Functional characterization of roles of histone deacetylases in the regulation of DNA damage response

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are a family of enzymes whose functions have been overwhelmingly associated with gene expression and chromatin dynamics by modifying the histone tails. In recent years, intensive studies have demonstrated that many non-histone proteins also could serve as substrates for HDACs. And their functions and activities have been found to be regulated by posttranslational acetylation on the ε-amino group of lysines. Here, we report that two DNA repair factors including NBS1 (Nijmegen breakage syndrome 1) and ATDC (Ataxia-Telangiectasia Group D Complementing) are acetylated proteins. SIRT1 could maintain NBS1 in a hypoacetylated state, which is required for ionizing radiation-induced NBS1 Ser343 phosphorylation. And by modulating the acetylation of ATDC, HDAC9 could prevent ATDC-p53 complex formation, promoting IR-induced cell death. These data suggest HDACs play much wider roles in cells in addition to their transcriptional repression function