ATM/Wip1 activities at chromatin control Plk1 re-activation to determine G2 checkpoint duration.

Jaiswal H, Benada J, Müllers E, Akopyan K, Burdova K, Koolmeister T, Helleday T, Medema RH, Macurek L, Lindqvist A

EMBO J. 36 (14) 2161-2176 [2017-07-14; online 2017-06-12]

After DNA damage, the cell cycle is arrested to avoid propagation of mutations. Arrest in G2 phase is initiated by ATM-/ATR-dependent signaling that inhibits mitosis-promoting kinases such as Plk1. At the same time, Plk1 can counteract ATR-dependent signaling and is required for eventual resumption of the cell cycle. However, what determines when Plk1 activity can resume remains unclear. Here, we use FRET-based reporters to show that a global spread of ATM activity on chromatin and phosphorylation of ATM targets including KAP1 control Plk1 re-activation. These phosphorylations are rapidly counteracted by the chromatin-bound phosphatase Wip1, allowing cell cycle restart despite persistent ATM activity present at DNA lesions. Combining experimental data and mathematical modeling, we propose a model for how the minimal duration of cell cycle arrest is controlled. Our model shows how cell cycle restart can occur before completion of DNA repair and suggests a mechanism for checkpoint adaptation in human cells.

Affiliated researcher

PubMed 28607002

DOI 10.15252/embj.201696082

Crossref 10.15252/embj.201696082

pii: embj.201696082
pmc: PMC5510006


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