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MRE11 deacetylation by SIRT2 promotes DNA binding to facilitate DNA end resection and ATM-dependent signaling
Fatmata Sesay, Hui Zhang, Priya Kapoor-Vazirani, Andrew T. Jung, Mark E. Essien, Amanda J. Bastien, Nho C. Luong, Xu Liu, PamelaSara E. Head, Duc M. Duong, Xiaofeng Yang, Zachary S. Buchwald, Xingming Deng, Nicholas T. Seyfried, David S. Yu
Fatmata Sesay, Hui Zhang, Priya Kapoor-Vazirani, Andrew T. Jung, Mark E. Essien, Amanda J. Bastien, Nho C. Luong, Xu Liu, PamelaSara E. Head, Duc M. Duong, Xiaofeng Yang, Zachary S. Buchwald, Xingming Deng, Nicholas T. Seyfried, David S. Yu
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Research Article Cell biology Oncology

MRE11 deacetylation by SIRT2 promotes DNA binding to facilitate DNA end resection and ATM-dependent signaling

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Abstract

MRE11, a breast tumor suppressor and component of the MRE11-RAD50-NBS1 complex, plays a critical role in DNA end resection and initiation of ataxia-telangiectasia mutation–dependent (ATM-dependent) DNA damage signaling. However, the precise mechanisms governing MRE11 function in the DNA damage response (DDR) remain incompletely understood. Here, we found that MRE11 is deacetylated by the SIRT2 sirtuin deacetylase and breast tumor suppressor, which promotes DNA binding to facilitate DNA end resection and ATM-dependent signaling. SIRT2 deacetylase activity promoted DNA end resection. SIRT2 further complexed with and deacetylated MRE11 at conserved lysine 393 (K393) in response to DNA double-stranded breaks (DSBs), which promoted MRE11 localization and DNA binding at DSBs but not interaction with RAD50, NBS1, or CtIP. Moreover, MRE11 K393 deacetylation by SIRT2 promoted ATM-dependent signaling. Our findings define a mechanism regulating MRE11 binding to DNA through SIRT2 deacetylation, elucidating a critical upstream signaling event directing MRE11 function in the DDR and providing insight into how SIRT2 dysregulation leads to genomic instability and tumorigenesis.

Authors

Fatmata Sesay, Hui Zhang, Priya Kapoor-Vazirani, Andrew T. Jung, Mark E. Essien, Amanda J. Bastien, Nho C. Luong, Xu Liu, PamelaSara E. Head, Duc M. Duong, Xiaofeng Yang, Zachary S. Buchwald, Xingming Deng, Nicholas T. Seyfried, David S. Yu

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Figure 7

MRE11 acetylation at K393 impairs HR.

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MRE11 acetylation at K393 impairs HR.
(A) U20S cells were either not sil...
(A) U20S cells were either not silenced or silenced for MRE11 and expressing SFB-MRE11 proteins where indicated, then treated with 6 Gy IR and recovered for 4 hours. Cells were processed for IF with antibodies against RAD51 and γH2AX. (B) The percentage of cells with RAD51 foci was calculated. Three independent experiments were conducted, and data are presented as the mean ± SD. (C) Western blot indicating downregulation of MRE11 and expression of SFB-MRE11 in A. (D) Colony formation assay in U2OS cells after MRE11 knockdown and re-expression of mutant MRE11 proteins. Percentages of colonies surviving relative to no treatment (siNT) are shown. The experiment was conducted 3 independent times, and data are represented as the mean ± SD. Western blots shown are representative, and each experiment was conducted at least 3 independent times. Statistical significance was determined using 1-way ANOVA followed by Dunnett’s post-hoc test for multiple comparisons. *P < 0.05, *** P < 0.001, and ****P < 0.0001. NT, nontargeting.

Copyright © 2026 American Society for Clinical Investigation
ISSN: 0021-9738 (print), 1558-8238 (online)

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