RNA-binging protein RBM14 regulates dissociation and association of non-homologous end joining proteins

Defects in DNA damage response (DDR) are associated with multiple diseases, including cancers and neurodegenerative disorders. Emerging evidence indicates involvement of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) in DDR. However, functions of the RBPs in DDR pathways remain elusive. We have shown previously that the RNA-binding protein RBM14 is required for non-homologous end joining (NHEJ). Here we show that RBM14 is required for efficient recruitment of XRCC4 and XLF to chromatin and release of KU proteins from chromatin upon DNA damage. Failure of this process leads to accumulation of double-strand breaks (DSBs) in cells. Thus RBM14 plays crucial role in regulation of NHEJ upon DNA damage.