RPA shields inherited DNA lesions for post-mitotic DNA synthesis

The paradigm that checkpoints halt cell cycle progression for genome repair has been challenged by the recent discovery of heritable DNA lesions escaping checkpoint control. How such inherited lesions affect genome function and integrity is not well understood. Here, we identify a new class of heritable DNA lesions, which is marked by replication protein A (RPA), a protein primarily known for shielding single-stranded DNA in S/G2. We demonstrate that post-mitotic RPA foci occur at low frequency during unperturbed cell cycle progression, originate from the previous cell cycle, and are exacerbated upon replication stress. RPA-marked inherited ssDNA lesions are found at telomeres, particularly of ALT-positive cancer cells. We reveal that RPA protects these replication remnants in G1 to allow for post-mitotic DNA synthesis (post-MiDAS). Given that ALT-positive cancer cells exhibit high levels of replication stress and telomere fragility, targeting post-MiDAS might be a new therapeutic opportunity. Single-stranded DNA during DNA replication and repair in S/G2 needs protection by replication protein A (RPA). Here the authors reveal that RPA also shields inherited single-stranded DNA in G1, representing replication remnants from the previous cell cycle, to allow for post-mitotic DNA synthesis.

Automated summary

Recent studies have challenged the paradigm that checkpoints halt cell cycle progression for genome repair by discovering heritable DNA lesions escaping checkpoint control. The authors of this study have identified a new class of heritable DNA lesions marked by RPA, which are found to occur post-mitotically and exacerbated upon replication stress. Targeting post-mitotic DNA synthesis may offer a new therapeutic opportunity for ALT-positive cancer cells with high levels of replication stress and telomere fragility.