Stereoselective interaction with chiral phosphorothioates at the central DNA kink of the EcoRI endonuclease-GAATTC complex

Probing the Catalytic Mechanism and Inhibition of SAMHD1 Using the Differential Properties of Rp- and Sp-dNTPαS Diastereomers

SAMHD1 is a fundamental regulator of cellular dNTPs that catalyzes their hydrolysis into 2'-deoxynucleoside and triphosphate, restricting the replication of viruses, including HIV-1, in CD4⁺ myeloid lineage and resting T-cells. SAMHD1 mutations are associated with the autoimmune disease Aicardi-Goutières syndrome (AGS) and certain cancers. More recently, SAMHD1 has been linked to anticancer drug resistance and the suppression of the interferon response to cytosolic nucleic acids after DNA damage. Here, we probe dNTP hydrolysis and inhibition of SAMHD1 using the R_p and S_p diastereomers of dNTPαS nucleotides. Our biochemical and enzymological data show that the α-phosphorothioate substitution in S_p-dNTPαS but not R_p-dNTPαS diastereomers prevents Mg²⁺ ion coordination at both the allosteric and catalytic sites, rendering SAMHD1 unable to form stable, catalytically active homotetramers or hydrolyze substrate dNTPs at the catalytic site. Furthermore, we find that S_p-dNTPαS diastereomers competitively inhibit dNTP hydrolysis, while R_p-dNTPαS nucleotides stabilize tetramerization and are hydrolyzed with similar kinetic parameters to cognate dNTPs. For the first time, we present a cocrystal structure of SAMHD1 with a substrate, R_p-dGTPαS, in which an Fe-Mg-bridging water species is poised for nucleophilic attack on the P^α. We conclude that it is the incompatibility of Mg²⁺, a hard Lewis acid, and the α-phosphorothioate thiol, a soft Lewis base, that prevents the S_p-dNTPαS nucleotides coordinating in a catalytically productive conformation. On the basis of these data, we present a model for SAMHD1 stereospecific hydrolysis of R_p-dNTPαS nucleotides and for a mode of competitive inhibition by S_p-dNTPαS nucleotides that competes with formation of the enzyme-substrate complex.

2'-O-methyl nucleotide modified DNA substrates influence the cleavage efficiencies of BamHI and BglII

Induction of endonucleolytic DNA cleavage is an essential event that links the initiating stimuli to the final effects of cells. The cleavage efficiency and thus the final yield could be affected by many factors, including structures of DNA substrates, composite structures of enzymes-substrates or enzymes-nucleic analogs and so on. However, it is not clear whether a nucleotide derivative-substituted in DNA substrates can influence the efficiency of enzymatic cleavage. To investigate the effect of sugar pucker conformation on DNA-protein interactions, we used 2'-O-methyl modified nucleotides (OMeN) to modify DNA substrates of isocaudemers BamHI and BglII in this study, and used FRET assay as an efficient method for analysis of enzyme cleavage. Experimental results demonstrated that OMeN-substituted recognition sequences influenced the cleavage rates significantly in a position-dependent manner. OMeN substitutions can reduce the cleavage as expected. Surprisingly, OMeN substitutions can also enhance the cleavage rates. The kinetics parameters of Vmax and Km have been obtained by fitting the Michaelis-Menten kinetic equation. These 2'- OMe nucleotides could behave as a regulatory element to modulate the enzymatic activity in vitro, and this property could enrich our understanding about the endonuclease cleavage mechanism and enhance our ability to regulate the enzymatic cleavage efficiency for applications in synthetic biology.

Type II restriction endonucleases--a historical perspective and more

This article continues the series of Surveys and Summaries on restriction endonucleases (REases) begun this year in Nucleic Acids Research. Here we discuss 'Type II' REases, the kind used for DNA analysis and cloning. We focus on their biochemistry: what they are, what they do, and how they do it. Type II REases are produced by prokaryotes to combat bacteriophages. With extreme accuracy, each recognizes a particular sequence in double-stranded DNA and cleaves at a fixed position within or nearby. The discoveries of these enzymes in the 1970s, and of the uses to which they could be put, have since impacted every corner of the life sciences. They became the enabling tools of molecular biology, genetics and biotechnology, and made analysis at the most fundamental levels routine. Hundreds of different REases have been discovered and are available commercially. Their genes have been cloned, sequenced and overexpressed. Most have been characterized to some extent, but few have been studied in depth. Here, we describe the original discoveries in this field, and the properties of the first Type II REases investigated. We discuss the mechanisms of sequence recognition and catalysis, and the varied oligomeric modes in which Type II REases act. We describe the surprising heterogeneity revealed by comparisons of their sequences and structures.

