Nuclear localization of cyclin B1 regulates DNA damage–induced apoptosis

Abstract

Some cells undergo apoptosis in response to DNA damage, whereas others do not. To understand the biochemical pathways controlling this differential response, we have studied the intracellular localization of cyclin B1 in cell types sensitive or resistant to apoptosis induced by DNA damage. We found that cyclin B1 protein accumulates in the nucleus of cells that are sensitive to γ radiation–induced apoptosis (thymocytes, lymphoid cell lines), but remains cytoplasmic in apoptosis-resistant cells (primary and transformed fibroblasts). Treatment of both cell types with leptomycin B, an inhibitor of CRM1-dependent cyclin B1 nuclear export, induces apoptosis. Furthermore, ectopic expression of cyclin B1-5xE, a protein that preferentially localizes to the nucleus, is sufficient to trigger apoptosis. Conversely, expression of cyclin B1-5xA, a predominantly cytoplasmic protein, fails to induce apoptosis. This suggests that nuclear accumulation is necessary for cyclin B1–dependent apoptosis. Our observations are consistent with the idea that localization of cyclin B1 is among the factors determining the cellular decision to undergo apoptosis in response to DNA damage.