The appropriate execution of DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair is critical for genome stability and tumor avoidance. 53BP1 and BRCA1 directly influence DSB repair pathway choice by regulating 5′ end resection, but how this is achieved remains uncertain. Here we report that Rif1−/− mice are severely compromised for 53BP1-dependent class switch recombination (CSR) and fusion of dysfunctional telomeres. The inappropriate accumulation of RIF1 at DSBs in S phase is antagonized by BRCA1, and deletion of Rif1 suppresses toxic nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) induced by PARP inhibition in Brca1-deficient cells. Mechanistically, RIF1 is recruited to DSBs via the N-terminal phospho-SQ/TQ domain of 53BP1, and DSBs generated by ionizing radiation or during CSR are hyperresected in the absence of RIF1. Thus, RIF1 and 53BP1 cooperate to block DSB resection to promote NHEJ in G1, which is antagonized by BRCA1 in S phase to ensure a switch of DSB repair mode to homologous recombination.
► RIF1 is essential for 53BP1-dependent CSR and fusion of dysfunctional telomeres ► BRCA1 antagonizes RIF1 in S phase to prevent error-prone repair by toxic NHEJ ► N-terminal phospho-SQ/TQ domain of 53BP1 interacts with and recruits RIF1 to DSBs ► RIF1 and 53BP1 promote NHEJ in G1 by blocking 5′ end resection of DSBs
