ATM-Chk2-p53 activation prevents tumorigenesis at an expense of organ homeostasis upon Brca1 deficiency

EMBO J. 2006 May 17;25(10):2167-77. doi: 10.1038/sj.emboj.7601115. Epub 2006 May 4.

Abstract

BRCA1 is a checkpoint and DNA damage repair gene that secures genome integrity. We have previously shown that mice lacking full-length Brca1 (Brca1(delta11/delta11)) die during embryonic development. Haploid loss of p53 completely rescues embryonic lethality, and adult Brca1(delta11/delta11)p53+/- mice display cancer susceptibility and premature aging. Here, we show that reduced expression and/or the absence of Chk2 allow Brca1(delta11/delta11) mice to escape from embryonic lethality. Compared to Brca1(delta11/delta11)p53+/- mice, lifespan of Brca1(delta11/delta11)Chk2-/- mice was remarkably extended. Analysis of Brca1(delta11/delta11)Chk2-/- mice revealed that p53-dependent apoptosis and growth defect caused by Brca1 deficiency are significantly attenuated in rapidly proliferating organs. However, in later life, Brca1(delta11/delta11)Chk2-/- female mice developed multiple tumors. Furthermore, haploid loss of ATM also rescued Brca1 deficiency-associated embryonic lethality and premature aging. Thus, in response to Brca1 deficiency, the activation of the ATM-Chk2-p53 signaling pathway contributes to the suppression of neoplastic transformation, while leading to compromised organismal homeostasis. Our data highlight how accurate maintenance of genomic integrity is critical for the suppression of both aging and malignancy, and provide a further link between aging and cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural

MeSH terms

  • Aging, Premature
  • Anatomy
  • Animals
  • Apoptosis / physiology
  • Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated Proteins
  • BRCA1 Protein / genetics
  • BRCA1 Protein / metabolism*
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / genetics
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / metabolism*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Cellular Senescence / physiology
  • Checkpoint Kinase 2
  • DNA Damage
  • DNA Repair
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Embryo, Mammalian / anatomy & histology
  • Embryo, Mammalian / physiology
  • Female
  • Fibroblasts / cytology
  • Fibroblasts / physiology
  • Homeostasis*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / genetics
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction / physiology
  • Stem Cells / physiology
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / genetics
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / metabolism*
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / genetics
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • BRCA1 Protein
  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins
  • Checkpoint Kinase 2
  • Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated Proteins
  • Atm protein, mouse
  • Chek2 protein, mouse
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases