Processive DNA synthesis observed in a polymerase crystal suggests a mechanism for the prevention of frameshift mutations

Elucidating the kinetic mechanism of DNA polymerization catalyzed by Sulfolobus solfataricus P2 DNA polymerase B1

Transient-state kinetic techniques were used to resolve the kinetic mechanism of DNA polymerization catalyzed by an exonuclease-deficient mutant of Sulfolobus solfataricus P2 DNA polymerase B1 (PolB1 exo-). Here, we report the kinetic parameters of several elementary steps for the forward polymerization reaction. PolB1 exo- binds tightly to DNA (K(d)(DNA) = 1.8 nM) and a correct incoming nucleotide (apparent K(d)(dTTP) = 11 microM). Moreover, several lines of kinetic evidence suggested that correct nucleotide incorporation catalyzed by PolB1 exo- was limited by a protein conformational change which precedes the chemistry step. The utilization of an "induced fit" mechanism by PolB1 exo- was supported by the following: a small, alpha-thio elemental effect of 1.5, varying DNA dissociation rates for the binary complex (0.043 s(-1)) as well as ternary complexes before (0.18 s(-1)) and after (0.0071 s(-1)) a conformational change, a greater amplitude for the pulse-chase than the pulse-quench reaction, and an activation energy barrier of 38 kcal/mol which is greater than the predicted values of phosphodiester bond formation both in solution and within a polymerase active site. Lastly, PolB1 exo- exhibited a low processivity value of 15, thereby suggesting a protein cofactor confers this replicative DNA polymerase with higher processivity in vivo.

Discrimination between right and wrong purine dNTPs by DNA polymerase I from Bacillus stearothermophilus

We used a series of dATP and dGTP analogues to determine how DNA polymerase I from Bacillus stearothermophilus (BF), a prototypical A family polymerase, uses N-1, N(2), N-3, and N(6) of purine dNTPs to differentiate between right and wrong nucleotide incorporation. Altering any of these nitrogens had two effects. First, it decreased the efficiency of correct incorporation of the resulting dNTP analogue, with the loss of N-1 and N-3 having the most severe effects. Second, it dramatically increased the rate of misincorporation of the resulting dNTP analogues, with alterations in either N-1 or N(6) having the most severe impacts. Adding N(2) to dNTPs containing the bases adenine and purine increased the degree of polymerization opposite T but also tremendously increased the degree of misincorporation opposite A, C, and G. Thus, BF uses N-1, N(2), N-3, and N(6) of purine dNTPs both as negative selectors to prevent misincorporation and as positive selectors to enhance correct incorporation. Comparing how BF discriminates between right and wrong dNTPs with both B family polymerases and low-fidelity polymerases indicates that BF has chosen a unique solution vis-a-vis these other enzymes and, therefore, that nature has evolved at least three mechanistically distinct solutions.

Techniques used to study the DNA polymerase reaction pathway

A minimal reaction pathway for DNA polymerases was established over 20years ago using chemical-quench methods. Since that time there has been considerable interest in noncovalent steps in the reaction pathway, conformational changes involving the polymerase or its DNA substrate that may play a role in substrate specificity. Fluorescence-based assays have been devised in order to study these conformational transitions and the results obtained have added new detail to the reaction pathway.

Single-molecule studies of DNA replisome function

Fast and accurate replication of DNA is accomplished by the interactions of multiple proteins in the dynamic DNA replisome. The DNA replisome effectively coordinates the leading and lagging strand synthesis of DNA. These complex, yet elegantly organized, molecular machines have been studied extensively by kinetic and structural methods to provide an in-depth understanding of the mechanism of DNA replication. Owing to averaging of observables, unique dynamic information of the biochemical pathways and reactions is concealed in conventional ensemble methods. However, recent advances in the rapidly expanding field of single-molecule analyses to study single biomolecules offer opportunities to probe and understand the dynamic processes involved in large biomolecular complexes such as replisomes. This review will focus on the recent developments in the biochemistry and biophysics of DNA replication employing single-molecule techniques and the insights provided by these methods towards a better understanding of the intricate mechanisms of DNA replication.

Visualizing sequence-governed nucleotide selectivities and mutagenic consequences through a replicative cycle: processing of a bulky carcinogen N2-dG lesion in a Y-family DNA polymerase

Understanding how DNA polymerases process lesions remains fundamental to determining the molecular origins of mutagenic translesion bypass. We have investigated how a benzo[a]pyrene-derived N(2)-dG adduct, 10S-(+)-trans-anti-[BP]-N(2)-dG ([BP]G*), is processed in Dpo4, the well-characterized Y-family bypass DNA polymerase. This polymerase has a slippage-prone spacious active site region. Experimental results in a 5'-C[BP]G*G-3' sequence context reveal significant selectivity for dGTP insertion that predominantly yields -1 deletion extension products. A less pronounced error-prone nonslippage pathway that leads to full extension products with insertion of A > C > G opposite the lesion is also observed. Molecular modeling and dynamics simulations follow the bypass of [BP]G* through an entire replication cycle for the first time in Dpo4, providing structural interpretations for the experimental observations. The preference for dGTP insertion is explained by a 5'-slippage pattern in which the unmodified G rather than G* is skipped, the incoming dGTP pairs with the C on the 5'-side of G*, and the -1 deletion is produced upon further primer extension which is more facile than nucleotide insertion. In addition, the simulations suggest that the [BP]G* may undergo an anti/syn conformational rearrangement during the stages of the replication cycle. In the minor nonslippage pathway, the nucleotide insertion preferences opposite the lesion are explained by relative distortions to the active site region. These structural insights, provided by the modeling and dynamics studies, augment kinetic and limited available crystallographic investigations with bulky lesions, by providing molecular explanations for lesion bypass activities over an entire replication cycle.

Mapping the position of DNA polymerase-bound DNA templates in a nanopore at 5 A resolution

DNA polymerases are molecular motors that catalyze template-dependent DNA replication, advancing along template DNA by one nucleotide with each catalytic cycle. Nanopore-based measurements have emerged as a single molecule technique for the study of these enzymes. Using the alpha-hemolysin nanopore, we determined the position of DNA templates bearing inserts of abasic (1',2'-dideoxy) residues, bound to the Klenow fragment of Escherichia coli DNA polymerase I (KF) or to bacteriophage T7 DNA polymerase. Hundreds of individual polymerase complexes were analyzed at 5 A precision within minutes. We generated a map of current amplitudes for DNA-KF-deoxynucleoside triphosphate (dNTP) ternary complexes, using a series of templates bearing blocks of three abasic residues that were displaced by approximately 5 A in the nanopore lumen. Plotted as a function of the distance of the abasic insert from n = 0 in the active site of the enzyme held atop the pore, this map has a single peak. The map is similar when the primer length, the DNA sequences flanking the abasic insert, and the DNA sequences in the vicinity of the KF active site are varied. Primer extension catalyzed by KF using a three abasic template in the presence of a mixture of dNTPs and 2',3'-dideoxynucleoside triphosphates resulted in a ladder of ternary complexes with discrete amplitudes that closely corresponded to this map. An ionic current map measured in the presence of 0.15 M KCl mirrored the map obtained with 0.3 M KCl, permitting experiments with a broader range of mesophilic DNA and RNA processing enzymes. We used the abasic templates to show that capture of complexes with the KF homologue, T7 DNA polymerase, yields an amplitude map nearly indistinguishable from the KF map.

Specific nucleotide binding and rebinding to individual DNA polymerase complexes captured on a nanopore

Nanoscale pores are a tool for single molecule analysis of DNA or RNA processing enzymes. Monitoring catalytic activity in real time using this technique requires that these enzymes retain function while held atop a nanopore in an applied electric field. Using an alpha-hemolysin nanopore, we measured the dwell time for complexes of DNA with the Klenow fragment of Escherichia coli DNA polymerase I (KF) as a function of the concentration of deoxynucleoside triphosphate (dNTP) substrate. We analyzed these dwell time measurements in the framework of a two-state model for captured complexes (DNA-KF binary and DNA-KF-dNTP ternary states). Average nanopore dwell time increased without saturating as a function of correct dNTP concentration across 4 orders of magnitude. This arises from two factors that are proportional to dNTP concentration: (1) The fraction of complexes that are in the ternary state when initially captured predominantly affects dwell time at low dNTP concentrations. (2) The rate of binding and rebinding of dNTP to captured complexes affects dwell time at higher dNTP concentrations. Thus there are two regimes that display a linear relationship between average dwell time and dNTP concentration. The transition from one linear regime to the other occurs near the equilibrium dissociation constant (K(d)) for dNTP binding to KF-DNA complexes in solution. We conclude from the combination of titration experiments and modeling that DNA-KF complexes captured atop the nanopore retain iterative, sequence-specific dNTP binding, as required for catalysis and fidelity in DNA synthesis.

Local conformations and competitive binding affinities of single- and double-stranded primer-template DNA at the polymerization and editing active sites of DNA polymerases

In addition to their capacity for template-directed 5' --> 3' DNA synthesis at the polymerase (pol) site, DNA polymerases have a separate 3' --> 5' exonuclease (exo) editing activity that is involved in assuring the fidelity of DNA replication. Upon misincorporation of an incorrect nucleotide residue, the 3' terminus of the primer strand at the primer-template (P/T) junction is preferentially transferred to the exo site, where the faulty residue is excised, allowing the shortened primer to rebind to the template strand at the pol site and incorporate the correct dNTP. Here we describe the conformational changes that occur in the primer strand as it shuttles between the pol and exo sites of replication-competent Klenow and Klentaq DNA polymerase complexes in solution and use these conformational changes to measure the equilibrium distribution of the primer between these sites for P/T DNA constructs carrying both matched and mismatched primer termini. To this end, we have measured the fluorescence and circular dichroism spectra at wavelengths of >300 nm for conformational probes comprising pairs of 2-aminopurine bases site-specifically replacing adenine bases at various positions in the primer strand of P/T DNA constructs bound to DNA polymerases. Control experiments that compare primer conformations with available x-ray structures confirm the validity of this approach. These distributions and the conformational changes in the P/T DNA that occur during template-directed DNA synthesis in solution illuminate some of the mechanisms used by DNA polymerases to assure the fidelity of DNA synthesis.

Electronic control of DNA polymerase binding and unbinding to single DNA molecules

DNA polymerases catalyze template-dependent genome replication. The assembly of a high affinity ternary complex between these enzymes, the double strand-single strand junction of their DNA substrate, and the deoxynucleoside triphosphate (dNTP) complementary to the first template base in the polymerase active site is essential to this process. We present a single molecule method for iterative measurements of DNA-polymerase complex assembly with high temporal resolution, using active voltage control of individual DNA substrate molecules tethered noncovalently in an alpha-hemolysin nanopore. DNA binding states of the Klenow fragment of Escherichia coli DNA polymerase I (KF) were diagnosed based upon their ionic current signature, and reacted to with submillisecond precision to execute voltage changes that controlled exposure of the DNA substrate to KF and dNTP. Precise control of exposure times allowed measurements of DNA-KF complex assembly on a time scale that superimposed with the rate of KF binding. Hundreds of measurements were made with a single tethered DNA molecule within seconds, and dozens of molecules can be tethered within a single experiment. This approach allows statistically robust analysis of the assembly of complexes between DNA and RNA processing enzymes and their substrates at the single molecule level.

Nucleic acid polymerases use a general acid for nucleotidyl transfer

Nucleic acid polymerases catalyze the formation of DNA or RNA from nucleoside-triphosphate precursors. Amino acid residues in the active site of polymerases are thought to contribute only indirectly to catalysis by serving as ligands for the two divalent cations required for activity or substrate binding. Two proton transfer reactions are necessary for polymerase-catalyzed nucleotidyl transfer: deprotonation of the 3′-hydroxyl nucleophile and protonation of the pyrophosphate leaving group. Using model enzymes representing all four classes of nucleic acid polymerases, we show that the proton donor to pyrophosphate is an active site amino acid residue. The use of general acid catalysis by polymerases extends the mechanism of nucleotidyl transfer beyond that of the well-established two-metal-ion mechanism. The existence of an active-site residue that regulates polymerase catalysis may permit manipulation of viral polymerase replication speed and/or fidelity for virus attenuation and vaccine development.

Enzymatic polymerization of phosphonate nucleosides

5'-O-phosphonomethyl-2'-deoxyadenosine (PMdA) proved to be a good substrate of the Therminator polymerase. In this article, we investigated whether the A, C, T and U analogues of this phosphonate nucleoside (PMdN) series can function as substrates of natural DNA polymerases. PMdT and PMdU could only be polymerized enzymatically to a limited extent. Nevertheless, PMdA and PMdC could be incorporated into a DNA duplex with complete chain elongation by all the DNA polymerases tested. A mixed sequence of four nucleotides containing modified C, T and A residues could be obtained with the Vent(exo(-)) and Therminator polymerases. The kinetic values for the incorporation of PMdA by Vent(exo(-)) polymerase were determined; a reduced K(M) value was found for the incorporation of PMdA compared to the natural substrate. Future polymerase directed evolution studies will allow us to select an enzyme with a heightened capacity to process these modified DNA building blocks into modified strands.

Kinetics of deoxy-CTP incorporation opposite a dG-C8-N-2-aminofluorene adduct by a high-fidelity DNA polymerase

The model carcinogen N-2-acetylaminofluorene covalently binds to the C8 position of guanine to form two adducts, the N-(2'-deoxyguanosine-8-yl)-aminofluorene (G-AF) and the N-2-(2'-deoxyguanosine-8-yl)-acetylaminofluorene (G-AAF). Although they are chemically closely related, their biological effects are strongly different and they are processed by different damage tolerance pathways. G-AF is bypassed by replicative and high-fidelity polymerases, while specialized polymerases ensure synthesis past of G-AAF. We used the DNA polymerase I fragment of a Bacillus stearothermophilus strain as a model for a high-fidelity polymerase to study the kinetics of incorporation of deoxy-CTP (dCTP) opposite a single G-AF. Pre-steady-state kinetic experiments revealed a drastic reduction in dCTP incorporation performed by the G-AF-modified ternary complex. Two populations of these ternary complexes were identified: (i) a minor productive fraction (20%) that readily incorporates dCTP opposite the G-AF adduct with a rate similar to that measured for the adduct-free ternary complexes and (ii) a major fraction of unproductive complexes (80%) that slowly evolve into productive ones. In the light of structural data, we suggest that this slow rate reflects the translocation of the modified base within the active site, from the pre-insertion site into the insertion site. By making this translocation rate limiting, the G-AF lesion reveals a novel kinetic step occurring after dNTP binding and before chemistry.

Varied active-site constraints in the klenow fragment of E. coli DNA polymerase I and the lesion-bypass Dbh DNA polymerase

We report on comparative pre-steady-state kinetic analyses of exonuclease-deficient Escherichia coli DNA polymerase I (Klenow fragment, KF-) and the archaeal Y-family DinB homologue (Dbh) of Sulfolobus solfataricus. We used size-augmented sugar-modified thymidine-5'-triphosphate (T(R)TP) analogues to test the effects of steric constraints in the active sites of the polymerases. These nucleotides serve as models for study of DNA polymerases exhibiting both relatively high and low intrinsic selectivity. Substitution of a hydrogen atom at the 4'-position in the nucleotide analogue by a methyl group reduces the maximum rate of nucleotide incorporation by about 40-fold for KF- and about twelve fold for Dbh. Increasing the size to an ethyl group leads to a further twofold reduction in the rates of incorporation for both enzymes. Interestingly, the affinity of KF- for the modified nucleotides is only marginally affected, which would indicate no discrimination during the binding step. Dbh even has a higher affinity for the modified analogues than it does for the natural substrate. Misincorporation of either TTP or T(Me)TP opposite a G template causes a drastic decline in incorporation rates for both enzymes. At the same time, the binding affinities of KF- for these nucleotides drop by about 16- and fourfold, respectively, whereas Dbh shows only a twofold reduction. Available structural data for ternary complexes of relevant DNA polymerases indicate that both enzymes make close contacts with the sugar moiety of the dNTP. Thus, the varied proficiencies of the two enzymes in processing the size-augmented probes indicate varied flexibility of the enzymes' active sites and support the notion of active site tightness being a criterion for DNA polymerase selectivity.

Opposed steric constraints in human DNA polymerase beta and E. coli DNA polymerase I

DNA polymerase selectivity is crucial for the survival of any living species, yet varies significantly among different DNA polymerases. Errors within DNA polymerase-catalyzed DNA synthesis result from the insertion of noncanonical nucleotides and extension of misaligned DNA substrates. The substrate binding characteristics among DNA polymerases are believed to vary in properties such as shape and tightness of the binding pocket, which might account for the observed differences in fidelity. Here, we employed 4'-alkylated nucleotides and primer strands bearing 4'-alkylated nucleotides at the 3'-terminal position as steric probes to investigate differential active site properties of human DNA polymerase beta (Pol beta) and the 3'-->5'-exonuclease-deficient Klenow fragment of E. coli DNA polymerase I (KF(exo-)). Transient kinetic measurements indicate that both enzymes vary significantly in active site tightness at both positions. While small 4'-methyl and -ethyl modifications of the nucleoside triphosphate perturb Pol beta catalysis, extension of modified primer strands is only marginally affected. Just the opposite was observed for KF(exo-). Here, incorporation of the modified nucleotides is only slightly reduced, whereas size augmentation of the 3'-terminal nucleotide in the primer reduces the catalytic efficiency by more than 7000- and 260,000-fold, respectively. NMR studies support the notion that the observed effects derive from enzyme substrate interactions rather than inherent properties of the modified substrates. These findings are consistent with the observed differential capability of the investigated DNA polymerases in fidelity such as processing misaligned DNA substrates. The results presented provide direct evidence for the involvement of varied steric effects among different DNA polymerases on their fidelity.

Effect of oxidatively damaged DNA on the active site preorganization during nucleotide incorporation in a high fidelity polymerase from Bacillus stearothermophilus

We study the effect of the oxidative lesion 8-oxoguanine (8oxoG) on the preorganization of the active site for DNA replication in the closed (active) state of the Bacillus fragment (BF), a Klenow analog from Bacillus stearothermophilus. Our molecular dynamics and free energy simulations of explicitly solvated model ternary complexes of BF bound to correct dCTP/incorrect dATP opposite guanine (G) and 8oxoG bases in DNA suggest that the lesion introduces structural and energetic changes at the catalytic site to favor dATP insertion. Despite the formation of a stable Watson-Crick pairing in the 8oxoG:dCTP system, the catalytic geometry is severely distorted to possibly slow down catalysis. Indeed, our calculated free energy landscapes associated with active site preorganization suggest additional barriers to assemble an efficient catalytic site, which need to be overcome during dCTP incorporation opposite 8oxoG relative to that opposite undamaged G. In contrast, the catalytic geometry for the Hoogsteen pairing in the 8oxoG:dATP system is highly organized and poised for efficient nucleotide incorporation via the "two-metal-ion" catalyzed phosphoryl transfer mechanism. However, the free energy calculations suggest that the catalytic geometry during dATP incorporation opposite 8oxoG is considerably less plastic than that during dCTP incorporation opposite G despite a very similar, well organized catalytic site for both systems. A correlation analysis of the dynamics trajectories suggests the presence of significant coupling between motions of the polymerase fingers and the primary distance for nucleophilic attack (i.e., between the terminal primer O3' and the dNTP P(alpha.) atoms) during correct dCTP incorporation opposite undamaged G. This coupling is shown to be disrupted during nucleotide incorporation by the polymerase with oxidatively damaged DNA/dNTP substrates. We also suggest that the lesion affects DNA interactions with key polymerase residues, thereby affecting the enzymes ability to discriminate against non-complementary DNA/dNTP substrates. Taken together, our results provide a unified structural, energetic, and dynamic platform to rationalize experimentally observed relative nucleotide incorporation rates for correct dCTP/incorrect dATP insertion opposite an undamaged/oxidatively damaged template G by BF.

Fingers-closing and other rapid conformational changes in DNA polymerase I (Klenow fragment) and their role in nucleotide selectivity

We have developed a FRET-based assay for the fingers-closing conformational transition that occurs when a binary complex of DNA polymerase I (Klenow fragment) with a primer-template binds a complementary dNTP and have used this and other fluorescence assays to place the fingers-closing step within the reaction pathway. Because the rate of fingers-closing was substantially faster than the rate of nucleotide incorporation measured in chemical quench experiments, fingers-closing cannot be the rate-limiting prechemistry step defined by earlier kinetic studies. Experiments using Ca (2+) instead of Mg (2+) as the metal cofactor suggest instead that the prechemistry step may involve a change in metal ion occupancy at the polymerase active site. The use of ribonucleotide substrates shows there is a base discriminating step that precedes fingers-closing. This earlier step, detected by 2-AP fluorescence, is promoted by complementary nucleotides (ribo- as well as deoxyribo-) but is blocked by mismatches. The complementary rNTP blocks the subsequent fingers-closing step. Thus, discrimination against rNTPs occurs during the transition from open to closed conformations, whereas selection against mismatched bases is initiated earlier in the pathway, in the open complex. Mismatched dNTPs accelerate DNA release from the polymerase, suggesting the existence of an early intermediate in which DNA binding is destabilized relative to the binary complex; this could correspond to a conformation that allows an incoming dNTP to preview the template base. The early kinetic checkpoints identified by this study provide an efficient mechanism for the rejection of mismatched bases and ribose sugars and thus enhance polymerase throughput.