Thermodynamic and structural basis for relaxation of specificity in protein-DNA recognition

As a novel approach to the structural and functional properties that give rise to extremely stringent sequence specificity in protein-DNA interactions, we have exploited "promiscuous" mutants of EcoRI endonuclease to study the detailed mechanism by which changes in a protein can relax specificity. The A138T promiscuous mutant protein binds more tightly to the cognate GAATTC site than does wild-type EcoRI yet displays relaxed specificity deriving from tighter binding and faster cleavage at EcoRI* sites (one incorrect base pair). AAATTC EcoRI* sites are cleaved by A138T up to 170-fold faster than by wild-type enzyme if the site is abutted by a 5'-purine-pyrimidine (5'-RY) motif. When wild-type protein binds to an EcoRI* site, it forms structurally adapted complexes with thermodynamic parameters of binding that differ markedly from those of specific complexes. By contrast, we show that A138T complexes with 5'-RY-flanked AAATTC sites are virtually indistinguishable from wild-type-specific complexes with respect to the heat capacity change upon binding (∆C°P), the change in excluded macromolecular volume upon association, and contacts to the phosphate backbone. While the preference for the 5'-RY motif implicates contacts to flanking bases as important for relaxed specificity, local effects are not sufficient to explain the large differences in ∆C°P and excluded volume, as these parameters report on global features of the complex. Our findings therefore support the view that specificity does not derive from the additive effects of individual interactions but rather from a set of cooperative events that are uniquely associated with specific recognition.

Effects of 2'-O-methyl nucleotide substitution on EcoRI endonuclease cleavage activities

To investigate the effect of sugar pucker conformation on DNA-protein interactions, we used 2′-O-methyl nucleotide (2′-OMeN) to modify the EcoRI recognition sequence -TGAATTCT-, and monitored the enzymatic cleavage process using FRET method. The 2′-O-methyl nucleotide has a C3′-endo sugar pucker conformation different from the C2′-endo sugar pucker conformation of native DNA nucleotides. The initial reaction velocities were measured and the kinetic parameters, K_m and V_max were derived using Michaelis-Menten equation. Experimental results showed that 2′-OMeN substitutions for the EcoRI recognition sequence decreased the cleavage efficiency for A2, A3 and T4 substitutions significantly, and 2′-OMeN substitution for T5 residue inhibited the enzymatic activity completely. In contrast, substitutions for G1 and C6 could maintain the original activity. 2′-fluoro nucleic acid (2′-FNA) and locked nucleic acid (LNA) having similar C3′-endo sugar pucker conformation also demonstrated similar enzymatic results. This position-dependent enzymatic cleavage property might be attributed to the phosphate backbone distortion caused by the switch from C2′-endo to C3′-endo sugar pucker conformation, and was interpreted on the basis of the DNA-EcoRI structure. These 2′-modified nucleotides could behave as a regulatory element to modulate the enzymatic activity in vitro, and this property will have potential applications in genetic engineering and biomedicine.

ESR spectroscopy identifies inhibitory Cu2+ sites in a DNA-modifying enzyme to reveal determinants of catalytic specificity

The relationship between DNA sequence recognition and catalytic specificity in a DNA-modifying enzyme was explored using paramagnetic Cu(2+) ions as probes for ESR spectroscopic and biochemical studies. Electron spin echo envelope modulation spectroscopy establishes that Cu(2+) coordinates to histidine residues in the EcoRI endonuclease homodimer bound to its specific DNA recognition site. The coordinated His residues were identified by a unique use of Cu(2+)-ion based long-range distance constraints. Double electron-electron resonance data yield Cu(2+)-Cu(2+) and Cu(2+)-nitroxide distances that are uniquely consistent with one Cu(2+) bound to His114 in each subunit. Isothermal titration calorimetry confirms that two Cu(2+) ions bind per complex. Unexpectedly, Mg(2+)-catalyzed DNA cleavage by EcoRI is profoundly inhibited by Cu(2+) binding at these hitherto unknown sites, 13 Å away from the Mg(2+) positions in the catalytic centers. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest a model for inhibition of catalysis, whereby the Cu(2+) ions alter critical protein-DNA interactions and water molecule positions in the catalytic sites. In the absence of Cu(2+), the Mg(2+)-dependence of EcoRI catalysis shows positive cooperativity, which would enhance EcoRI inactivation of foreign DNA by irreparable double-strand cuts, in preference to readily repaired single-strand nicks. Nonlinear Poisson-Boltzmann calculations suggest that this cooperativity arises because the binding of Mg(2+) in one catalytic site makes the surface electrostatic potential in the distal catalytic site more negative, thus enhancing binding of the second Mg(2+). Taken together, our results shed light on the structural and electrostatic factors that affect site-specific catalysis by this class of endonucleases.

