c-Myc accelerates S-phase and requires WRN to avoid replication stress

PLoS One. 2009 Jun 18;4(6):e5951. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0005951.

Abstract

c-Myc interacts with components of the pre-replication complex and directly regulates DNA replication [1]. However the consequences of this novel c-Myc function on cell cycle dynamics and replication-associated damage are unknown. Here, we show that c-Myc overexpression in primary human fibroblasts markedly accelerates S-phase while c-Myc deficient fibroblasts exhibit a prolonged S-phase. We also show that the Werner DNA helicase protein (WRN) plays a critical role in supporting c-Myc-driven S-phase, as depletion of WRN in c-Myc overexpressing cells increases DNA damage specifically at sites of DNA synthesis. This excess DNA damage activates a "replication stress" pathway involving ATR, CHK1, CHK2, and p53, leading to rapid senescence of WRN deficient c-Myc overexpressing cells. Indeed, depletion of p53 rescues this senescence response. We propose that WRN functions to repair abnormal replication structures caused by the acceleration of DNA replication by c-Myc. This work provides an additional mechanistic explanation for c-Myc-induced DNA damage and senescence, and reveals a vulnerability of c-Myc overexpressing cells that could potentially be exploited in cancer therapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Cellular Senescence
  • DNA Damage
  • DNA Repair
  • DNA Replication*
  • Exodeoxyribonucleases / deficiency
  • Exodeoxyribonucleases / genetics
  • Exodeoxyribonucleases / metabolism*
  • Fibroblasts / cytology
  • Fibroblasts / enzymology
  • Fibroblasts / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc / deficiency
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc / metabolism*
  • RNA Interference
  • Rats
  • RecQ Helicases / deficiency
  • RecQ Helicases / genetics
  • RecQ Helicases / metabolism*
  • S Phase*
  • Werner Syndrome Helicase

Substances

  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc
  • Exodeoxyribonucleases
  • RecQ Helicases
  • WRN protein, human
  • Werner Syndrome Helicase