SFPQ directs histone H3.3 deposition to R-loops in DNA repeats to protect genome stability

R-loops are three-stranded nucleic acid structures composed of an RNA:DNA hybrid duplex and a displaced single-stranded DNA loop. Unscheduled or persistent R-loops drive genome instability by creating conflicts with transcription and replication. Up to 75% of the human genome comprises repetitive DNA elements that are prone to R-loop formation. We show that the RNA binding protein SFPQ suppresses R-loop mediated replication stress and DNA damage at repeat elements such as telomeres, (peri)-centromeres, LINE-1 and SINE elements. SFPQ exhibits in-vitro R-loop binding activity, associates with chromatin containing R-loops, and recruits the histone H3.3 specific chaperon DAXX to preserve a correct nucleosome template that counteracts R-loop accumulation. Loss of SFPQ results in DAXX displacement from repeat elements, reduced histone H3.3 incorporation, replication stress-mediated genome instability and the emergence of cytoplasmatic DNA. This leads to activation of innate immune signaling via the cGAS/STING pathway, ultimately correlating with improved survival of sarcoma patients.