The ERCC1 and ERCC4 (XPF) genes and gene products

Gene. 2015 Sep 15;569(2):153-61. doi: 10.1016/j.gene.2015.06.026. Epub 2015 Jun 12.

Abstract

The ERCC1 and ERCC4 genes encode the two subunits of the ERCC1-XPF nuclease. This enzyme plays an important role in repair of DNA damage and in maintaining genomic stability. ERCC1-XPF nuclease nicks DNA specifically at junctions between double-stranded and single-stranded DNA, when the single-strand is oriented 5' to 3' away from a junction. ERCC1-XPF is a core component of nucleotide excision repair and also plays a role in interstrand crosslink repair, some pathways of double-strand break repair by homologous recombination and end-joining, as a backup enzyme in base excision repair, and in telomere length regulation. In many of these activities, ERCC1-XPF complex cleaves the 3' tails of DNA intermediates in preparation for further processing. ERCC1-XPF interacts with other proteins including XPA, RPA, SLX4 and TRF2 to perform its functions. Disruption of these interactions or direct targeting of ERCC1-XPF to decrease its DNA repair function might be a useful strategy to increase the sensitivity of cancer cells to some DNA damaging agents. Complete deletion of either ERCC1 or ERCC4 is not compatible with viability in mice or humans. However, mutations in the ERCC1 or ERCC4 genes cause a remarkable array of rare inherited human disorders. These include specific forms of xeroderma pigmentosum, Cockayne syndrome, Fanconi anemia, XFE progeria and cerebro-oculo-facio-skeletal syndrome.

Keywords: DNA repair genes; Human; Nucleases; Nucleotide excision repair; Ultraviolet light.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • DNA Repair*
  • DNA Repair-Deficiency Disorders / genetics*
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics*
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Endonucleases / genetics*
  • Endonucleases / metabolism*
  • Fungi / genetics
  • Fungi / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / genetics

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • xeroderma pigmentosum group F protein
  • ERCC1 protein, human
  • Endonucleases