporated into a HOP2-MND1 heterodimer, it stimulates DMC1 and RAD51 recombination activities, and the purified HOP2 alone is proficient in promoting strand invasion. The structural and biochemical basis of HOP2 action in recombination are poorly understood; therefore, they are the focus of this work. Herein, we present the solution structure of the amino-terminal portion of mouse HOP2, which contains a typical winged helix DNA-binding domain. Together with NMR spectral changes in the presence of double-stranded DNA, protein docking on DNA, and mutation analysis to identify the amino acids involved in DNA coordination, our results on the three-dimensional structure of HOP2 provide key information on the fundamental structural and biochemical requirements directing the interaction of HOP2 with DNA. These results, in combination with mutational experiments showing the role of a coiled-coil structural feature involved in HOP2 self-association, allow us to explain important aspects of the function of HOP2 in recombination.

Genome instability and embryonic developmental defects in RMI1 deficient mice.

RMI1 forms an evolutionarily conserved complex with BLM/TOP3α/RMI2 (BTR complex) to prevent and resolve aberrant recombination products, thereby promoting genome stability. Most of our knowledge about RMI1 function has been obtained from biochemical studies in vitro. In contrast, the role of RMI1 in vivo remains unclear. Previous attempts to generate an Rmi1 knockout mouse line resulted in pre-implantation embryonic lethality, precluding the use of mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and embryonic morphology to assess the role of RMI1 in vivo. Here, we report the generation of an Rmi1 deficient mouse line (hy/hy) that develops until 9.5 days post coitum (dpc) with marked defects in development. MEFs derived from Rmi1(hy/hy) are characterized by severely impaired cell proliferation, frequently having elevated DNA content, high numbers of micronuclei and an elevated percentage of partial condensed chromosomes. Our results demonstrate the importance of RMI1 in maintaining genome integrity and normal embryonic development.

Mouse HFM1/Mer3 is required for crossover formation and complete synapsis of homologous chromosomes during meiosis.

Faithful chromosome segregation during meiosis requires that homologous chromosomes associate and recombine. Chiasmata, the cytological manifestation of recombination, provide the physical link that holds the homologs together as a pair, facilitating their orientation on the spindle at meiosis I. Formation of most crossover (CO) events requires the assistance of a group of proteins collectively known as ZMM. HFM1/Mer3 is in this group of proteins and is required for normal progression of homologous recombination and proper synapsis between homologous chromosomes in a number of model organisms. Our work is the first study in mammals showing the in vivo function of mouse HFM1. Cytological observations suggest that initial steps of recombination are largely normal in a majority of Hfm1(-/-) spermatocytes. Intermediate and late stages of recombination appear aberrant, as chromosomal localization of MSH4 is altered and formation of MLH1foci is drastically reduced. In agreement, chiasma formation is reduced, and cells arrest with subsequent apoptosis at diakinesis. Our results indicate that deletion of Hfm1 leads to the elimination of a major fraction but not all COs. Formation of chromosome axial elements and homologous pairing is apparently normal, and Hfm1(-/-) spermatocytes progress to the end of prophase I without apparent developmental delay or apoptosis. However, synapsis is altered with components of the central region of the synaptonemal complex frequently failing to extend the full length of the chromosome axes. We propose that initial steps of recombination are sufficient to support homology recognition, pairing, and initial chromosome synapsis and that HFM1 is required to form normal numbers of COs and to complete synapsis.

Synaptonemal complex components persist at centromeres and are required for homologous centromere pairing in mouse spermatocytes.

