ATDC (Ataxia Telangiectasia Group D Complementing) Promotes Radioresistance through an Interaction with the RNF8 Ubiquitin Ligase

Induction of DNA damage by ionizing radiation (IR) and/or cytotoxic chemotherapy is an essential component of cancer therapy. The ataxia telangiectasia group D complementing gene (ATDC, also called TRIM29) is highly expressed in many malignancies. It participates in the DNA damage response downstream of ataxia telangiectasia-mutated (ATM) and p38/MK2 and promotes cell survival after IR. To elucidate the downstream mechanisms of ATDC-induced IR protection, we performed a mass spectrometry screen to identify ATDC binding partners. We identified a direct physical interaction between ATDC and the E3 ubiquitin ligase and DNA damage response protein, RNF8, which is required for ATDC-induced radioresistance. This interaction was refined to the C-terminal portion (amino acids 348-588) of ATDC and the RING domain of RNF8 and was disrupted by mutation of ATDC Ser-550 to alanine. Mutations disrupting this interaction abrogated ATDC-induced radioresistance. The interaction between RNF8 and ATDC, which was increased by IR, also promoted downstream DNA damage responses such as IR-induced γ-H2AX ubiquitination, 53BP1 phosphorylation, and subsequent resolution of the DNA damage foci. These studies define a novel function for ATDC in the RNF8-mediated DNA damage response and implicate RNF8 binding as a key determinant of the radioprotective function of ATDC.