The energetic contribution of induced electrostatic asymmetry to DNA bending by a site-specific protein

DNA bending can be promoted by reducing the net negative electrostatic potential around phosphates on one face of the DNA, such that electrostatic repulsion among phosphates on the opposite face drives bending toward the less negative surface. To provide the first assessment of energetic contribution to DNA bending when electrostatic asymmetry is induced by a site-specific DNA binding protein, we manipulated the electrostatics in the EcoRV endonuclease-DNA complex by mutation of cationic side chains that contact DNA phosphates and/or by replacement of a selected phosphate in each strand with uncharged methylphosphonate. Reducing the net negative charge at two symmetrically located phosphates on the concave DNA face contributes -2.3 kcal mol(-1) to -0.9 kcal mol(-1) (depending on position) to complex formation. In contrast, reducing negative charge on the opposing convex face produces a penalty of +1.3 kcal mol(-1). Förster resonance energy transfer experiments show that the extent of axial DNA bending (about 50°) is little affected in modified complexes, implying that modification affects the energetic cost but not the extent of DNA bending. Kinetic studies show that the favorable effects of induced electrostatic asymmetry on equilibrium binding derive primarily from a reduced rate of complex dissociation, suggesting stabilization of the specific complex between protein and markedly bent DNA. A smaller increase in the association rate may suggest that the DNA in the initial encounter complex is mildly bent. The data imply that protein-induced electrostatic asymmetry makes a significant contribution to DNA bending but is not itself sufficient to drive full bending in the specific EcoRV-DNA complex.

The synthesis of di- and oligo-nucleotides containing a phosphorodithioate internucleotide linkage with one of the sulfur atoms in a 5'-bridging position

A new type of internucleotide phosphorodithioate linkage is described, wherein one of the sulfur atoms occupies a 5'-bridging position. Representative dinucleotides possessing such a bond were synthesized by S-alkylation of nucleoside-3'-O-phosphorodithioates with 5'-halogeno-5'-deoxy-nucleosides. A fully protected dithymidylate containing internucleotide 5'-S-phosphorodithioate linkage was converted into a 3'-O-phosphoramidite derivative and employed for introduction of a modified dinucleotide into a predetermined position of the oligonucleotide sequence. The 5'-S-phosphorodithioate linkage in dinucleotide analogues was found to be resistant toward nucleolytic degradation with snake venom PDE and nuclease P1. However, P-stereoselective degradation was observed for diastereomers of 5'-S-phosphorodithioate dithymidine analogs under treatment with calf spleen PDE. The new 5'-S-phosphorodithioate linkage was readily degraded by iodine solutions in the presence of water. It was also found that oligothymidylates containing a single 5'-S-phosphorodithioate linkage form much weaker duplexes with their complementary sequences.

Structural and thermodynamic basis for enhanced DNA binding by a promiscuous mutant EcoRI endonuclease

Promiscuous mutant EcoRI endonucleases bind to the canonical site GAATTC more tightly than does the wild-type endonuclease, yet cleave variant (EcoRI(*)) sites more rapidly than does wild-type. The crystal structure of the A138T promiscuous mutant homodimer in complex with a GAATTC site is nearly identical to that of the wild-type complex, except that the Thr138 side chains make packing interactions with bases in the 5'-flanking regions outside the recognition hexanucleotide while excluding two bound water molecules seen in the wild-type complex. Molecular dynamics simulations confirm exclusion of these waters. The structure and simulations suggest possible reasons why binding of the A138T protein to the GAATTC site has DeltaS degrees more favorable and DeltaH degrees less favorable than for wild-type endonuclease binding. The interactions of Thr138 with flanking bases may permit A138T, unlike wild-type enzyme, to form complexes with EcoRI(*) sites that structurally resemble the specific wild-type complex with GAATTC.

Unique 31P spectral response to the formation of a specific restriction enzyme-DNA complex

Protein-induced distortion is a dramatic but not universally observed feature of sequence-specific DNA interactions. This is illustrated by the crystal structures of restriction enzyme-DNA complexes: While some of these structures exhibit DNA distortion, others do not. Among the latter is Pvull endonuclease, a small enzyme that is also amenable to NMR spectroscopic studies. Here 31P NMR spectroscopy is applied to demonstrate the unique spectral response of DNA to sequence-specific protein interactions. The 31P NMR spectrum of a noncognate DNA exhibits only spectral broadening upon the addition of enzyme. However, when enzyme is added to target DNA, a number of 31P resonances shift dramatically. The magnitudes of the chemical shifts (2-3 ppm) are among the largest observed. Site-specific substitution with phosphoramidates and phosphorothioates are used analyze these effects. While such spectral features have been interpreted as indicative of DNA backbone distortions, FRET analysis indicates that this does not occur in PvuII-cognate DNA complexes in solution. The distinct 31P spectral signature observed for cognate DNA mirrors that observed for the enzyme, underscoring the unique features of cognate complex formation.

