The COP1-ADA2b module mediates light regulation of DNA double-strand break repair in Arabidopsis

Abstract DNA double-strand break (DSB) represents the most severe form of DNA damage, and both defective and hyperactive repair can compromise genome stability. It is known that blue light promotes DSB repair by cryptochromes (CRYs)-enhanced STRUCTURAL MAINTENANCE OF CHROMOSOME 5/6 (SMC5/6) complex recruitment via ALTERATION/DEFICIENCY IN ACTIVATION 2B (ADA2b). Here, we report a negative regulatory module consisting of CONSTITUTIVE PHOTOMORPHOGENIC 1 (COP1), an E3 ubiquitin ligase acting as a central repressor of photomorphogenesis, and ADA2b, a pivotal positive regulator of DNA repair, mediates light regulation of DSB repair. Light induces the accumulation of ADA2b, while COP1 physically interacts with ADA2b to mediate its ubiquitination and degradation through the 26S proteasome. The cop1-4 mutant exhibits enhanced DNA damage resistance under various light conditions, whereas the red/far-red photoreceptor phytochrome A and B (phyA/phyB) mutant displays hypersensitivity under red light. COP1 lies upstream of ADA2b but downstream of CRYs and phyB to regulate DNA repair. These findings reveal a pivotal role for the COP1-ADA2b module in CRYs- and phyA/phyB-mediated light regulation of DSB repair. The antagonistic regulation of ADA2b stability by photoreceptors and COP1 may dynamically calibrate DNA repair activity to maintain genome stability and optimize plant growth according to the fluctuating light conditions.