1
|
Yu B, Iwahara J. Analyzing paramagnetic NMR data on target DNA search by proteins using a discrete-state kinetic model for translocation. Biopolymers 2024; 115:e23553. [PMID: 37254885 PMCID: PMC10687310 DOI: 10.1002/bip.23553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Before reaching their targets, sequence-specific DNA-binding proteins nonspecifically bind to DNA through electrostatic interactions and stochastically change their locations on DNA. Investigations into the dynamics of DNA-scanning by proteins are nontrivial due to the simultaneous presence of multiple translocation mechanisms and many sites for the protein to nonspecifically bind to DNA. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy can provide information about the target DNA search processes at an atomic level. Paramagnetic relaxation enhancement (PRE) is particularly useful to study how the proteins scan DNA in the search process. Previously, relatively simple two-state or three-state exchange models were used to explain PRE data reflecting the target search process. In this work, using more realistic discrete-state stochastic kinetics models embedded into an NMR master equation, we analyzed the PRE data for the HoxD9 homeodomain interacting with DNA. The kinetic models that incorporate sliding, dissociation, association, and intersegment transfer can reproduce the PRE profiles observed at some different ionic strengths. The analysis confirms the previous interpretation of the PRE data and shows that the protein's probability distribution among nonspecific sites is nonuniform during the target DNA search process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Binhan Yu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Sealy Center for Structural Biology & Molecular Biophysics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555-1068
| | - Junji Iwahara
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Sealy Center for Structural Biology & Molecular Biophysics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555-1068
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ramírez Montero D, Liu Z, Dekker NH. De novo fabrication of custom-sequence plasmids for the synthesis of long DNA constructs with extrahelical features. Biophys J 2024; 123:31-41. [PMID: 37968907 PMCID: PMC10808024 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA constructs for single-molecule experiments often require specific sequences and/or extrahelical/noncanonical structures to study DNA-processing mechanisms. The precise introduction of such structures requires extensive control of the sequence of the initial DNA substrate. A commonly used substrate in the synthesis of DNA constructs is plasmid DNA. Nevertheless, the controlled introduction of specific sequences and extrahelical/noncanonical structures into plasmids often requires several rounds of cloning on pre-existing plasmids whose sequence one cannot fully control. Here, we describe a simple and efficient way to synthesize 10.1-kb plasmids de novo using synthetic gBlocks that provides full control of the sequence. Using these plasmids, we developed a 1.5-day protocol to assemble 10.1-kb linear DNA constructs with end and internal modifications. As a proof of principle, we synthesize two different DNA constructs with biotinylated ends and one or two internal 3' single-stranded DNA flaps, characterize them using single-molecule force and fluorescence spectroscopy, and functionally validate them by showing that the eukaryotic replicative helicase Cdc45/Mcm2-7/GINS (CMG) binds the 3' single-stranded DNA flap and translocates in the expected direction. We anticipate that our approach can be used to synthesize custom-sequence DNA constructs for a variety of force and fluorescence single-molecule spectroscopy experiments to interrogate DNA replication, DNA repair, and transcription.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Ramírez Montero
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Zhaowei Liu
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Nynke H Dekker
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Delft, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Montalbo RCK, Tu HL. Micropatterning of functional lipid bilayer assays for quantitative bioanalysis. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2023; 17:031302. [PMID: 37179590 PMCID: PMC10171888 DOI: 10.1063/5.0145997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Interactions of the cell with its environment are mediated by the cell membrane and membrane-localized molecules. Supported lipid bilayers have enabled the recapitulation of the basic properties of cell membranes and have been broadly used to further our understanding of cellular behavior. Coupled with micropatterning techniques, lipid bilayer platforms have allowed for high throughput assays capable of performing quantitative analysis at a high spatiotemporal resolution. Here, an overview of the current methods of the lipid membrane patterning is presented. The fabrication and pattern characteristics are briefly described to present an idea of the quality and notable features of the methods, their utilizations for quantitative bioanalysis, as well as to highlight possible directions for the advanced micropatterning lipid membrane assays.