A novel class of DNA analogs bearing 5'-C-phosphonothymidine units: synthesis and physicochemical and biochemical properties

S(C) and R(C) diastereomers of 5'-C-(O,O-diethyl)-phosphonylthymidine ((R)T and (S)T) were used for the synthesis of the dimers T(R)T and T(S)T, respectively. These dimers were incorporated at selected sites in oligonucleotide constructs. Melting temperature (Tm) experiments demonstrated that relative to the unmodified oligodeoxyribonucleotide, the presence of the (R)T moiety reduced the thermal stability of the duplexes by approximately 5.0 degrees C per modification, whereas their (S)T counterparts only slightly destabilized the duplex structure (deltaTm < or = 1 degree C/modification). The stability of the triple-helical complexes containing one, two, or three modified thymidines is slightly higher than that of the parent complex. Nuclease resistance studies performed with snake venom phosphodiesterase, calf spleen phosphodiesterase, and 3'-exonuclease from human plasma showed that cleavage of the oligonucleotides at the site of the modification was completely suppressed regardless of the stereochemistry of the 5'-C-chiral center. The influence of the (R)T and (S)T modification in the recognition sequence of HindIII, EcoRI, and HpaI restriction endonucleases was also investigated. Although the catalytic activity of HindIII was not affected by the presence of the 5'-C-ethoxyphosphonyl modification, the activities of the two remaining restriction enzymes were partially suppressed depending on the site of modification or the stereochemistry of the modification or both ((R)T vs. (S)T).

Catalytic Phosphoryl Interactions of Topoisomerase IB

The reversible nucleophilic substitution reaction catalyzed by the vaccinia virus type IB topoisomerase has been investigated by measuring the equilibrium and rate effects of stereospecific sulfur substitution at the two nonbridging oxygen atoms of the attacked phosphodiester group. An energetic analysis of the combined effects of sulfur substitution and site-directed mutagenesis of active site residues of the enzyme has identified enzyme interactions with each oxygen in the ground state and transition state. We use these findings in combination with previous structural and 5'-bridging sulfur substitution results to deduce the web of enzymatic interactions with the nonbridging oxygens as well as the 5'-hydroxyl leaving group. A key finding is the central role of Arg130, which forms electrostatic interactions with both nonbridging oxygens and the 5'-leaving group.

Thermodynamic and kinetic basis for the relaxed DNA sequence specificity of "promiscuous" mutant EcoRI endonucleases

Promiscuous mutant EcoRI endonucleases produce lethal to sublethal effects because they cleave Escherichia coli DNA despite the presence of the EcoRI methylase. Three promiscuous mutant forms, Ala138Thr, Glu192Lys and His114Tyr, have been characterized with respect to their binding affinities and first-order cleavage rate constants towards the three classes of DNA sites: specific, miscognate (EcoRI*) and non-specific. We have made the unanticipated and counterintuitive observations that the mutant restriction endonucleases that exhibit relaxed specificity in vivo nevertheless bind more tightly than the wild-type enzyme to the specific recognition sequence in vitro, and show even greater preference for binding to the cognate GAATTC site over miscognate sites. Binding preference for EcoRI* over non-specific DNA is also improved. The first-order cleavage rate constants of the mutant enzymes are normal for the cognate site GAATTC, but are greater than those of the wild-type enzyme at EcoRI* sites. Thus, the mutant enzymes use two mechanisms to partially bypass the multiple fail-safe mechanisms that protect against cleavage of genomic DNA in cells carrying the wild-type EcoRI restriction-modification system: (a) binding to EcoRI* sites is more probable than for wild-type enzyme because non-specific DNA is less effective as a competitive inhibitor; (b) the combination of increased affinity and elevated cleavage rate constants at EcoRI* sites makes double-strand cleavage of these sites a more probable outcome than it is for the wild-type enzyme. Semi-quantitative estimates of rates of EcoRI* site cleavage in vivo, predicted using the binding and cleavage constants measured in vitro, are in accord with the observed lethal phenotypes associated with the three mutations.

Mechanisms of coupling between DNA recognition specificity and catalysis in EcoRI endonuclease

Proteins that bind to specific sites on DNA often do so in order to carry out catalysis or specific protein-protein interaction while bound to the recognition site. Functional specificity is enhanced if this second function is coupled to correct DNA site recognition. To analyze the structural and energetic basis of coupling between recognition and catalysis in EcoRI endonuclease, we have studied stereospecific phosphorothioate (PS) or methylphosphonate (PMe) substitutions at the scissile phosphate GpAATTC or at the adjacent phosphate GApATTC in combination with molecular-dynamics simulations of the catalytic center with bound Mg2+. The results show the roles in catalysis of individual phosphoryl oxygens and of DNA distortion and suggest that a "crosstalk ring" in the complex couples recognition to catalysis and couples the two catalytic sites to each other.

