The csnD/csnE signalosome genes are involved in the Aspergillus nidulans DNA damage response

Genetics. 2005 Nov;171(3):1003-15. doi: 10.1534/genetics.105.041376. Epub 2005 Aug 3.

Abstract

The signalosome (CSN) is a conserved multiprotein complex involved in regulation of eukaryotic development and is also required to activate ribonucleotide reductase for DNA synthesis. In Aspergillus nidulans, csnD/csnE are key regulators of sexual development. Here, we investigated whether the csnD/csnE genes are involved in the DNA damage response in this fungus. The growth of the csnD/csnE deletion mutants was reduced by subinhibitory concentrations of hydroxyurea, camptothecin, 4-nitroquinoline oxide, and methyl methanesulfonate. A. nidulans increases csnD/csnE mRNA levels when it is challenged by different DNA-damaging agents. There is no significant transcriptional induction of the csnE promoter fused with lacZ gene in the presence of DNA-damaging agents, suggesting that increased mRNA accumulation is due to increased mRNA stability. Septation was not inhibited in the csnD/csnE deletion mutants while DeltauvsB DeltacsnE presented an increase in septation upon DNA damage caused by methyl methanesulfonate, suggesting that uvsB(ATR) and csnE genetically interact during checkpoint-dependent inhibition of septum formation. The double DeltacsnD/DeltacsnE DeltanpkA mutants were more sensitive to DNA-damaging agents than were the respective single mutants. Our results suggest that csnD/csnE genes are involved in the DNA damage response and that NpkA and UvsB(ATR) genetically interact with the signalosome.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aspergillus nidulans / genetics*
  • Aspergillus nidulans / physiology
  • COP9 Signalosome Complex
  • DNA Damage / physiology*
  • DNA Repair / genetics*
  • DNA Repair / physiology
  • Genes, Fungal*
  • Multiprotein Complexes / genetics*
  • Peptide Hydrolases / genetics*
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Reproduction / genetics
  • Ribonucleotide Reductases / biosynthesis
  • Ribonucleotide Reductases / genetics

Substances

  • Multiprotein Complexes
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Ribonucleotide Reductases
  • Peptide Hydrolases
  • COP9 Signalosome Complex