Collapse
|
4
|
Zernia S, Stigler J. DNA curtains for studying phase separation mechanisms of DNA-organizing proteins. Methods Cell Biol 2023; 182:95-108. [PMID: 38359990 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2023.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Phase separation is one key mechanism to organize chromatin into compartments and to regulate the activity of the genome. The formation of liquid-like droplets within the nucleus is driven by protein association to the DNA via multivalent binding and the recruitment of other proteins building a concentrated reaction environment. Common methods to study phase separation and its liquid-like nature are based on microscopy of the formed droplets but lack the resolution to obtain information on the molecular level. Here, we describe the application of the DNA curtain technique for studying protein-mediated phase separation on DNA. For this, multiple lipid-anchored DNA strands are flow-stretched across a nanobarrier to allow single-molecule studies of protein-DNA interactions in a high-throughput approach. Our protocol describes how protein-induced DNA compaction can be observed in real-time and which wash protocols are suitable to characterize the interactions that promote condensate formation. Furthermore, we demonstrate how fluorescently labeled tracer proteins can serve as orientation points to examine the DNA compaction mechanism in detail.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Zernia
- Gene Center Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
| | - Johannes Stigler
- Gene Center Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Heo W, Seo J, Lee Y, Kim Y. Fluid-driven DNA stretching for single-molecule studies on chromatin-associated proteins. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 634:122-128. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
6
|
Mazzocca M, Fillot T, Loffreda A, Gnani D, Mazza D. The needle and the haystack: single molecule tracking to probe the transcription factor search in eukaryotes. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:1121-1132. [PMID: 34003257 PMCID: PMC8286828 DOI: 10.1042/bst20200709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) regulate transcription of their target genes by identifying and binding to regulatory regions of the genome among billions of potential non-specific decoy sites, a task that is often presented as a 'needle in the haystack' challenge. The TF search process is now well understood in bacteria, but its characterization in eukaryotes needs to account for the complex organization of the nuclear environment. Here we review how live-cell single molecule tracking is starting to shed light on the TF search mechanism in the eukaryotic cell and we outline the future challenges to tackle in order to understand how nuclear organization modulates the TF search process in physiological and pathological conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Mazzocca
- Experimental Imaging Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Tom Fillot
- Experimental Imaging Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Alessia Loffreda
- Experimental Imaging Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Daniela Gnani
- Experimental Imaging Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Davide Mazza
- Experimental Imaging Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Suleiman K, Liu C, Zhang X, Wang E, Ma L, Zheng L. Anomalous diffusion on Archimedean spiral structure with Cattaneo flux model. J Mol Liq 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2020.114256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
|
8
|
Dueva R, Iliakis G. Replication protein A: a multifunctional protein with roles in DNA replication, repair and beyond. NAR Cancer 2020; 2:zcaa022. [PMID: 34316690 PMCID: PMC8210275 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcaa022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) forms continuously during DNA replication and is an important intermediate during recombination-mediated repair of damaged DNA. Replication protein A (RPA) is the major eukaryotic ssDNA-binding protein. As such, RPA protects the transiently formed ssDNA from nucleolytic degradation and serves as a physical platform for the recruitment of DNA damage response factors. Prominent and well-studied RPA-interacting partners are the tumor suppressor protein p53, the RAD51 recombinase and the ATR-interacting proteins ATRIP and ETAA1. RPA interactions are also documented with the helicases BLM, WRN and SMARCAL1/HARP, as well as the nucleotide excision repair proteins XPA, XPG and XPF–ERCC1. Besides its well-studied roles in DNA replication (restart) and repair, accumulating evidence shows that RPA is engaged in DNA activities in a broader biological context, including nucleosome assembly on nascent chromatin, regulation of gene expression, telomere maintenance and numerous other aspects of nucleic acid metabolism. In addition, novel RPA inhibitors show promising effects in cancer treatment, as single agents or in combination with chemotherapeutics. Since the biochemical properties of RPA and its roles in DNA repair have been extensively reviewed, here we focus on recent discoveries describing several non-canonical functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rositsa Dueva
- Institute of Medical Radiation Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen Medical School, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - George Iliakis
- Institute of Medical Radiation Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen Medical School, 45122 Essen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Nepravishta R, Pletka CC, Iwahara J. Racemic phosphorothioate as a tool for NMR investigations of protein-DNA complexes. JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR NMR 2020; 74:421-429. [PMID: 32683519 PMCID: PMC7511421 DOI: 10.1007/s10858-020-00333-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