Enhancement and rescue of target capture in Tn10 transposition by site-specific modifications in target DNA

The bacterial transposon Tn10 inserts preferentially into specific target sequences. This insertion specificity appears to be linked to the ability of target sites to adopt symmetrically positioned DNA bends after binding the transposition machinery. Target DNA bending is thought to permit the transposase protein to make additional contacts with the target DNA, thereby stabilizing the target complex so that the joining of transposon and target DNA sequences can occur efficiently. In the current work, we have asked whether the introduction of a discontinuity in a target DNA strand, a modification that is expected to make it easier for a DNA molecule to bend, can enhance or rescue target capture under otherwise suboptimal reaction conditions. We show that either a nick or a missing phosphate specifically at the site of reaction chemistry increases the ability of various target DNAs to form the target capture complex. The result suggests that the bends in the target DNA are highly localized and include the scissile phosphates. This raises the possibility that strand transfer is mechanistically linked to target capture. We have also identified specific residues in the target DNA and in transposase that appear to play an important role in target DNA bending.

P-chirality-dependent immune activation by phosphorothioate CpG oligodeoxynucleotides

Many of the biologic activities of phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotides (PS-oligos) are affected by the sense of chirality of the phosphorus atoms of the internucleotide linkages. Some of the activities are increased by the Rp stereoisomer, and others are increased by the Sp stereoisomer. In previous studies, we showed that PS-oligos containing unmethylated CpG dinucleotides in particular sequence contexts can stimulate B cells and other immune cells. These CpG PS-oligos trigger mitogenactivated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways, causing the induction of B cell proliferation and cytokine and immunoglobulin secretion. We investigated whether the immune stimulation by CpG PS-oligos depends on the sense of their P-chirality. CpG PS-oligos synthesized with internucleotide phosphorothioates of Rp configuration at P-atom showed much stronger MAPK activation and induction of I kappa B degradation after 40 minutes of stimulation compared with PS-oligos synthesized with Sp linkages. In order to determine if the enhanced stimulatory effects of the Rp stereoisomer may result from differential cellular uptake, we examined the rates at which fluorescently labeled Rp or Sp CpG PS-oligos were taken up by B cells, but these were found to be identical to each other and to stereorandom PS-oligos. The stronger stimulatory effect of the R stereoisomer did not last for 48 hours, and (3)H-thymidine incorporation assays at this point showed that only the S stereoisomer was active--to approximately the same level as induced by PS-oligos with stereorandom phosphorothioate linkages. This loss of activity of the R stereoisomer most likely resulted from rapid degradation of the oligonucleotides rather than from reduced interaction with the CpG receptor because PS-oligos in which only the CpG dinucleotide was stereodefined were most stimulatory when the CpG was Rp but not when the CpG was Sp. These studies demonstrate that the sense of Pchirality of PS-oligos plays a major role in determining the biologic activities of CpG motifs. Rp-chirality at the CpG is preferred for best stimulation at early time points, but Sp-chirality of the PS-oligo appears to improve stability and may provide more durable effects in prolonged tissue culture systems.

Bromodeoxyuridine-labeled oligonucleotides as tools for oligonucleotide uptake studies

The mechanisms by which various oligonucleotides (ODNs) and their analogs enter cells are not fully understood. A common technique used in studies on cellular uptake of ODNs is their conjugation with fluorochromes. However, fluorescently labeled ODNs may vary from the parent compounds in charge and hydrophilicity, and they may interact differently with some components of cellular membranes. In this report, we present an alternative method based on the immunofluorescent detection of ODNs with incorporated 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdUrd). Localization of BrdUrd-modified ODNs has been achieved using FITC-labeled anti-BrdUrd antibodies. This technique allowed determination of the differences in cellular uptake of phosphodiester (PO) and phosphorothioate (PS) ODNs and their derivatives conjugated with cholesterol and menthol. The immunocytochemical method also has shown that the cellular uptake of some ODNs may be influenced by specific sequences that are responsible for the formation of higher-order structures.

A TATA binding protein mutant with increased affinity for DNA directs transcription from a reversed TATA sequence in vivo

The TATA-binding protein (TBP) nucleates the assembly and determines the position of the preinitiation complex at RNA polymerase II-transcribed genes. We investigated the importance of two conserved residues on the DNA binding surface of Saccharomyces cerevisiae TBP to DNA binding and sequence discrimination. Because they define a significant break in the twofold symmetry of the TBP-TATA interface, Ala100 and Pro191 have been proposed to be key determinants of TBP binding orientation and transcription directionality. In contrast to previous predictions, we found that substitution of an alanine for Pro191 did not allow recognition of a reversed TATA box in vivo; however, the reciprocal change, Ala100 to proline, resulted in efficient utilization of this and other variant TATA sequences. In vitro assays demonstrated that TBP mutants with the A100P and P191A substitutions have increased and decreased affinity for DNA, respectively. The TATA binding defect of TBP with the P191A mutation could be intragenically suppressed by the A100P substitution. Our results suggest that Ala100 and Pro191 are important for DNA binding and sequence recognition by TBP, that the naturally occurring asymmetry of Ala100 and Pro191 is not essential for function, and that a single amino acid change in TBP can lead to elevated DNA binding affinity and recognition of a reversed TATA sequence.

