MYC assembles and stimulates topoisomerases 1 and 2 in a “topoisome”
Subhendu Das, Vladislav Kuzin, Donald P. Cameron, Suzanne Sanford, Rajeev Jha, Zuqin Nie, Marta Trullols Rosello, Ronald J. Holewinski, Þorkell Andrésson, Jan Wiśniewski, Toyoaki Natsume, David H. Price, Brian A. Lewis, Fedor Kouzine, David Levens, Laura Baranello
Abstract
High-intensity transcription and replication supercoil DNA to levels that can impede or halt these processes. As a potent transcription amplifier and replication accelerator, the proto-oncogene MYC must manage this interfering torsional stress. By comparing gene expression with the recruitment of topoisomerases and MYC to promoters, we surmised a direct association of MYC with topoisomerase 1 (TOP1) and TOP2 that was confirmed in vitro and in cells. Beyond recruiting topoisomerases, MYC directly stimulates their activities. We identify a MYC-nucleated "topoisome" complex that unites TOP1 and TOP2 and increases their levels and activities at promoters, gene bodies, and enhancers. Whether TOP2A or TOP2B is included in the topoisome is dictated by the presence of MYC versus MYCN, respectively. Thus, in vitro and in cells, MYC assembles tools that simplify DNA topology and promote genome function under high output conditions.