A major driving force for protein-nucleic acid association is electrostatic interactions via ion pairs of the positively charged basic side chains and negatively charged phosphates. For a better understanding of how proteins scan DNA and recognize particular signatures, it is important to gain atomic-level insight into the behavior of basic side chains at the protein-DNA interfaces. NMR spectroscopy is a powerful tool for investigating the structural, dynamic, and kinetic aspects of protein-DNA interactions. However, resonance assignment of basic side-chain cationic moieties at the molecular interfaces remains to be a major challenge. Here, we propose a fast, robust, and inexpensive approach that greatly facilitates resonance assignment of interfacial moieties and also allows for kinetic measurements of protein translocation between two DNA duplexes. This approach utilizes site-specific incorporation of racemic phosphorothioate at the position of a phosphate that interacts with a protein side chain. This modification retains the electric charge of phosphate and therefore is mild, but causes significant chemical shift perturbations for the proximal protein side chains, which facilitates resonance assignment. Due to the racemic nature of the modification, two different chemical shifts are observed for the species with different diastereomers RP and SP of the incorporated phosphorothioate group. Kinetic information on the exchange of the protein molecule between RP and SP DNA duplexes can be obtained by 15Nz exchange spectroscopy. We demonstrate the applications of this approach to the Antennapedia homeodomain-DNA complex and the CREB1 basic leucine-zipper (bZIP)-DNA complex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ridvan Nepravishta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555-1068, USA
| | - Channing C Pletka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555-1068, USA
| | - Junji Iwahara
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555-1068, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Chudinova EM, Brodsky IB, Nadezhdina ES. On the interaction of ribosomal protein RPL22e with microtubules. Cell Biol Int 2019; 43:749-759. [PMID: 30958636 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Microtubule (MT) protein preparations often contain components of the translation machinery, including ribosome proteins. To understand the biological meaning of it we studied the interaction of ribosomal protein RPL22e with the MT. We found that bacteria expressed purified RPL22e-GFP-6His did co-sediment with brain tubulin MTs with 1.3 µM dissociation coefficient. Such a KD is comparable to some specific MT-associated proteins. Distinct in vitro interaction of RPL22e-GFP with MTs was also observed by TIRF microscopy. In real-time assay, RPL22e-GFP molecules stayed bound to MTs for several seconds, and 15% of them demonstrated random-walk along MTs with diffusion coefficient 0.03 µ2 /s. Deletion of basic areas of RPL22e did not have an impact on KD , and deletion of acidic tail slightly increased association with MTs. Interestingly, the deletion of acidic tail increased diffusion coefficient as well. The interaction of RPL22e with MTs is hardly noticeable in vivo in cultured cells, probably since a significant part of the protein is incorporated into the ribosomes. The mobility of ribosomal protein on the MTs probably prevents its interfering with MT-dependent transport and could ameliorate its transport to the nucleus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena M Chudinova
- Institute of Protein Research of Russian Academy of Science, Institutskaya str., 4, Pushchino, Moscow Region 142290, Russia.,Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Miklukho-Maklaya str., 6, 117198 Moscow, Russia
| | - Ilya B Brodsky
- M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory, 1-73, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena S Nadezhdina
- Institute of Protein Research of Russian Academy of Science, Institutskaya str., 4, Pushchino, Moscow Region 142290, Russia.,M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory, 1-73, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Howard MJ, Wilson SH. DNA scanning by base excision repair enzymes and implications for pathway coordination. DNA Repair (Amst) 2018; 71:101-107. [PMID: 30181039 PMCID: PMC6340770 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2018.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Site-specific DNA binding proteins must search the genome to locate their target sites, and many DNA modifying enzymes have the ability to scan along DNA in search of their substrates. This process is termed processive searching, and it serves to decrease the search time by effectively increasing the DNA binding footprint of a protein. The repertoire of proteins capable of processive searching is expanding, highlighting the need to understand the governing principles behind this fundamental process. Many of the enzymes in the base excision DNA repair pathway are capable of processive searching. Here, we briefly summarize methodology for determining if a protein can scan DNA and highlight the discovery that the base excision repair DNA polymerase β performs a processive search. Elucidation of physical models for DNA searching has also provided a plausible mechanism for pathway coordination during repair. The ability of BER enzymes to transiently sample adjacent DNA sites while bound to their product confers accessibility to downstream enzymes and does not require protein-protein interactions for coordination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Howard