Structural insights into the generation of single-base deletions by the Y family DNA polymerase dbh

Dbh is a Y family translesion DNA polymerase that accurately bypasses some damaged forms of deoxyguanosine, but also generates single-base deletion errors at frequencies of up to 50%, in specific hot spot sequences. We describe preinsertion binary, insertion ternary, and postinsertion binary crystal structures of Dbh synthesizing DNA after making a single-base deletion. The skipped template base adopts an extrahelical conformation stabilized by interactions with the C-terminal domain of the enzyme. DNA translocation and positioning of the next templating base at the active site, with space opposite to accommodate incoming nucleotide, occur independently of nucleotide binding, incorporation, and pyrophosphate release. We also show that Dbh creates single-base deletions more rapidly when the skipped base is located two or three bases upstream of the nascent base pair than when it is directly adjacent to the templating base, indicating that Dbh predominantly creates single-base deletions by template slippage rather than by dNTP-stabilized misalignment.

Lesion processing: high-fidelity versus lesion-bypass DNA polymerases

When a high-fidelity DNA polymerase encounters certain DNA-damage sites, its progress can be stalled and one or more lesion-bypass polymerases are recruited to transit the lesion. Here, we consider two representative types of lesions: (i) 7,8-dihydro-8-oxoguanine (8-oxoG), a small, highly prevalent lesion caused by oxidative damage; and (ii) bulky lesions derived from the environmental pre-carcinogen benzo[a]pyrene, in the high-fidelity DNA polymerase Bacillus fragment (BF) from Bacillus stearothermophilus and in the lesion-bypass DNA polymerase IV (Dpo4) from Sulfolobus solfataricus. The tight fit of the BF polymerase around the nascent base pair contrasts with the more spacious, solvent-exposed active site of Dpo4, and these differences in architecture result in distinctions in their respective functions: one-step versus stepwise polymerase translocation, mutagenic versus accurate bypass of 8-oxoG, and polymerase stalling versus mutagenic bypass at bulky benzo[a]pyrene-derived lesions.

Substrate-induced DNA strand misalignment during catalytic cycling by DNA polymerase lambda

The simple deletion of nucleotides is common in many organisms. It can be advantageous when it activates genes beneficial to microbial survival in adverse environments, and deleterious when it mutates genes relevant to survival, cancer or degenerative diseases. The classical idea is that simple deletions arise by strand slippage. A prime opportunity for slippage occurs during DNA synthesis, but it remains unclear how slippage is controlled during a polymerization cycle. Here, we report crystal structures and molecular dynamics simulations of mutant derivatives of DNA polymerase λ bound to a primer–template during strand slippage. Relative to the primer strand, the template strand is in multiple conformations, indicating intermediates on the pathway to deletion mutagenesis. Consistent with these intermediates, the mutant polymerases generate single-base deletions at high rates. The results indicate that dNTP-induced template strand repositioning during conformational rearrangements in the catalytic cycle is crucial to controlling the rate of strand slippage.

Structure-function relationships among RNA-dependent RNA polymerases

RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RdRPs) play key roles in viral transcription and genome replication, as well as epigenetic and post-transcriptional control of cellular gene expression. In this article, we review the crystallographic, biochemical, and molecular genetic data available for viral RdRPs that have led to a detailed description of substrate and cofactor binding, fidelity of nucleotide selection and incorporation, and catalysis. It is likely that the cellular RdRPs will share some of the basic structural and mechanistic principles gleaned from studies of viral RdRPs. Therefore, studies of the viral RdRP establish a framework for the study of cellular RdRPs, an important yet understudied class of nucleic acid polymerases.

Computational study of the force dependence of phosphoryl transfer during DNA synthesis by a high fidelity polymerase

High fidelity polymerases are efficient catalysts of phosphodiester bond formation during DNA replication or repair. We interpret molecular dynamics simulations of a polymerase bound to its substrate DNA and incoming nucleotide using a quasiharmonic model to study the effect of external forces applied to the bound DNA on the kinetics of phosphoryl transfer. The origin of the force dependence is shown to be an intriguing coupling between slow, delocalized polymerase-DNA modes and fast catalytic site motions. Using noncognate DNA substrates we show that the force dependence is context specific.

Structural insights into mechanisms of catalysis and inhibition in Norwalk virus polymerase

Crystal structures of Norwalk virus polymerase bound to an RNA primer-template duplex and either the natural substrate CTP or the inhibitor 5-nitrocytidine triphosphate have been determined to 1.8A resolution. These structures reveal a closed conformation of the polymerase that differs significantly from previously determined open structures of calicivirus and picornavirus polymerases. These closed complexes are trapped immediately prior to the nucleotidyl transfer reaction, with the triphosphate group of the nucleotide bound to two manganese ions at the active site, poised for reaction to the 3'-hydroxyl group of the RNA primer. The positioning of the 5-nitrocytidine triphosphate nitro group between the alpha-phosphate and the 3'-hydroxyl group of the primer suggests a novel, general approach for the design of antiviral compounds mimicking natural nucleosides and nucleotides.

DNA adduct structure-function relationships: comparing solution with polymerase structures

It has now been nearly two decades since the first solution structures of DNA duplexes covalently damaged by metabolically activated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and amines were determined by NMR. Dozens of such high-resolution structures are now available, and some broad structural themes have been uncovered. It has been hypothesized that the solution structures are relevant to the biochemical processing of the adducts. The structural features of the adducts are considered to determine their mutational properties in DNA polymerases and their repair susceptibilities. In recent years, a number of crystal structures of DNA adducts of interest to our work have been determined in DNA polymerases. Accordingly, it is now timely to consider how NMR solution structures relate to structures within DNA polymerases. The NMR solution structural themes for polycyclic aromatic adducts are often observed in polymerase crystal structures. While the polymerase interactions can on occasion override the solution preferences, intrinsic adduct conformations favored in solution are often manifested within polymerases and likely play a significant role in lesion processing.

Sequence-specific detection of individual DNA polymerase complexes in real time using a nanopore

Nanoscale pores have potential to be used as biosensors and are an established tool for analysing the structure and composition of single DNA or RNA molecules. Recently, nanopores have been used to measure the binding of enzymes to their DNA substrates. In this technique, a polynucleotide bound to an enzyme is drawn into the nanopore by an applied voltage. The force exerted on the charged backbone of the polynucleotide by the electric field is used to examine the enzyme-polynucleotide interactions. Here we show that a nanopore sensor can accurately identify DNA templates bound in the catalytic site of individual DNA polymerase molecules. Discrimination among unbound DNA, binary DNA/polymerase complexes, and ternary DNA/polymerase/deoxynucleotide triphosphate complexes was achieved in real time using finite state machine logic. This technique is applicable to numerous enzymes that bind or modify DNA or RNA including exonucleases, kinases and other polymerases.

