Strand-specific ChIP-seq at DNA breaks distinguishes ssDNA versus dsDNA binding and refutes single-stranded nucleosomes

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

  • Martina Peritore
  • Karl Uwe Reusswig
  • Bantele, Susi
  • Tobias Straub
  • Boris Pfander

In a first step of DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair by homologous recombination, DNA ends are resected such that single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) overhangs are generated. ssDNA is specifically bound by RPA and other factors, which constitutes a ssDNA-domain on damaged chromatin. The molecular organization of this ssDNA and the adjacent dsDNA domain is crucial during DSB signaling and repair. However, data regarding the presence of nucleosomes, the most basic chromatin components, in the ssDNA domain have been contradictory. Here, we use site-specific induction of DSBs and chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by strand-specific sequencing to analyze in vivo binding of key DSB repair and signaling proteins to either the ssDNA or dsDNA domain. In the case of nucleosomes, we show that recently proposed ssDNA nucleosomes are not a major, persistent species, but that nucleosome eviction and DNA end resection are intrinsically coupled. These results support a model of separated dsDNA-nucleosome and ssDNA-RPA domains during DSB repair.

Original languageEnglish
JournalMolecular Cell
Volume81
Issue number8
Pages (from-to)1841-1853.e4
Number of pages18
ISSN1097-2765
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2021 Elsevier Inc.

    Research areas

  • DNA binding, DNA double-stranded breaks, DNA end resection, histone, homologous recombination, nucleosome, nucleosome remodeller, single-stranded DNA

ID: 263017049