Multi-Dimensional Epigenetic Analysis Reveals Transcription as a Primary Driver of Radiation Induced Double Strand Break Recognition

ABSTRACT: DNA Double Strand Breaks (DSBs) are a deleterious product of genotoxic agents or radiotherapy. Despite the inherent chromatin localization of DSBs, the literature has largely ignored the effect of local chromatin or histone post translational modifications (PTMs) on DSB induction or recognition especially in a therapy-relevant setting. Analysis of epigenetic linkages to the DNA Damage Response are challenging owing to the random nature of exogenous DSB induction. Here, we directly measure stochastic DNA damage induced by ionizing radiation (IR) and infer relationships between basal epigenetic states and cellular ability to detect DSBs. Contrary to the expected uniform localization of DSBs and γH2AX, we show that DSB recognition is separate from DSB induction and that both processes are dependent on the local chromatin milieu. In general, actively transcribed regions contain more γH2AX than heterochromatic regions suggesting a link between transcription and the DDR. In contrast to previous studies, we suggest that transcription proximal to DNA damage is necessary for early DSB detection and suggest a requirement for transcription mediated repair in genome maintenance. Finally, we reveal a dual effect of the repressive mark H3K27me3 on the DNA damage response. While basal H3K27me3 attenuates γH2AX deposition, transcribed regions recruit H3K27me3 following DSB induction possibly as an obligate step in DSB recognition. We uncover epigenetic determinants of DSB recognition and suggest new mechanisms by which the epigenome direct DNA repair. Our findings suggest new targets for radio-adjuvant therapy and reframe the current stochastic model of radiotherapy induced damage.

ORGANISM(S): Homo sapiens

PROVIDER: GSE181934 | GEO | 2021/12/31

REPOSITORIES: GEO