Nucleotide-induced DNA polymerase active site motions accommodating a mutagenic DNA intermediate

DNA polymerases occasionally insert the wrong nucleotide. For this error to become a mutation, the mispair must be extended. We report a structure of DNA polymerase beta (pol beta) with a DNA mismatch at the boundary of the polymerase active site. The structure of this complex indicates that the templating adenine of the mispair stacks with the primer terminus adenine while the templating (coding) cytosine is flipped out of the DNA helix. Soaking the crystals of the binary complex with dGTP resulted in crystals of a ternary substrate complex. In this case, the templating cytosine is observed within the DNA helix and forms Watson-Crick hydrogen bonds with the incoming dGTP. The adenine at the primer terminus has rotated into a syn-conformation to interact with the opposite adenine in a planar configuration. Yet, the 3'-hydroxyl on the primer terminus is out of position for efficient nucleotide insertion.

Enzymatic synthesis of DNA on glycerol nucleic acid templates without stable duplex formation between product and template

Glycerol nucleic acid (GNA) is an interesting alternative base-pairing system based on an acyclic, glycerol-phosphate backbone repeat unit. The question of whether DNA polymerases can catalyze efficient template-dependent synthesis using GNA as the template is of particular interest because GNA is unable to form a stable duplex with DNA. In the present study, we screened a variety of DNA polymerases for GNA-dependent DNA synthesis. We find that Bst DNA polymerase can catalyze full-length DNA synthesis on a dodecamer GNA template. The efficiency of DNA synthesis is increased by replacing adenine with diaminopurine in both the GNA template and the DNA monomers and by the presence of manganese ions. We suggest that the BstDNA polymerase maintains a short, transient region of base-pairing between the DNA product strand and the GNA template, but that stable duplex formation between product and template strands is not required for template-dependent polymerization.

Structures of phi29 DNA polymerase complexed with substrate: the mechanism of translocation in B-family polymerases

Replicative DNA polymerases (DNAPs) move along template DNA in a processive manner. The structural basis of the mechanism of translocation has been better studied in the A-family of polymerases than in the B-family of replicative polymerases. To address this issue, we have determined the X-ray crystal structures of phi29 DNAP, a member of the protein-primed subgroup of the B-family of polymerases, complexed with primer-template DNA in the presence or absence of the incoming nucleoside triphosphate, the pre- and post-translocated states, respectively. Comparison of these structures reveals a mechanism of translocation that appears to be facilitated by the coordinated movement of two conserved tyrosine residues into the insertion site. This differs from the mechanism employed by the A-family polymerases, in which a conserved tyrosine moves into the templating and insertion sites during the translocation step. Polymerases from the two families also interact with downstream single-stranded template DNA in very different ways.

Single-molecule and ensemble fluorescence assays for a functionally important conformational change in T7 DNA polymerase

We report fluorescence assays for a functionally important conformational change in bacteriophage T7 DNA polymerase (T7 pol) that use the environmental sensitivity of a Cy3 dye attached to a DNA substrate. An increase in fluorescence intensity of Cy3 is observed at the single-molecule level, reflecting a conformational change within the T7 pol ternary complex upon binding of a dNTP substrate. This fluorescence change is believed to reflect the closing of the T7 pol fingers domain, which is crucial for polymerase function. The rate of the conformational change induced by a complementary dNTP substrate was determined by both conventional stopped-flow and high-time-resolution continuous-flow fluorescence measurements at the ensemble-averaged level. The rate of this conformational change is much faster than that of DNA synthesis but is significantly reduced for noncomplementary dNTPs, as revealed by single-molecule measurements. The high level of selectivity of incoming dNTPs pertinent to this conformational change is a major contributor to replicative fidelity.

Following an environmental carcinogen N2-dG adduct through replication: elucidating blockage and bypass in a high-fidelity DNA polymerase

We have investigated how a benzo[a]pyrene-derived N²-dG adduct, 10S(+)-trans-anti-[BP]-N²-dG ([BP]G*), is processed in a well-characterized Pol I family model replicative DNA polymerase, Bacillus fragment (BF). Experimental results are presented that reveal relatively facile nucleotide incorporation opposite the lesion, but very inefficient further extension. Computational studies follow the possible bypass of [BP]G* through the pre-insertion, insertion and post-insertion sites as BF alternates between open and closed conformations. With dG* in the normal B-DNA anti conformation, BP seriously disturbs the polymerase structure, positioning itself either deeply in the pre-insertion site or on the crowded evolving minor groove side of the modified template, consistent with a polymerase-blocking conformation. With dG* in the less prevalent syn conformation, BP causes less distortion: it is either out of the pre-insertion site or in the major groove open pocket of the polymerase. Thus, the syn conformation can account for the observed relatively easy incorporation of nucleotides, with mutagenic purines favored, opposite the [BP]G* adduct. However, with the lesion in the BF post-insertion site, more serious distortions caused by the adduct even in the syn conformation explain the very inefficient extension observed experimentally. In vivo, a switch to a potentially error-prone bypass polymerase likely dominates translesion bypass.

Sequential structures provide insights into the fidelity of RNA replication

RNA virus replication is an error-prone event caused by the low fidelity of viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerases. Replication fidelity can be decreased further by the use of mutagenic ribonucleoside analogs to a point where viral genetic information can no longer be maintained. For foot-and-mouth disease virus, the antiviral analogs ribavirin and 5-fluorouracil have been shown to be mutagenic, contributing to virus extinction through lethal mutagenesis. Here, we report the x-ray structure of four elongation complexes of foot-and-mouth disease virus polymerase 3D obtained in presence of natural substrates, ATP and UTP, or mutagenic nucleotides, ribavirin triphosphate and 5-fluorouridine triphosphate with different RNAs as template-primer molecules. The ability of these complexes to synthesize RNA in crystals allowed us to capture different successive replication events and to define the critical amino acids involved in (i) the recognition and positioning of the incoming nucleotide or analog; (ii) the positioning of the acceptor base of the template strand; and (iii) the positioning of the 3'-OH group of the primer nucleotide during RNA replication. The structures identify key interactions involved in viral RNA replication and provide insights into the molecular basis of the low fidelity of viral RNA polymerases.

