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Function

DNA repair protein XRCC4

DNA non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) core factor, required for double-strand break repair and V(D)J recombination (PubMed:10757784, PubMed:10854421, PubMed:12517771, PubMed:16412978, PubMed:17124166, PubMed:17290226, PubMed:22228831, PubMed:25597996, PubMed:25742519, PubMed:25934149, PubMed:26100018, PubMed:26774286, PubMed:8548796). Acts as a scaffold protein that regulates recruitment of other proteins to DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) (PubMed:15385968, PubMed:20852255, PubMed:26774286, PubMed:27437582). Associates with NHEJ1/XLF to form alternating helical filaments that bridge DNA and act like a bandage, holding together the broken DNA until it is repaired (PubMed:21768349, PubMed:21775435, PubMed:22287571, PubMed:26100018, PubMed:27437582, PubMed:28500754). The XRCC4-NHEJ1/XLF subcomplex binds to the DNA fragments of a DSB in a highly diffusive manner and robustly bridges two independent DNA molecules, holding the broken DNA fragments in close proximity to one other (PubMed:27437582). The mobility of the bridges ensures that the ends remain accessible for further processing by other repair factors (PubMed:27437582). Plays a key role in the NHEJ ligation step of the broken DNA during DSB repair via direct interaction with DNA ligase IV (LIG4): the LIG4-XRCC4 subcomplex reseals the DNA breaks after the gap filling is completed (PubMed:10757784, PubMed:10854421, PubMed:12517771, PubMed:17290226, PubMed:19837014, PubMed:9242410). XRCC4 stabilizes LIG4, regulates its subcellular localization and enhances LIG4's joining activity (PubMed:10757784, PubMed:10854421, PubMed:12517771, PubMed:17290226, PubMed:21982441, PubMed:22228831, PubMed:9242410). Binding of the LIG4-XRCC4 subcomplex to DNA ends is dependent on the assembly of the DNA-dependent protein kinase complex DNA-PK to these DNA ends (PubMed:10757784, PubMed:10854421). Promotes displacement of PNKP from processed strand break termini (PubMed:20852255, PubMed:28453785).

Protein XRCC4, C-terminus

Acts as an activator of the phospholipid scramblase activity of XKR4 (PubMed:33725486). This form, which is generated upon caspase-3 (CASP3) cleavage, translocates into the cytoplasm and interacts with XKR4, thereby promoting phosphatidylserine scramblase activity of XKR4 and leading to phosphatidylserine exposure on apoptotic cell surface (PubMed:33725486).

Involvement in disease

Short stature, microcephaly, and endocrine dysfunction

SSMED

A disease characterized by short stature and microcephaly apparent at birth, progressive postnatal growth failure, and endocrine dysfunction. In affected adults endocrine features include hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, multinodular goiter, and diabetes mellitus. Variable features observed in some patients are progressive ataxia, and lymphopenia or borderline leukopenia.

None

The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry.

Post-translational modifications

Phosphorylated by PRKDC at the C-terminus in response to DNA damage; Ser-260 and Ser-320 constitute the main phosphorylation sites (PubMed:12547193, PubMed:14599745, PubMed:15177042, PubMed:26666690, PubMed:28500754, PubMed:30247612, PubMed:9430729). Phosphorylations by PRKDC at the C-terminus of XRCC4 and NHEJ1/XLF are highly redundant and regulate ability of the XRCC4-NHEJ1/XLF subcomplex to bridge DNA (PubMed:22228831, PubMed:28500754). Phosphorylation by PRKDC does not prevent interaction with NHEJ1/XLF but disrupts ability to bridge DNA and promotes detachment from DNA (PubMed:22228831, PubMed:28500754). Phosphorylation at Ser-327 and Ser-328 by PRKDC promotes recognition by the SCF(FBXW7) complex and subsequent ubiquitination via 'Lys-63'-linked ubiquitin (PubMed:26774286). Phosphorylation at Thr-233 by CK2 promotes interaction with PNKP; regulating PNKP activity and localization to DNA damage sites (PubMed:15385968, PubMed:20852255, PubMed:28453785). Phosphorylation by CK2 promotes interaction with APTX (PubMed:15380105).

Ubiquitinated at Lys-296 by the SCF(FBXW7) complex via 'Lys-63'-linked ubiquitination, thereby promoting double-strand break repair: the SCF(FBXW7) complex specifically recognizes XRCC4 when phosphorylated at Ser-327 and Ser-328 by PRKDC, and 'Lys-63'-linked ubiquitination facilitates DNA non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) by enhancing association with XRCC5/Ku80 and XRCC6/Ku70 (PubMed:26774286). Monoubiquitinated (PubMed:16412978).

DNA repair protein XRCC4

Undergoes proteolytic processing by caspase-3 (CASP3) (Probable) (PubMed:33725486). This generates the protein XRCC4, C-terminus (XRCC4/C), which translocates to the cytoplasm and activates phospholipid scramblase activity of XKR4, thereby promoting phosphatidylserine exposure on apoptotic cell surface (PubMed:33725486).

Sequence similarities

Belongs to the XRCC4-XLF family. XRCC4 subfamily.

Tissue specificity

Widely expressed.

Cellular localization

  • Nucleus
  • Chromosome
  • Localizes to site of double-strand breaks.
  • Protein XRCC4, C-terminus
  • Cytoplasm
  • Translocates from the nucleus to the cytoplasm following cleavage by caspase-3 (CASP3).

Alternative names

DNA repair protein XRCC4, hXRCC4, X-ray repair cross-complementing protein 4, XRCC4

Target type

Proteins

Primary research area

Oncology

Molecular weight

38287Da

We found 1 product in 1 category

Primary Antibodies

Target

Application

Reactive species

Search our catalogue for 'XRCC4' (1)

Products

ab317697

Anti-XRCC4 antibody [EPR28958-63]

Recombinant
RabMAb
20ul selling size