The ubiquitin ligase APC(Cdh1) is required to maintain genome integrity in primary human cells.

Ensuring precise DNA replication and chromosome segregation is essential during cell division in order to provide genomic stability and avoid malignant growth. Proteolytic control of cell cycle regulators by the anaphase-promoting complex, activated by Cdh1 (APC(Cdh1)), is responsible for a stable G1 phase after mitotic exit allowing accurate preparation for DNA replication in the following S phase. APC(Cdh1) target proteins are frequently upregulated in tumor cells and the inactivation of human Cdh1 might interfere with genome integrity by target stabilization. Here we show that APC(Cdh1) is required for maintaining genomic integrity in primary human cells. Lentiviral-delivered strong and stable suppression of Cdh1 by RNA interference (RNAi) causes aberrant accumulation of several APC(Cdh1) target proteins, such as cyclin A, B, Aurora A or Plk1, which control accurate and equal distribution of the genetic information to daughter cells. This induces a premature and prolonged S phase, mitotic-entry delay and defects in chromosome separation and cytokinesis. Cell cycle deregulation by stable knockdown of Cdh1 leads to activation of p53/p21 and genomic instability, which is further increased by codepletion of p53. Thus, stabilization of APC(Cdh1) targets may initiate aberrant DNA replication and chromosome separation, and trigger a p53 response by deregulating G1 in primary human cells.