Highly Tolerated Amino Acid Substitutions Increase the Fidelity of Escherichia coli DNA Polymerase I

Fidelity of DNA synthesis, catalyzed by DNA polymerases, is critical for the maintenance of the integrity of the genome. Mutant polymerases with elevated accuracy (antimutators) have been observed, but these mainly involve increased exonuclease proofreading or large decreases in polymerase activity. We have determined the tolerance of DNA polymerase for amino acid substitutions in the active site and in different segments of E. coli DNA polymerase I and have determined the effects of these substitutions on the fidelity of DNA synthesis. We established a DNA polymerase I mutant library, with random substitutions throughout the polymerase domain. This random library was first selected for activity. The essentiality of DNA polymerases and their sequence and structural conservation suggests that few amino acid substitutions would be tolerated. However, we report that two-thirds of single base substitutions were tolerated without loss of activity, and plasticity often occurs at evolutionarily conserved regions. We screened 408 members of the active library for alterations in fidelity of DNA synthesis in Escherichia coli expressing the mutant polymerases and carrying a second plasmid containing a beta-lactamase reporter. Mutation frequencies varied from 1/1000- to 1000-fold greater compared with wild type. Mutations that produced an antimutator phenotype were distributed throughout the polymerase domain, with 12% clustered in the M-helix. We confirmed that a single mutation in this segment results in increased base discrimination. Thus, this work identifies the M-helix as a determinant of fidelity and suggests that polymerases can tolerate many substitutions that alter fidelity without incurring major changes in activity.

Stable complexes formed by HIV-1 reverse transcriptase at distinct positions on the primer-template controlled by binding deoxynucleoside triphosphates or foscarnet

Binding of the next complementary dNTP by the binary complex containing HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) and primer-template induces conformational changes that have been implicated in catalytic function of RT. We have used DNase I footprinting, gel electrophoretic mobility shift, and exonuclease protection assays to characterize the interactions between HIV-1 RT and chain-terminated primer-template in the absence and presence of various ligands. Distinguishable stable complexes were formed in the presence of foscarnet (an analog of pyrophosphate), the dNTP complementary to the first (+1) templating nucleotide or the dNTP complementary to the second (+2) templating nucleotide. The position of HIV-1 RT on the primer-template in each of these complexes is different. RT is located upstream in the foscarnet complex, relative to the +1 complex, and downstream in the +2 complex. These results suggest that HIV-1 RT can translocate along the primer-template in the absence of phosphodiester bond formation. The ability to form a specific foscarnet complex might explain the inhibitory properties of this compound. The ability to recognize the second templating nucleotide has implications for nucleotide misincorporation.

Stabilization of poliovirus polymerase by NTP binding and fingers-thumb interactions

The viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerases show a conserved structure where the fingers domain interacts with the top of the thumb domain to create a tunnel through which nucleotide triphosphates reach the active site. We have solved the crystal structures of poliovirus polymerase (3D(pol)) in complex with all four NTPs, showing that they all bind in a common pre-insertion site where the phosphate groups are not yet positioned over the active site. The NTPs interact with both the fingers and palm domains, forming bridging interactions that explain the increased thermal stability of 3D(pol) in the presence of NTPs. We have also examined the importance of the fingers-thumb domain interaction for the function and structural stability of 3D(pol). Results from thermal denaturation experiments using circular dichroism and 2-anilino-6-napthaline-sulfonate (ANS) fluorescence show that 3D(pol) has a melting temperature of only approximately 40 degrees C. NTP binding stabilizes the protein and increases the melting by 5-6 degrees C while mutations in the fingers-thumb domain interface destabilize the protein and reduce the melting point by as much as 6 degrees C. In particular, the burial of Phe30 and Phe34 from the tip of the index finger into a pocket at the top of the thumb and the presence of Trp403 on the thumb domain are key interactions required to maintain the structural integrity of the polymerase. The data suggest the fingers domain has significant conformational flexibility and exists in a highly dynamic molten globule state at physiological temperature. The role of the enclosed active site motif as a structural scaffold for constraining the fingers domain and accommodating conformational changes in 3D(pol) and other viral polymerases during the catalytic cycle is discussed.

Two proton transfers in the transition state for nucleotidyl transfer catalyzed by RNA- and DNA-dependent RNA and DNA polymerases

The rate-limiting step for nucleotide incorporation in the pre-steady state for most nucleic acid polymerases is thought to be a conformational change. As a result, very little information is available on the role of active-site residues in the chemistry of nucleotidyl transfer. For the poliovirus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (3D(pol)), chemistry is partially (Mg(2+)) or completely (Mn(2+)) rate limiting. Here we show that nucleotidyl transfer depends on two ionizable groups with pK(a) values of 7.0 or 8.2 and 10.5, depending upon the divalent cation used in the reaction. A solvent deuterium isotope effect of three to seven was observed on the rate constant for nucleotide incorporation in the pre-steady state; none was observed in the steady state. Proton-inventory experiments were consistent with two protons being transferred during the rate-limiting transition state of the reaction, suggesting that both deprotonation of the 3'-hydroxyl nucleophile and protonation of the pyrophosphate leaving group occur in the transition state for phosphodiester bond formation. Importantly, two proton transfers occur in the transition state for nucleotidyl-transfer reactions catalyzed by RB69 DNA-dependent DNA polymerase, T7 DNA-dependent RNA polymerase and HIV reverse transcriptase. Interpretation of these data in the context of known polymerase structures suggests the existence of a general base for deprotonation of the 3'-OH nucleophile, although use of a water molecule cannot be ruled out conclusively, and a general acid for protonation of the pyrophosphate leaving group in all nucleic acid polymerases. These data imply an associative-like transition-state structure.

Y-family DNA polymerases in Escherichia coli

The observation that mutations in the Escherichia coli genes umuC+ and umuD+ abolish mutagenesis induced by UV light strongly supported the counterintuitive notion that such mutagenesis is an active rather than passive process. Genetic and biochemical studies have revealed that umuC+ and its homolog dinB+ encode novel DNA polymerases with the ability to catalyze synthesis past DNA lesions that otherwise stall replication--a process termed translesion synthesis (TLS). Similar polymerases have been identified in nearly all organisms, constituting a new enzyme superfamily. Although typically viewed as unfaithful copiers of DNA, recent studies suggest that certain TLS polymerases can perform proficient and moderately accurate bypass of particular types of DNA damage. Moreover, various cellular factors can modulate their activity and mutagenic potential.

Hydrophobic Amino Acid and Single-Atom Substitutions Increase DNA Polymerase Selectivity

DNA polymerase fidelity is of immense biological importance due to the fundamental requirement for accurate DNA synthesis in both replicative and repair processes. Subtle hydrogen-bonding networks between DNA polymerases and their primer/template substrates are believed to have impact on DNA polymerase selectivity. We show that deleting defined interactions of that kind by rationally designed hydrophobic substitution mutations can result in a more selective enzyme. Furthermore, a single-atom replacement within the DNA substrate through chemical modification, which leads to an altered acceptor potential and steric demand of the DNA substrate, further increased the selectivity of the developed systems. Accordingly, this study about the impact of hydrophobic alterations on DNA polymerase selectivity--enzyme and substrate wise--further highlights the relevance of shape complementary and polar interactions on DNA polymerase selectivity.

