Overexpression of a kinase-inactive ATR protein causes sensitivity to DNA-damaging agents and defects in cell cycle checkpoints

EMBO J. 1998 Jan 2;17(1):159-69. doi: 10.1093/emboj/17.1.159.

Abstract

ATR, a phosphatidylinositol kinase-related protein homologous to ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM), is important for the survival of human cells following many forms of DNA damage. Expression of a kinase-inactive allele of ATR (ATRkd) in human fibroblasts causes increased sensitivity to ionizing radiation (IR), cis-platinum and methyl methanesulfonate, but only slight UV radiation sensitivity. ATRkd overexpression abrogates the G2/M arrest after exposure to IR, and overexpression of wild-type ATR complements the radioresistant DNA synthesis phenotype of cells lacking ATM, suggesting a potential functional overlap between these proteins. ATRkd overexpression also causes increased sensitivity to hydroxyurea that is associated with microtubule-mediated nuclear abnormalities. These observations are consistent with uncoupling of certain mitotic events from the completion of S-phase. Thus, ATR is an important component of multiple DNA damage response pathways and may be involved in the DNA replication (S/M) checkpoint.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated Proteins
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / genetics
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / metabolism*
  • Cell Cycle*
  • Cell Line, Transformed
  • DNA Damage*
  • DNA Repair
  • DNA Replication
  • Fibroblasts / drug effects
  • Fibroblasts / radiation effects
  • G2 Phase / radiation effects
  • Humans
  • Mitosis / radiation effects
  • Phenotype
  • Protein Kinases / metabolism*
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases*
  • Radiation Tolerance

Substances

  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • Protein Kinases
  • ATR protein, human
  • Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated Proteins
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases