The Ubiquitin Ligase TRAIP: Double-Edged Sword at the Replisome

Trends Cell Biol. 2021 Feb;31(2):75-85. doi: 10.1016/j.tcb.2020.11.007. Epub 2020 Dec 11.

Abstract

In preparation for cell division, the genome must be copied with high fidelity. However, replisomes often encounter obstacles, including bulky DNA lesions caused by reactive metabolites and chemotherapeutics, as well as stable nucleoprotein complexes. Here, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of TRAIP, a replisome-associated E3 ubiquitin ligase that is mutated in microcephalic primordial dwarfism. In interphase, TRAIP helps replisomes overcome DNA interstrand crosslinks and DNA-protein crosslinks, whereas in mitosis it triggers disassembly of all replisomes that remain on chromatin. We describe a model to explain how TRAIP performs these disparate functions and how they help maintain genome integrity.

Keywords: DNA interstrand crosslink repair; DNA-protein crosslink repair; E3 ubiquitin ligase; mitotic DNA replication; replication termination.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • DNA Helicases / chemistry
  • DNA Helicases / metabolism*
  • DNA Repair*
  • DNA Replication*
  • Humans
  • Mitosis*
  • Ubiquitin / metabolism
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases / genetics
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases / metabolism*
  • Ubiquitination
  • Xenopus laevis

Substances

  • Ubiquitin
  • TRAIP protein, human
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases
  • DNA Helicases