The structural basis for the mutagenicity of O(6)-methyl-guanine lesions

Methylating agents are widespread environmental carcinogens that generate a broad spectrum of DNA damage. Methylation at the guanine O(6) position confers the greatest mutagenic and carcinogenic potential. DNA polymerases insert cytosine and thymine with similar efficiency opposite O(6)-methyl-guanine (O6MeG). We combined pre-steady-state kinetic analysis and a series of nine x-ray crystal structures to contrast the reaction pathways of accurate and mutagenic replication of O6MeG in a high-fidelity DNA polymerase from Bacillus stearothermophilus. Polymerases achieve substrate specificity by selecting for nucleotides with shape and hydrogen-bonding patterns that complement a canonical DNA template. Our structures reveal that both thymine and cytosine O6MeG base pairs evade proofreading by mimicking the essential molecular features of canonical substrates. The steric mimicry depends on stabilization of a rare cytosine tautomer in C.O6MeG-polymerase complexes. An unusual electrostatic interaction between O-methyl protons and a thymine carbonyl oxygen helps stabilize T.O6MeG pairs bound to DNA polymerase. Because DNA methylators constitute an important class of chemotherapeutic agents, the molecular mechanisms of replication of these DNA lesions are important for our understanding of both the genesis and treatment of cancer.

Examination of the long-range effects of aminofluorene-induced conformational heterogeneity and its relevance to the mechanism of translesional DNA synthesis

Adduct-induced conformational heterogeneity complicates the understanding of how DNA adducts exert mutation. A case in point is the N-deacetylated AF lesion [N-(2'-deoxyguanosin-8-yl)-2-aminofluorene], the major adduct derived from the strong liver carcinogen N-acetyl-2-aminofluorene. Three conformational families have been previously characterized and are dependent on the positioning of the aminofluorene rings: B is in the "B-DNA" major groove, S is "stacked" into the helix with base-displacement, and W is "wedged" into the minor groove. Here, we conducted (19)F NMR, CD, T(m), and modeling experiments at various primer positions with respect to a template modified by a fluorine tagged AF-adduct (FAF). In the first set, the FAF-G was paired with C and in the second set it was paired with A. The FAF-G:C oligonucleotides were found to preferentially adopt the B or S-conformers while the FAF-G:A mismatch ones preferred the B and W-conformers. The conformational preferences of both series were dependent on temperature and complementary strand length; the largest differences in conformation were displayed at lower temperatures. The CD and T(m) results are in general agreement with the NMR data. Molecular modeling indicated that the aminofluorene moiety in the minor groove of the W-conformer would impose a steric clash with the tight-packing amino acid residues on the DNA binding area of the Bacillus fragment (BF), a replicative DNA polymerase. In the case of the B-type conformer, the carcinogenic moiety resides in the solvent-exposed major groove throughout the replication/translocation process. The present dynamic NMR results, combined with previous primer extension kinetic data by Miller & Grollman, support a model in which adduct-induced conformational heterogeneities at positions remote from the replication fork affect polymerase function through a long-range DNA-protein interaction.

A mechanism of nucleotide misincorporation during transcription due to template-strand misalignment

Transcription errors by T7 RNA polymerase (RNAP) may occur as the result of a mechanism in which the template base two positions downstream of the 3' end of the RNA (the TSn+1 base) is utilized during two consecutive nucleotide-addition cycles. In the first cycle, misalignment of the template strand leads to incorporation of a nucleotide that is complementary to the TSn+1 base. In the second cycle, the template is realigned and the mismatched primer is efficiently extended, resulting in a substitution error. Proper organization of the transcription bubble is required for maintaining the correct register of the DNA template, as the presence of a complementary nontemplate strand opposite the TSn+1 base suppresses template misalignment. Our findings for T7 RNAP are in contrast to related DNA polymerases of the Pol I type, which fail to extend mismatches efficiently and generate predominantly deletion errors as a result of template-strand misalignment.

Template Misalignment in Multisubunit RNA Polymerases and Transcription Fidelity

Recent work showed that the single-subunit T7 RNA polymerase (RNAP) can generate misincorporation errors by a mechanism that involves misalignment of the DNA template strand. Here, we show that the same mechanism can produce errors during transcription by the multisubunit yeast RNAP II and bacterial RNAPs. Fluorescence spectroscopy reveals a reorganization of the template strand during this process, and molecular modeling suggests an open space above the polymerase active site that could accommodate a misaligned base. Substrate competition assays indicate that template misalignment, not misincorporation, is the preferred mechanism for substitution errors by cellular RNAPs. Misalignment could account for data previously taken as evidence for additional NTP binding sites downstream of the active site. Analysis of the effects of different template topologies on misincorporation indicates that the duplex DNA immediately downstream of the active site plays an important role in transcription fidelity.

Transient state kinetics of transcription elongation by T7 RNA polymerase

The single subunit DNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RNAP) from bacteriophage T7 catalyzes both promoter-dependent transcription initiation and promoter-independent elongation. Using a promoter-free substrate, we have dissected the kinetic pathway of single nucleotide incorporation during elongation. We show that T7 RNAP undergoes a slow conformational change (0.01-0.03 s(-1)) to form an elongation competent complex with the promoter-free substrate (dissociation constant (Kd) of 96 nM). The complex binds to a correct NTP (Kd of 80 microM) and incorporates the nucleoside monophosphate (NMP) into RNA primer very efficiently (220 s(-1) at 25 degrees C). An overall free energy change (-5.5 kcal/mol) and internal free energy change (-3.7 kcal/mol) of single NMP incorporation was calculated from the measured equilibrium constants. In the presence of inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi), the elongation complex catalyzes the reverse pyrophosphorolysis reaction at a maximum rate of 0.8 s(-1) with PPi Kd of 1.2 mM. Several experiments were designed to investigate the rate-limiting step in the pathway of single nucleotide addition. Acid-quench and pulse-chase kinetics indicated that an isomerization step before chemistry is rate-limiting. The very similar rate constants of sequential incorporation of two nucleotides indicated that the steps after chemistry are fast. Based on available data, we propose that the preinsertion to insertion isomerization of NTP observed in the crystallographic studies of T7 RNAP is a likely candidate for the rate-limiting step. The studies here provide a kinetic framework to investigate structure-function and fidelity of RNA synthesis and to further explore the role of the conformational change in nucleotide selection during RNA synthesis.

Crystal structures of clinically relevant Lys103Asn/Tyr181Cys double mutant HIV-1 reverse transcriptase in complexes with ATP and non-nucleoside inhibitor HBY 097

Lys103Asn and Tyr181Cys are the two mutations frequently observed in patients exposed to various non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor drugs (NNRTIs). Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) strains containing both reverse transcriptase (RT) mutations are resistant to all of the approved NNRTI drugs. We have determined crystal structures of Lys103Asn/Tyr181Cys mutant HIV-1 RT with and without a bound non-nucleoside inhibitor (HBY 097, (S)-4-isopropoxycarbonyl-6-methoxy-3-(methylthio-methyl)-3,4-dihydroquinoxalin-2(1H)-thione) at 3.0 A and 2.5 A resolution, respectively. The structure of the double mutant RT/HBY 097 complex shows a rearrangement of the isopropoxycarbonyl group of HBY 097 compared to its binding with wild-type RT. HBY 097 makes a hydrogen bond with the thiol group of Cys181 that helps the drug retain potency against the Tyr181Cys mutation. The structure of the unliganded double mutant HIV-1 RT showed that Lys103Asn mutation facilitates coordination of a sodium ion with Lys101 O, Asn103 N and O(delta1), Tyr188 O(eta), and two water molecules. The formation of the binding pocket requires the removal of the sodium ion. Although the RT alone and the RT/HBY 097 complex were crystallized in the presence of ATP, only the RT has an ATP coordinated with two Mn(2+) at the polymerase active site. The metal coordination mimics a reaction intermediate state in which complete octahedral coordination was observed for both metal ions. Asp186 coordinates at an axial position whereas the carboxylates of Asp110 and Asp185 are in the planes of coordination of both metal ions. The structures provide evidence that NNRTIs restrict the flexibility of the YMDD loop and prevent the catalytic aspartate residues from adopting their metal-binding conformations.

