Genome instability is a characteristic of malignant cells; however, evidence for its contribution to tumorigenesis has been enigmatic. In this study, we demonstrate that the retinoblastoma protein, E2F1, and Condensin II localize to discrete genomic locations including major satellite repeats at pericentromeres. In the absence of this complex, aberrant replication ensues followed by defective chromosome segregation in mitosis. Surprisingly, loss of even one copy of the retinoblastoma gene reduced recruitment of Condensin II to pericentromeres and caused this phenotype. Using cancer genome data and gene-targeted mice, we demonstrate that mutation of one copy of RB1 is associated with chromosome copy-number variation in cancer. Our study connects DNA replication and chromosome structure defects with aneuploidy through a dosage-sensitive complex at pericentromeric repeats. SIGNIFICANCE:Genome instability is inherent to most cancers and is the basis for selective killing of cancer cells by genotoxic therapeutics. In this report, we demonstrate that instability can be caused by loss of a single allele of the retinoblastoma gene that prevents proper replication and condensation of pericentromeric chromosomal regions, leading to elevated levels of aneuploidy in cancer. Cancer Discov; 4(7); 840-53.

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Terminally differentiated cell types are needed to live and function in a postmitotic state for a lifetime. Cellular senescence is another type of permanent arrest that blocks the proliferation of cells in response to genotoxic stress. Here we show that the retinoblastoma protein (pRB) uses a mechanism to block DNA replication in senescence that is distinct from its role in permanent cell cycle exit associated with terminal differentiation. Our work demonstrates that a subtle mutation in pRB that cripples its ability to interact with chromatin regulators impairs heterochromatinization and repression of E2F-responsive promoters during senescence. In contrast, terminally differentiated nerve and muscle cells bearing the same mutation fully exit the cell cycle and block E2F-responsive gene expression by a different mechanism. Remarkably, this reveals that pRB recruits chromatin regulators primarily to engage a stress-responsive G 1 arrest program.