DNA damage-induced SUMOylation serves as a signal for two antagonizing proteins that both stimulate repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Here, we demonstrate that the SUMO-dependent... Show moreDNA damage-induced SUMOylation serves as a signal for two antagonizing proteins that both stimulate repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Here, we demonstrate that the SUMO-dependent recruitment of the deubiquitylating enzyme ataxin-3 to DSBs, unlike recruitment of the ubiquitin ligase RNF4, additionally depends on poly [ADP-ribose] polymerase 1 (PARP1)-mediated poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation (PARylation). The co-dependence of ataxin-3 recruitment on PARylation and SUMOylation temporally confines ataxin-3 to DSBs immediately after occurrence of DNA damage. We propose that this mechanism ensures that ataxin-3 prevents the premature removal of DNA repair proteins only during the early phase of the DSB response and does not interfere with the subsequent timely displacement of DNA repair proteins by RNF4. Thus, our data show that PARylation differentially regulates SUMO-dependent recruitment of ataxin-3 and RNF4 to DSBs, explaining how both proteins can play a stimulatory role at DSBs despite their opposing activities. Show less
The post-translational modification of proteins known as adenosine diphosphate ribosylation (ADPr) is involved in a wide variety of important biological processes and is also associated with... Show moreThe post-translational modification of proteins known as adenosine diphosphate ribosylation (ADPr) is involved in a wide variety of important biological processes and is also associated with carcinogenesis and the process of aging. Therefore, a better understanding of the biology of ADP-ribosylation is crucial for the development of novel therapeutics. To facilitate this research, the availability of well-defined fragments of mono- and poly-ADP-ribose is essential. This Thesis describes the development of new synthetic methodologies to achieve this and the successful synthesis of well-defined ADP-ribosylated biomolecules. Show less