- Genome Integrity and Structural Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Samuel H Wilson
- Genome Integrity and Structural Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Esadze A, Stivers JT. Facilitated Diffusion Mechanisms in DNA Base Excision Repair and Transcriptional Activation. Chem Rev 2018; 118:11298-11323. [PMID: 30379068 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.8b00513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Preservation of the coding potential of the genome and highly regulated gene expression over the life span of a human are two fundamental requirements of life. These processes require the action of repair enzymes or transcription factors that efficiently recognize specific sites of DNA damage or transcriptional regulation within a restricted time frame of the cell cycle or metabolism. A failure of these systems to act results in accumulated mutations, metabolic dysfunction, and disease. Despite the multifactorial complexity of cellular DNA repair and transcriptional regulation, both processes share a fundamental physical requirement that the proteins must rapidly diffuse to their specific DNA-binding sites that are embedded within the context of a vastly greater number of nonspecific DNA-binding sites. Superimposed on the needle-in-the-haystack problem is the complex nature of the cellular environment, which contains such high concentrations of macromolecules that the time frame for diffusion is expected to be severely extended as compared to dilute solution. Here we critically review the mechanisms for how these proteins solve the needle-in-the-haystack problem and how the effects of cellular macromolecular crowding can enhance facilitated diffusion processes. We restrict the review to human proteins that use stochastic, thermally driven site-recognition mechanisms, and we specifically exclude systems involving energy cofactors or circular DNA clamps. Our scope includes ensemble and single-molecule studies of the past decade or so, with an emphasis on connecting experimental observations to biological function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Esadze
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences , Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , 725 North Wolfe Street , WBSB 314, Baltimore , Maryland 21205 , United States
| | - James T Stivers
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences , Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , 725 North Wolfe Street , WBSB 314, Baltimore , Maryland 21205 , United States
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Iwahara J, Zandarashvili L, Kemme CA, Esadze A. NMR-based investigations into target DNA search processes of proteins. Methods 2018; 148:57-66. [PMID: 29753002 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2018.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 10/16/2022] Open
Abstract
To perform their function, transcription factors and DNA-repair/modifying enzymes must first locate their targets in the vast presence of nonspecific, but structurally similar sites on genomic DNA. Before reaching their targets, these proteins stochastically scan DNA and dynamically move from one site to another on DNA. Solution NMR spectroscopy provides unique atomic-level insights into the dynamic DNA-scanning processes, which are difficult to gain by any other experimental means. In this review, we provide an introductory overview on the NMR methods for the structural, dynamic, and kinetic investigations of target DNA search by proteins. We also discuss advantages and disadvantages of these NMR methods over other methods such as single-molecule techniques and biochemical approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junji Iwahara
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics, University of Texas Medical Branch, United States.
| | - Levani Zandarashvili
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Catherine A Kemme
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics, University of Texas Medical Branch, United States
| | - Alexandre Esadze
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, United States
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
De Tullio L, Kaniecki K, Greene EC. Single-Stranded DNA Curtains for Studying the Srs2 Helicase Using Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Microscopy. Methods Enzymol 2018; 600:407-437. [PMID: 29458768 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2017.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Helicases are crucial participants in many types of DNA repair reactions, including homologous recombination. The properties of these enzymes can be assayed by traditional bulk biochemical analysis; however, these types of assays cannot directly access some types of information. In particular, bulk biochemical assays cannot readily access information that may be obscured in population averages. Single-molecule assays offer the potential advantage of being able to visualize the molecules in question in real time, thus providing direct access to questions relating to translocation velocity, processivity, and insights into how helicases may behave on different types of substrates. Here, we describe the use of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) curtains as an assay for directly viewing the behavior of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Srs2 helicase on single molecules of ssDNA. When used with total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy, these methods can be used to track the binding and movements of individual helicase complexes, and allow new insights into helicase behaviors at the single-molecule level.
