Break-induced replication is enhanced by a phospho-activated RPA-binding module in Pol32

Abstract Break-induced replication (BIR) facilitates single-ended DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair. Upon homologous recombination-mediated strand invasion into a homologous repair template, BIR is catalysed by a minimal replisome comprising PCNA, DNA polymerase δ (Pol δ), and the Pif1 helicase. Here, we identify an interaction between Pol δ and single-stranded DNA (ssDNA)-binding protein RPA mediated by an RPA-binding module (RBM) within Pol δ subunit Pol32 and RPA subunit Rfa1. Pol32 RBM phosphorylation at Thr256 and Thr257 increases its affinity for Rfa1, while corresponding phospho-mimetic amino-acid substitutions promote BIR efficiency in vivo. This suggests that Pol32 functions as a rheostat whose phosphorylation enhances Pol δ’s affinity for RPA-bound BIR intermediates, thereby boosting BIR efficiency. Modelling indicates that Pol32 phospho-RBM-Rfa1 interactions mirror the binding mode of RBMs in Pif1 and the FANCM helicase and BIR antagonist Mph1. This implies a key role for RPA in the dynamic orchestration of the enzymes mediating BIR.