Importance of phosphate contacts for sequence recognition by EcoRI restriction enzyme

We have studied the importance of charge and hydrogen-bonding potential of the phosphodiester backbone for binding and cleavage by EcoRI restriction endonuclease. We used 12-mer oligodeoxynucleotide substrates with single substitutions of phosphates by chiral methylphosphonates at each position of the recognition sequence -pGpApApTpTpCp-. Binding was moderately reduced between 4- and 400-fold more or less equally for the R(P) and S(P)-analogues mainly caused by missing charge interaction. The range of cleavage effects was much wider. Four substrates were not cleaved at all. At both flanking positions and in the purine half of the sequence up to the central position, cleavage was more impaired than binding and differences between R(P) and S(P) diastereomeres were more pronounced. These effects are easily interpreted by direct phosphate contacts seen in the crystal structure. For the effects of substitutions in the pyrimidine half of the recognition sequence, more indirect effects have to be discussed.

Indirect readout of the trp-repressor-operator complex by B-DNA's backbone conformation transitions

Although the trp-repressor-operator complex is one of the best studied transcriptional controlling systems, some questions regarding the specific recognition of the operator by the repressor remain. We performed a 2.35 ns long molecular dynamics simulation to clarify the influence of the two B-DNA backbone conformational substates B(I) and B(II) on complexation. The trp-repressor-operator is an ideal biological system for this study because experimental results have already figured out that the interaction between the internucleotide phosphates and the protein is essential for the formation of the high affinity complex. Our simulation supports these results, but more important it shows a strong correlation between the B(I)/B(II) phosphate substate and the number of interactions with this phosphate. In particular the B(I) <==> B(II) transitions occur synchronous to hydrogen bond breaking or formation. To the best of our knowledge, this was observed for the first time. Thus, we conclude that the sequence specific B(I)/B(II) behavior contributes via indirect readout to sequence specific recognition. These results have implication for the design of transcription-controlling drugs in view of the recently published influence of minor groove binders on the B(I)/B(II) pattern. The simulation also agrees with crystallographically observed hydration sites. This is consistent with experimental results and indicates the correctness of the model used.

Effect of phosphorothioate substitutions on DNA cleavage by Escherichia coli DNA topoisomerase I

To evaluate the structural influence of the DNA phosphate backbone on the activity of Escherichia coli DNA topoisomerase I, modified forms of oligonucleotide dA(7) were synthesized with a chiral phosphorothioate replacing the non-bridging oxygens at each position along the backbone. A deoxy-iodo-uracil replaced the 5'-base to crosslink the oligonucleotides by ultraviolet (UV) and assess binding affinity. At the scissile phosphate there was little effect on the cleavage rate. At the +1 phosphate, the rectus phosphorus (Rp)-thio-substitution reduced the rate of cleavage by a factor of 10. At the +3 and -2 positions from the scissile bond, the Rp-isomer was cleaved at a faster rate than the sinister phosphorus (Sp)-isomer. The results demonstrate the importance of backbone contacts between DNA substrate and E. coli topoisomerase I.

The energetics of the interaction of BamHI endonuclease with its recognition site GGATCC

The interaction of BamHI endonuclease with DNA has been studied crystallographically, but has not been characterized rigorously in solution. The enzyme binds in solution as a homodimer to its recognition site GGATCC. Only six base-pairs are directly recognized, but binding affinity (in the absence of the catalytic cofactor Mg(2+)) increases 5400-fold as oligonucleotide length increases from 10 to 14 bp. Binding is modulated by sequence context outside the recognition site, varying about 30-fold from the bes t (GTG or TAT) to the worst (CGG) flanking triplets. BamHI, EcoRI and EcoRV endonucleases all have different context preferences, suggesting that context affects binding by influencing the free energy levels of the complexes rather than that of the free DNA. Ethylation interference footprinting in the absence of divalent metal shows a localized and symmetrical pattern of phosphate contacts, with strong contacts at NpNpNpGGApTCC. In the presence of Mg(2+), first-order cleavage rate constants are identical in the two GGA half-sites, are the same for the two nicked intermediates and are unaffected by substrate length in the range 10-24 bp. DNA binding is strongly enhanced by mutations D94N, E111A or E113K, by binding of Ca(2+) at the active site, or by deletion of the scissile phosphate GpGATCC, indicating that a cluster of negative charges at the catalytic site contributes at least 3-4 kcal/mol of unfavorable binding free energy. This electrostatic repulsion destabilizes the enzyme-DNA complex and favors metal ion binding and progression to the transition state for cleavage.