Collapse
|
15
|
The more the merrier: high-throughput single-molecule techniques. Biochem Soc Trans 2017; 45:759-769. [PMID: 28620037 DOI: 10.1042/bst20160137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2016] [Revised: 03/26/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The single-molecule approach seeks to understand molecular mechanisms by observing biomolecular processes at the level of individual molecules. These methods have led to a developing understanding that for many processes, a diversity of behaviours will be observed, representing a multitude of pathways. This realisation necessitates that an adequate number of observations are recorded to fully characterise this diversity. The requirement for large numbers of observations to adequately sample distributions, subpopulations, and rare events presents a significant challenge for single-molecule techniques, which by their nature do not typically provide very high throughput. This review will discuss many developing techniques which address this issue by combining nanolithographic approaches, such as zero-mode waveguides and DNA curtains, with single-molecule fluorescence microscopy, and by drastically increasing throughput of force-based approaches such as magnetic tweezers and laminar-flow techniques. These methods not only allow the collection of large volumes of single-molecule data in single experiments, but have also made improvements to ease-of-use, accessibility, and automation of data analysis.
Collapse
|
16
|
Kamagata K, Murata A, Itoh Y, Takahashi S. Characterization of facilitated diffusion of tumor suppressor p53 along DNA using single-molecule fluorescence imaging. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY C-PHOTOCHEMISTRY REVIEWS 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotochemrev.2017.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
|
17
|
Igarashi C, Murata A, Itoh Y, Subekti DRG, Takahashi S, Kamagata K. DNA Garden: A Simple Method for Producing Arrays of Stretchable DNA for Single-Molecule Fluorescence Imaging of DNA-Binding Proteins. BULLETIN OF THE CHEMICAL SOCIETY OF JAPAN 2017. [DOI: 10.1246/bcsj.20160298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chihiro Igarashi
- Institute for Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8578
| | - Agato Murata
- Institute for Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8578
| | - Yuji Itoh
- Institute for Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8578
| | - Dwiky Rendra Graha Subekti
- Institute for Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8578
| | - Satoshi Takahashi
- Institute for Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8578
| | - Kiyoto Kamagata
- Institute for Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8578
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Abstract
Homologous recombination is an important pathway involved in the repair of double-stranded DNA breaks. Genetic studies form the foundation of our knowledge on homologous recombination. Significant progress has also been made toward understanding the biochemical and biophysical properties of the proteins, complexes, and reaction intermediates involved in this essential DNA repair pathway. However, heterogeneous or transient recombination intermediates remain extremely difficult to assess through traditional ensemble methods, leaving an incomplete mechanistic picture of many steps that take place during homologous recombination. To help overcome some of these limitations, we have established DNA curtain methodologies as an experimental platform for studying homologous DNA recombination in real-time at the single-molecule level. Here, we present a detailed overview describing the preparation and use of single-stranded DNA curtains in applications related to the study of homologous DNA recombination with emphasis on recent work related to the study of the eukaryotic recombinase Rad51.
Collapse
|
19
|
Maver U, Velnar T, Gaberšček M, Planinšek O, Finšgar M. Recent progressive use of atomic force microscopy in biomedical applications. Trends Analyt Chem 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2016.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
20
|
Friedrich SM, Zec HC, Wang TH. Analysis of single nucleic acid molecules in micro- and nano-fluidics. LAB ON A CHIP 2016; 16:790-811. [PMID: 26818700 PMCID: PMC4767527 DOI: 10.1039/c5lc01294e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acid analysis has enhanced our understanding of biological processes and disease progression, elucidated the association of genetic variants and disease, and led to the design and implementation of new treatment strategies. These diverse applications require analysis of a variety of characteristics of nucleic acid molecules: size or length, detection or quantification of specific sequences, mapping of the general sequence structure, full sequence identification, analysis of epigenetic modifications, and observation of interactions between nucleic acids and other biomolecules. Strategies that can detect rare or transient species, characterize population distributions, and analyze small sample volumes enable the collection of richer data from biosamples. Platforms that integrate micro- and nano-fluidic operations with high sensitivity single molecule detection facilitate manipulation and detection of individual nucleic acid molecules. In this review, we will highlight important milestones and recent advances in single molecule nucleic acid analysis in micro- and nano-fluidic platforms. We focus on assessment modalities for single nucleic acid molecules and highlight the role of micro- and nano-structures and fluidic manipulation. We will also briefly discuss future directions and the current limitations and obstacles impeding even faster progress toward these goals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Friedrich
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA.
