Soluble histone H2AX is induced by DNA replication stress and sensitizes cells to undergo apoptosis
2008

Soluble Histone H2AX and DNA Replication Stress

Sample size: 100 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Liu Ying, Parry Joshua A, Chin Anna, Duensing Stefan, Duensing Anette

Primary Institution: University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute

Hypothesis

Can stalling of DNA replication trigger increased soluble H2AX?

Conclusion

DNA replication stress leads to increased soluble H2AX, which sensitizes cells to apoptosis.

Supporting Evidence

  • Transient overexpression of H2AX led to a significant increase in apoptosis.
  • Soluble H2AX was detected after treatment with aphidicolin, indicating DNA replication stress.
  • Cells expressing H2AX showed chromatin aggregation and loss of active RNA polymerase II.

Takeaway

When cells have trouble copying their DNA, a special protein called H2AX can build up and make the cells more likely to die.

Methodology

The study involved transfecting U-2 OS and H1299 cells with H2AX constructs and treating them with aphidicolin to induce DNA replication stress.

Participant Demographics

Human osteosarcoma and lung cancer cell lines were used.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p ≤ 0.001

Statistical Significance

p ≤ 0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1476-4598-7-61

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