Dose-dependent changes in cyclin D1 in response to 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide-induced DNA damage

Cells respond to DNA damage by either repairing the damage or committing to a death or senescence pathway, dependent on the level of damage sustained. In this study, we show that the protein levels of cyclin D1 and the CDK inhibitor, p21CIP1, respond in a dose-dependent manner to the DNA damaging agent, 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4NQO). Cyclin D1 responses were independent of p53 and resulted in a partial loss of Retinoblastoma protein phosphorylation. The differential responses of cyclin D1 and p21CIP1 were associated with distinct cellular responses: in low dose treatments the cells recovered after a lag period whilst at medium and high doses, the cells died through seemingly distinct mechanisms. Our data suggest that the balance between cyclin D1 and p21CIP1 following exposure to DNA damage may play a key role in determining the subsequent cellular responses.