| | - Helena C Zec
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Tza-Huei Wang
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA. and Mechanical Engineering Department, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Schmidt TT, Hombauer H. Visualization of mismatch repair complexes using fluorescence microscopy. DNA Repair (Amst) 2016; 38:58-67. [DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2015.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Revised: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
|
22
|
Colomb W, Sarkar SK. Extracting physics of life at the molecular level: A review of single-molecule data analyses. Phys Life Rev 2015; 13:107-37. [PMID: 25660417 DOI: 10.1016/j.plrev.2015.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2015] [Accepted: 01/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Studying individual biomolecules at the single-molecule level has proved very insightful recently. Single-molecule experiments allow us to probe both the equilibrium and nonequilibrium properties as well as make quantitative connections with ensemble experiments and equilibrium thermodynamics. However, it is important to be careful about the analysis of single-molecule data because of the noise present and the lack of theoretical framework for processes far away from equilibrium. Biomolecular motion, whether it is free in solution, on a substrate, or under force, involves thermal fluctuations in varying degrees, which makes the motion noisy. In addition, the noise from the experimental setup makes it even more complex. The details of biologically relevant interactions, conformational dynamics, and activities are hidden in the noisy single-molecule data. As such, extracting biological insights from noisy data is still an active area of research. In this review, we will focus on analyzing both fluorescence-based and force-based single-molecule experiments and gaining biological insights at the single-molecule level. Inherently nonequilibrium nature of biological processes will be highlighted. Simulated trajectories of biomolecular diffusion will be used to compare and validate various analysis techniques.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Warren Colomb
- Department of Physics, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO 80401, United States
| | - Susanta K Sarkar
- Department of Physics, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO 80401, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Niman CS, Zuckermann MJ, Balaz M, Tegenfeldt JO, Curmi PMG, Forde NR, Linke H. Fluidic switching in nanochannels for the control of Inchworm: a synthetic biomolecular motor with a power stroke. NANOSCALE 2014; 6:15008-15019. [PMID: 25367216 DOI: 10.1039/c4nr04701j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic molecular motors typically take nanometer-scale steps through rectification of thermal motion. Here we propose Inchworm, a DNA-based motor that employs a pronounced power stroke to take micrometer-scale steps on a time scale of seconds, and we design, fabricate, and analyze the nanofluidic device needed to operate the motor. Inchworm is a kbp-long, double-stranded DNA confined inside a nanochannel in a stretched configuration. Motor stepping is achieved through externally controlled changes in salt concentration (changing the DNA's extension), coordinated with ligand-gated binding of the DNA's ends to the functionalized nanochannel surface. Brownian dynamics simulations predict that Inchworm's stall force is determined by its entropic spring constant and is ∼ 0.1 pN. Operation of the motor requires periodic cycling of four different buffers surrounding the DNA inside a nanochannel, while keeping constant the hydrodynamic load force on the DNA. We present a two-layer fluidic device incorporating 100 nm-radius nanochannels that are connected through a few-nm-wide slit to a microfluidic system used for in situ buffer exchanges, either diffusionally (zero flow) or with controlled hydrodynamic flow. Combining experiment with finite-element modeling, we demonstrate the device's key performance features and experimentally establish achievable Inchworm stepping times of the order of seconds or faster.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra S Niman
- Division of Solid State Physics, Lund University, Box 118, 22100 Lund, Sweden.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Hughes CD, Simons M, Mackenzie CE, Van Houten B, Kad NM. Single molecule techniques in DNA repair: a primer. DNA Repair (Amst) 2014; 20:2-13. [PMID: 24819596 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2014.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2014] [Accepted: 02/03/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
A powerful new approach has become much more widespread and offers insights into aspects of DNA repair unattainable with billions of molecules. Single molecule techniques can be used to image, manipulate or characterize the action of a single repair protein on a single strand of DNA. This allows search mechanisms to be probed, and the effects of force to be understood. These physical aspects can dominate a biochemical reaction, where at the ensemble level their nuances are obscured. In this paper we discuss some of the many technical advances that permit study at the single molecule level. We focus on DNA repair to which these techniques are actively being applied. DNA repair is also a process that encompasses so much of what single molecule studies benefit--searching for targets, complex formation, sequential biochemical reactions and substrate hand-off to name just a few. We discuss how single molecule biophysics is poised to transform our understanding of biological systems, in particular DNA repair.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Craig D Hughes
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK
| | - Michelle Simons
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK
| | - Cassidy E Mackenzie
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK
| | - Bennett Van Houten
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Neil M Kad
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK.
| |
Collapse
|