Catalysis by Escherichia coli ribonuclease HI is facilitated by a phosphate group of the substrate

To investigate the role of the phosphate group 3' to the scissile phosphodiester bond of the substrate in the catalytic mechanism of Escherichia coli ribonuclease HI (RNase HI), we have used modified RNA-DNA hybrid substrates carrying a phosphorothioate substitution at this position or lacking this phosphate group for the cleavage reaction. Kinetic parameters of the H124A mutant enzyme, in which His(124) was substituted with Ala, as well as those of the wild-type RNase HI, were determined. Substitution of the pro-R(p)-oxygen of the phosphate group 3' to the scissile phosphodiester bond of the substrate with sulfur reduced the k(cat) value of the wild-type RNase HI by 6.9-fold and that of the H124A mutant enzyme by only 1. 9-fold. In contrast, substitution of the pro-S(p)-oxygen of the phosphate group at this position with sulfur had little effect on the k(cat) value of the wild-type and H124A mutant enzymes. The results obtained for the substrate lacking this phosphate group were consistent with those obtained for the substrates with the phosphorothioate substitutions. In addition, a severalfold increase in the K(m) value was observed by the substitution of the pro-R(p)-oxygen of the substrate with sulfur or by the substitution of His(124) of the enzyme with Ala, suggesting that a hydrogen bond is formed between the pro-R(p)-oxygen and His(124). These results allow us to propose that the pro-R(p)-oxygen contributes to orient His(124) to the best position for the catalytic function through the formation of a hydrogen bond.

Substrate recognition and induced DNA deformation by transposase at the target-capture stage of Tn10 transposition

The bacterial transposon Tn10 inserts preferentially into sites that conform to a 9 bp consensus sequence: 5' NGCTNAGCN 3'. However, this sequence is not on its own sufficient to confer target specificity as the base-pairs flanking this sequence also contribute significantly to target-site selection. We have performed a series of "contact-probing experiments" to define directly the protein-DNA interactions that govern target-site selection in the Tn10 system. The HisG1 hotspot for Tn10 insertion was the main focus here. We infer that there is a rather broad zone ( approximately 24 bp) of contact between transposase and target DNA in the target-capture complex. This includes base-specific contacts at all of the purine residues in the consensus positions of the target core and primarily backbone contacts out to 7-8 bp in the two flanking regions immediately adjacent to the core. Also, highly localized sites of chemical hypersensitivity are identified that reveal symmetrically disposed deformations in DNA structure in the target-capture complex. Furthermore, the level of strand transfer is shown to be reduced by phosphorothioate substitution of phosphate groups at or close to the sites of target DNA deformation. Interestingly, for one particular target DNA, a mutant form of HisG1 called MutF, the above phosphorothioate inhibition of strand transfer is suppressed by replacing Mg(2+) with Mn(2+). Based on these results a model for sequence-specific target capture is proposed which attempts to define possible relationships between transposase interactions with the target core and flanking sequences, transposase-induced DNA deformation of the target site and divalent metal ion binding to the target-capture complex.

Antisense therapy in cancer

This review discusses laboratory and clinical studies of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides as potential treatments for haematological malignancies and solid tumours. Mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, toxicities and potential clinical applications of these agents are described.

Protein-DNA recognition complexes: conservation of structure and binding energy in the transition state

This paper considers how enzymes that catalyze reactions at specific DNA sites have been engineered to overcome the problem of competitive inhibition by excess nonspecific binding sites on DNA. The formation of a specific protein-DNA recognition complex is discussed from both structural and thermodynamic perspectives, and contrasted with formation of nonspecific complexes. Evidence (from EcoRI and BamHI endonucleases) is presented that a wide variety of perturbations of the DNA substrate alter binding free energy but do not affect the free energy of activation for the chemical step; that is, many energetic factors contribute equally to the recognition complex and the transition-state complex. This implies that the specific recognition complex bears a close resemblance to the transition-state complex, such that very tight binding to the recognition site on the DNA substrate does not inhibit catalysis, but instead provides energy that is efficiently utilized along the path to the transition state. It is suggested that this view can be usefully extended to "noncatalytic" site-specific DNA-binding proteins like transcriptional activators and general transcription factors.

Stereochemical outcome and kinetic effects of Rp- and Sp-phosphorothioate substitutions at the cleavage site of vaccinia type I DNA topoisomerase