Visualizing polynucleotide polymerase machines at work

The structures of T7 RNA polymerase (T7 RNAP) captured in the initiation and elongation phases of transcription, that of phi29 DNA polymerase bound to a primer protein and those of the multisubunit RNAPs bound to initiating factors provide insights into how these proteins can initiate RNA synthesis and synthesize 6-10 nucleotides while remaining bound to the site of initiation. Structural insight into the translocation of the product transcript and the separation of the downstream duplex DNA is provided by the structures of the four states of nucleotide incorporation. Single molecule and biochemical studies show a distribution of primer terminus positions that is altered by the binding of NTP and PP(i) ligands. This article reviews the insights that imaging the structure of polynucleotide polymerases at different steps of the polymerization reaction has provided on the mechanisms of the polymerization reaction. Movies are shown that allow the direct visualization of the conformational changes that the polymerases undergo during the different steps of polymerization.

The properties of steric gate mutants reveal different constraints within the active sites of Y-family and A-family DNA polymerases

Y-family (lesion-bypass) DNA polymerases show the same overall structural features seen in other members of the polymerase superfamily, yet their active sites are more open, with fewer contacts to the DNA and nucleotide substrates. This raises the question of whether analogous active-site side chains play equivalent roles in the bypass polymerases and their classical DNA polymerase counterparts. In Klenow fragment, an A-family DNA polymerase, the steric gate side chain (Glu710) not only prevents ribonucleotide incorporation but also plays an important role in discrimination against purine-pyrimidine mispairs. In this work we show that the steric gate (Phe12) of the Y-family polymerase Dbh plays a very minor role in fidelity, despite its analogous role in sugar selection. Using ribonucleotide discrimination to report on the positioning of a mispaired dNTP, we found that the pyrimidine of a Pu-dPyTP nascent mispair occupies a similar position to that of a correctly paired dNTP in the Dbh active site, whereas in Klenow fragment the mispaired dNTP sits higher in the active site pocket. If purine-pyrimidine mispairs adopt the expected wobble geometry, the difference between the two polymerases can be attributed to the binding of the templating base, with the looser binding site of Dbh permitting a variety of template conformations with only minimal adjustment at the incoming dNTP. In Klenow fragment the templating base is more rigidly held, so that changes in base pair geometry would affect the dNTP position, allowing the Glu710 side chain to serve as a sensor of nascent mispairs.

Magnesium-induced assembly of a complete DNA polymerase catalytic complex

The molecular details of the nucleotidyl transferase reaction have remained speculative, as strategies to trap catalytic intermediates for structure determination utilize substrates lacking the primer terminus 3'-OH and catalytic Mg2+, resulting in an incomplete and distorted active site geometry. Since the geometric arrangement of these essential atoms will impact chemistry, structural insight into fidelity strategies has been hampered. Here, we present a crystal structure of a precatalytic complex of a DNA polymerase with bound substrates that include the primer 3'-OH and catalytic Mg2+. This catalytic intermediate was trapped with a nonhydrolyzable deoxynucleotide analog. Comparison with two new structures of DNA polymerase beta lacking the 3'-OH or catalytic Mg2+ is described. These structures provide direct evidence that both atoms are required to achieve a proper geometry necessary for an in-line nucleophilic attack of O3' on the alphaP of the incoming nucleotide.

Directed evolution of DNA polymerase, RNA polymerase and reverse transcriptase activity in a single polypeptide

DNA polymerases enable key technologies in modern biology but for many applications, native polymerases are limited by their stringent substrate recognition. Here we describe short-patch compartmentalized self-replication (spCSR), a novel strategy to expand the substrate spectrum of polymerases in a targeted way. spCSR is based on the previously described CSR, but unlike CSR only a short region (a "patch") of the gene under investigation is diversified and replicated. This allows the selection of polymerases under conditions where catalytic activity and processivity are compromised to the extent that full self-replication is inefficient. We targeted two specific motifs involved in substrate recognition in the active site of DNA polymerase I from Thermus aquaticus (Taq) and selected for incorporation of both ribonucleotide- (NTP) and deoxyribonucleotide-triphosphates (dNTPs) using spCSR. This allowed the isolation of multiple variants of Taq with apparent dual substrate specificity. They were able to synthesize RNA, while still retaining essentially wild-type (wt) DNA polymerase activity as judged by PCR. One such mutant (AA40: E602V, A608V, I614M, E615G) was able to incorporate both NTPs and dNTPs with the same catalytic efficiency as the wt enzyme incorporates dNTPs. AA40 allowed the generation of mixed RNA-DNA amplification products in PCR demonstrating DNA polymerase, RNA polymerase as well as reverse transcriptase activity within the same polypeptide. Furthermore, AA40 displayed an expanded substrate spectrum towards other 2'-substituted nucleotides and was able to synthesize nucleic acid polymers in which each base bore a different 2'-substituent. Our results suggest that spCSR will be a powerful strategy for the generation of polymerases with altered substrate specificity for applications in nano- and biotechnology and in the enzymatic synthesis of antisense and RNAi probes.

RNA aptamers selected against DNA polymerase beta inhibit the polymerase activities of DNA polymerases beta and kappa

DNA polymerase β (polβ), a member of the X family of DNA polymerases, is the major polymerase in the base excision repair pathway. Using in vitro selection, we obtained RNA aptamers for polβ from a variable pool of 8 × 10¹² individual RNA sequences containing 30 random nucleotides. A total of 60 individual clones selected after seven rounds were screened for the ability to inhibit polβ activity. All of the inhibitory aptamers analyzed have a predicted tri-lobed structure. Gel mobility shift assays demonstrate that the aptamers can displace the DNA substrate from the polβ active site. Inhibition by the aptamers is not polymerase specific; inhibitors of polβ also inhibited DNA polymerase κ, a Y-family DNA polymerase. However, the RNA aptamers did not inhibit the Klenow fragment of DNA polymerase I and only had a minor effect on RB69 DNA polymerase activity. Polβ and κ, despite sharing little sequence similarity and belonging to different DNA polymerase families, have similarly open active sites and relatively few interactions with their DNA substrates. This may allow the aptamers to bind and inhibit polymerase activity. RNA aptamers with inhibitory properties may be useful in modulating DNA polymerase actvity in cells.