Tracking break-induced replication shows that it stalls at roadblocks

Break-induced replication (BIR) repairs one-ended double-strand breaks in DNA similar to those formed by replication collapse or telomere erosion, and it has been implicated in the initiation of genome instability in cancer and other human diseases(1,2). Previous studies have defined the enzymes that are required for BIR1-5; however, understanding of initial and extended BIR synthesis, and of how the migrating D-loop proceeds through known replication roadblocks, has been precluded by technical limitations. Here we use a newly developed assay to show that BIR synthesis initiates soon after strand invasion and proceeds more slowly than S-phase replication. Without primase, leading strand synthesis is initiated efficiently, but is unable to proceed beyond 30 kilobases, suggesting that primase is needed for stabilization of the nascent leading strand. DNA synthesis can initiate in the absence of Pif1 or Pol32, but does not proceed efficiently. Interstitial telomeric DNA disrupts and terminates BIR progression, and BIR initiation is suppressed by transcription proportionally to the transcription level. Collisions between BIR and transcription lead to mutagenesis and chromosome rearrangements at levels that exceed instabilities induced by transcription during normal replication. Together, these results provide fundamental insights into the mechanism of BIR and how BIR contributes to genome instability.

Automated summary

Break-induced replication (BIR) repairs DNA double-strand breaks and plays a role in genome instability, with enzymes required for BIR synthesis identified. New research shows BIR synthesis starts soon after strand invasion, progresses slower than S-phase replication, and requires primase for stabilization of the nascent leading strand. DNA synthesis can initiate in the absence of certain enzymes, but efficiency is compromised. Interstitial telomeric DNA and transcription can disrupt and suppress BIR initiation, leading to mutagenesis and chromosome rearrangements.