DNA double strand breaks (DSBs), the most lethal form of DNA damage, are caused by endogenous and exogenous sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In response to DSBs, the MRN complex, Mre11, Nbs1, and Rad50, localizes to DSBs and activates the ataxia telangiectasia muted kinase (ATM), resulting in phosphorylation of substrates involved in DNA damage recognition and repair, checkpoint activation and apoptosis. We have found that exposure to DNA damaging agents, such as H₂O₂, ionizing radiation (IR), ultraviolet light (UV), and several chemotherapeutic drugs induces phosphorylation of Sp1, a transcription factor regulating expression of proteins involved in DNA synthesis and cell cycle progression. We have identified serine 101 of Sp1 to be a specific target of ATM in response to ail of these agents. Mutation of S101 to alanine results in greatly reduced phosphorylation of Sp1 in response to DNA damaging agents. Cells depleted of Sp1 by siRNA show decreased viability which can be rescued by expression of Wt Sp1 but not by expression of Sp1S101A. We have made a phospho-specific Sp1 antibody to serine 101 ([gamma]Sp1101). The phosphorylation of Sp1 is rapid and transient in response to H₂O₂, IR, and some drugs, which parallels the phosphorylation of histone variant, [gamma]H2AX, a marker of DSBs. Using immunofluorescence, we have demonstrated in cells treated with IR (0.5 Gy) that [gamma]Sp1101 forms discrete foci which co-localize with [gamma]H2AX. Using laser micro-irradiation and by creating DSBs at specific endogenous endonuclease sites, we have demonstrated that ySp1101 is specifically recruited to DSBs. The recruitment of Sp1 to the DSB appears to be through interaction with Nbs1; depletion of Nbs1 using siRNA abolishes the phosphorylation of Sp1 and its recruitment to DSBs. In contrast, the phosphorylation of Sp1 in response to UV is delayed compared to H2AX. Localization of [gamma]Sp l01 in response to UV varies throughout the cell cycle, and largely overlaps with the distribution of phospho-ATM and [gamma]H2AX. The phosphorylation of S101 is inhibited in cell lines deficient in nucleotide excision repair. Together, these data provide evidence for a role of Sp1 in the cellular response to DNA damage and as a potential biomarker.
Metrics
31 File views/ downloads
20 Record Views
Details
Title
Characterization of the role of transcription factor Sp1 and its ATM-mediated phosphorylation in the cellular response to DNA damage
Creators
Crystal Marie Kelly
Contributors
Jane Clifford (Advisor) - Drexel University, Drexel University (1970-)
Awarding Institution
Drexel University
Degree Awarded
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Publisher
Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Number of pages
viii, 315 pages
Resource Type
Dissertation
Language
English
Academic Unit
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; College of Medicine; Drexel University
Other Identifier
991021888745304721
Research Home Page
Browse by research and academic units
Learn about the ETD submission process at Drexel
Learn about the Libraries’ research data management services