The protein encoded by the breast cancer susceptibility gene BRCA1 participates in the DNA damage response and acts as a ubiquitin ligase; however, its regulation remains poorly understood. The ligase activity of BRCA1 is now shown to require PIAS-mediated modification with SUMO, and in the absence of PIAS SUMO ligases, DNA repair is impeded. The data demonstrate that the SUMOylation pathway has a significant role in the mammalian DNA damage response.
- Joanna R. Morris
- Chris Boutell
- Ellen Solomon