Recent studies in simple model organisms have shown that centromere pairing is important for ensuring high-fidelity meiotic chromosome segregation. However, this process and the mechanisms regulating it in higher eukaryotes are unknown. Here we present the first detailed study of meiotic centromere pairing in mouse spermatogenesis and link it with key events of the G2/metaphase I transition. In mouse we observed no evidence of the persistent coupling of centromeres that has been observed in several model organisms. We do however find that telomeres associate in non-homologous pairs or small groups in B type spermatogonia and pre-leptotene spermatocytes, and this association is disrupted by deletion of the synaptonemal complex component SYCP3. Intriguingly, we found that, in mid prophase, chromosome synapsis is not initiated at centromeres, and centromeric regions are the last to pair in the zygotene-pachytene transition. In late prophase, we first identified the proteins that reside at paired centromeres. We found that components of the central and lateral element and transverse filaments of the synaptonemal complex are retained at paired centromeres after disassembly of the synaptonemal complex along diplotene chromosome arms. The absence of SYCP1 prevents centromere pairing in knockout mouse spermatocytes. The localization dynamics of SYCP1 and SYCP3 suggest that they play different roles in promoting homologous centromere pairing. SYCP1 remains only at paired centromeres coincident with the time at which some kinetochore proteins begin loading at centromeres, consistent with a role in assembly of meiosis-specific kinetochores. After removal of SYCP1 from centromeres, SYCP3 then accumulates at paired centromeres where it may promote bi-orientation of homologous centromeres. We propose that, in addition to their roles as synaptonemal complex components, SYCP1 and SYCP3 act at the centromeres to promote the establishment and/or maintenance of centromere pairing and, by doing so, improve the segregation fidelity of mammalian meiotic chromosomes.

Small interfering RNA screen for phosphatases involved in IgE-mediated mast cell degranulation.

Mast cells play pivotal roles in the initiation of the allergic response. To gain an understanding of the functions played by phosphatases in IgE-mediated mast cell activation, a small interfering RNA (siRNA) library that targets all mouse phosphatase genes was screened in a mouse mast cell line, MMC-1. Of 198 targets, 10 enhanced and 7 inhibited FcepsilonRI-induced degranulation. For seven of the strongest hits, four different siRNAs per target were tested, and at least two out of the four single siRNA per target had similar effects as the pool suggesting that these were true hits. Bone marrow-derived mast cells from normal mice further validated these results for six definite positive targets. The mechanism of the reduced mast cell degranulation due to calcineurin B deficiency was investigated. Calcineurin B deficiency reduced the phosphorylation of MAPKs and the phosphorylation of protein kinase D/protein kinase Cmu and protein kinase Cdelta, which are involved in FcepsilonRI signaling. The screen, therefore, has identified several new molecules that are critical for FcepsilonRI-induced degranulation. Regulating the function of these proteins may be potential targets for the treatment of allergic inflammation. The result also indicates that the system used is efficient for searching molecules implicated in complex receptor-induced signaling.

The low affinity IgG receptor Fc gamma RIIB contributes to the binding of the mast cell specific antibody, mAb BGD6.

The mast cell specific monoclonal antibody, mAb BGD6, is a mast cell lineage marker [Jamur, M.C., Grodzki, A.C., Berenstein, E.H., Hamawy, M.M., Siraganian, R.P., Oliver, C., 2005. Identification and characterization of undifferentiated mast cells in mouse bone marrow. Blood 105, 4282-4289]. In rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells, mAb BGD6 precipitates cell-surface proteins of approximately 110 and 40-60 kDa. An expression cloning strategy was used to identify proteins that interact with mAb BGD6. A RBL-2H3 cDNA library in plasmids was transfected into PEAK cells, which do not bind mAb BGD6, and positive cells were selected with mAb BGD6. The plasmids recovered from the positive cells were amplified; retransfected into PEAK cells and after several screening cycles a positive clone was identified. This clone showed almost complete identity to Fc gamma RIIB (CD32), the low affinity IgG receptor. However, in contrast to the sequence in GenBank, this clone had an insert of 141 bp which codes for a longer isoform of this molecule with an extra 47 aa in its cytoplasmic domain. In RBL-2H3 cells both isoforms were expressed, with higher expression of the shorter form. The mechanism of binding of mAB BGD6 on both RBL-2H3 and CD32 transfected PEAK cells was then examined. Intact mAb BGD6 bound to both RBL-2H3 and CD32 expressing PEAK cells, but F(ab')(2) fragments bound only to RBL-2H3 cells demonstrating that mAb BGD6 binds to Fc gamma RIIB only through its Fc portion. On RBL-2H3 cells, the Fab of an anti-CD32 mAb partially inhibited the binding of intact mAb BGD6. The binding pattern of mAb BGD6 inhibited with anti-CD32 resembled that of the F(ab')(2) fragment of the antibody suggesting that the Fc portion of mAb BGD6 contributes to its binding on cells that have Fc gamma RIIB. These results are consistent with a model where mAb BGD6 binds through its Fab portion to a approximately 110 kDa protein and the Fc tail interacts with Fc gamma RIIB (CD32).