DCLRE1C

This gene encodes a nuclear protein that is involved in V(D)J recombination and DNA repair. The encoded protein has single-strand-specific 5'-3' exonuclease activity; it also exhibits endonuclease activity on 5' and 3' overhangs and hairpins. The protein also functions in the regulation of the cell cycle in response to DNA damage. Mutations in this gene can cause Athabascan-type severe combined immunodeficiency (SCIDA) and Omenn syndrome. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants. [provided by RefSeq, Jan 2014]

Full Name

DNA Cross-Link Repair 1C

Function

Required for V(D)J recombination, the process by which exons encoding the antigen-binding domains of immunoglobulins and T-cell receptor proteins are assembled from individual V, (D), and J gene segments. V(D)J recombination is initiated by the lymphoid specific RAG endonuclease complex, which generates site specific DNA double strand breaks (DSBs). These DSBs present two types of DNA end structures: hairpin sealed coding ends and phosphorylated blunt signal ends. These ends are independently repaired by the non homologous end joining (NHEJ) pathway to form coding and signal joints respectively. This protein exhibits single-strand specific 5'-3' exonuclease activity in isolation and acquires endonucleolytic activity on 5' and 3' hairpins and overhangs when in a complex with PRKDC. The latter activity is required specifically for the resolution of closed hairpins prior to the formation of the coding joint. May also be required for the repair of complex DSBs induced by ionizing radiation, which require substantial end-processing prior to religation by NHEJ.

Biological Process

Adaptive immune response Source: UniProtKB-KW
B cell differentiation Source: Ensembl
Double-strand break repair via nonhomologous end joining Source: GO_Central
Interstrand cross-link repair Source: GO_Central
Protection from non-homologous end joining at telomere Source: GO_Central
Response to ionizing radiation Source: Ensembl
V(D)J recombination Source: Ensembl

Cellular Location

Nucleus

Involvement in disease

Severe combined immunodeficiency autosomal recessive T-cell-negative/B-cell-negative/NK-cell-positive with sensitivity to ionizing radiation (RSSCID):
A form of severe combined immunodeficiency, a genetically and clinically heterogeneous group of rare congenital disorders characterized by impairment of both humoral and cell-mediated immunity, leukopenia, and low or absent antibody levels. Patients present in infancy with recurrent, persistent infections by opportunistic organisms. The common characteristic of all types of SCID is absence of T-cell-mediated cellular immunity due to a defect in T-cell development. Individuals affected by RS-SCID show defects in the DNA repair machinery necessary for coding joint formation and the completion of V(D)J recombination. A subset of cells from such patients show increased radiosensitivity.
Severe combined immunodeficiency Athabaskan type (SCIDA):
A variety of SCID with sensitivity to ionizing radiation. A founder mutation has been detected in Athabascan-speaking native Americans, being inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. Affected individuals exhibit clinical symptoms and defects in DNA repair comparable to those seen in RS-SCID.
Omenn syndrome (OS):
Severe immunodeficiency characterized by the presence of activated, anergic, oligoclonal T-cells, hypereosinophilia, and high IgE levels.

PTM

Phosphorylation on undefined residues by PRKDC may stimulate endonucleolytic activity on 5' and 3' hairpins and overhangs. PRKDC must remain present, even after phosphorylation, for efficient hairpin opening. Also phosphorylated by ATM in response to ionizing radiation (IR) and by ATR in response to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.