A homozygous mutation of human tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (TDP1) causes the neurodegenerative syndrome, spinocerebellar ataxia with axonal neuropathy (SCAN1). TDP1 hydrolyzes the phosphodiester bond between DNA 3′-end and a tyrosyl moiety within trapped topoisomerase I (Top1)-DNA covalent complexes (Top1cc). TDP1 is critical for mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) repair; however, the role of mitochondria remains largely unknown for the etiology of SCAN1. We demonstrate that mitochondria in cells expressing SCAN1-TDP1 (TDP1H493R) are selectively trapped on mtDNA in the regulatory non-coding region and promoter sequences. Trapped TDP1H493R-mtDNA complexes were markedly increased in the presence of the Top1 poison (mito-SN38) when targeted selectively into mitochondria in nanoparticles. TDP1H493R-trapping accumulates mtDNA damage and triggers Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission, which blocks mitobiogenesis. TDP1H493R prompts PTEN-induced kinase 1–dependent mitophagy to eliminate dysfunctional mitochondria. SCAN1-TDP1 in mitochondria creates a pathological state that allows neurons to turn on mitophagy to rescue fit mitochondria as a mechanism of survival.

Human tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterases (TDP) hydrolyze the phosphodiester bond between DNA and the catalytic tyrosine of Top1 to excise topoisomerase I cleavage complexes (Top1cc) that are trapped by camptothecin (CPT) and by genotoxic DNA alterations. Here we show that the protein arginine methyltransferase PRMT5 enhances the repair of Top1cc by direct binding to TDP1 and arginine dimethylation of TDP1 at residues R361 and R586. Top1-induced replication-mediated DNA damage induces TDP1 arginine methylation, enhancing its 3′- phosphodiesterase activity. TDP1 arginine methylation also increases XRCC1 association with TDP1 in response to CPT, and the recruitment of XRCC1 to Top1cc DNA damage foci. PRMT5 knockdown cells exhibit defective TDP1 activity with marked elevation in replication-coupled CPT-induced DNA damage and lethality. Finally, methylation of R361 and R586 stimulate TDP1 repair function and promote cell survival in response to CPT. Together, our findings provide evidence for the importance of PRMT5 for the post-translational regulation of TDP1 and repair of Top1cc.

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