To probe the mechanism of the reversible DNA phosphodiester bond cleavage and religation mechanism of the type I topoisomerase from vaccinia virus, we have synthesized DNA substrates carrying a single nonbridging Rp- or Sp-phosphorothioate (Ps) modification at the scissile phosphodiester (Pd) bond. Analysis of the stereochemical outcome of the net cleavage and rejoining reaction established that the reaction proceeds with retention of configuration, as expected for a double-displacement mechanism. Single-turnover kinetic studies on irreversible strand cleavage using 18/24 mer suicide substrates showed thio effects (k(Pd)/k(Ps)) of 340- and 30-fold for the Rp-Ps and Sp-Ps stereoisomers, respectively, but approximately 10-fold smaller thio effects for the reverse single-turnover religation reaction (Rp-Ps = 30 and Sp-Ps = 3). As compared to the smaller suicide cleavage substrates, approach-to-equilibrium cleavage studies using 32/32 mer substrates showed 7-9-fold smaller thio effects on cleavage, similar effects on religation, and the same ratio of the Rp to Sp thio effect as the suicide cleavage reaction ( approximately 10). In general, thio effects of 2.4-7.2-fold on the cleavage equilibrium are observed for the wild-type and H265A enzymes, suggesting differences in the interactions of the enzyme with the nonbridging sulfur in the noncovalent and covalent complexes. Studies of the cleavage, religation, and approach-to-equilibrium reactions catalyzed by the H265A active site mutant revealed a stereoselective, 11-fold decrease in the Rp-thio effect on cleavage and religation as compared to the wild-type enzyme. This result suggests that His-265 interacts with the nonbridging pro-Rp oxygen in the transition state for cleavage and religation, consistent with the arrangement of this conserved residue in the crystal structure of the human topoisomerase-DNA complex. In general, the greatest effect of thio substitution and the H265A mutation is to destabilize the transition state, with smaller effects on substrate binding. The interaction of His-265 with the pro-Rp nonbridging oxygen is inconsistent with the proposal that this conserved residue acts as a general acid in the strand cleavage reaction.

DNA duplexes containing altered sugar residues as probes of EcoRII and MvaI endonuclease interactions with sugar-phosphate backbone

Oligonucleotides containing 1-(beta-D-2'-deoxy-threo-pentofuranosyl)cytosine (dCx) and/or 1-(beta-D-2'-deoxy-threo-pentofuranosyl)thymine (dTx) in place of dC and dT residues in the EcoRII and MvaI recognition site CC(A/T)GG were synthesized in order to investigate specific recognition of the DNA sugar-phosphate backbone by EcoRII and MvaI restriction endonucleases. In 2'-deoxyxylosyl moieties of dCx and dTx, 3'-hydroxyl groups were inverted, which perturbs the related individual phosphates. Introduction of a single 2'-deoxyxylosyl moiety into a dC x dG pair resulted in a minor destabilization of double-stranded DNA structure. In the case of a dA x dT pair the effect of a 2'-deoxyxylose incorporation was much more pronounced. Multiple dCx modifications and their combination with dTx did not enhance the destabilization effect. Hydrolysis of dCx-containing DNA duplexes by EcoRII endonuclease was blocked and binding affinity was strongly depended on the location of an altered sugar. A DNA duplex containing a dTx residue was cleaved by the enzyme, but kcat/K(M) was slightly reduced. In contrast, MvaI endonuclease efficiently cleaved both types of sugar-altered substrate analogs. However it did not cleave conformationally perturbed scissile bonds, when the corresponding unmodified bonds were perfectly hydrolyzed in the same DNA duplexes. Based on these data the possible contributions of individual phosphates in the recognition site to substrate recognition and catalysis by EcoRII were proposed. We observed strikingly non-equivalent inputs for different phosphates with respect to their effect on EcoRII-DNA complex formation.

Using phosphorothioate-substituted RNA to investigate the thermodynamic role of phosphates in a sequence specific RNA-protein complex

Part of the binding affinity and specificity in RNA-protein complexes is often contributed by contacts between the protein and backbone phosphates that are held in position by the RNA structure. This study focuses on the well-characterized interaction between a dimer of the MS2 coat protein and a small RNA hairpin. Using a short oligoribonucleotide which contains all the necessary sequence elements required for tight protein binding, a single phosphorothioate linkage was introduced at 13 different positions. In each case, the R(P) and S(P) stereoisomers were separated and their affinities to the MS2 coat protein were determined. Comparison of these biochemical data with the crystal structure of the protein-hairpin complex indicates that introduction of a phosphorothioate only affects binding at sites where a protein-phosphate contact is observed in the crystal structure. This means that phosphorothioate-containing oligoribonucleotides should also be useful for mapping phosphate contacts in RNA-protein complexes for which no crystal structure is available.

Structural effect of complete [Rp]-phosphorothioate and phosphorodithioate substitutions in the DNA strand of a model antisense inhibitor-target RNA complex

Chemically modified DNA oligonucleotides have been crucial to the success of antisense therapeutics. Although such modifications are ubiquitous in the clinic, high-resolution structural studies of pharmaceutically relevant derivatives have been limited to only a few molecules. We have completed a high-resolution NMR structural study of three DNA.RNA hybrids with the sequence d(CCTATAATCC). r(GGAUUAUAGG). All hybrids contain an unmodified RNA strand, whereas the DNA strand of each hybrid contains one of three different sugar-phosphate backbone linkages at each nucleotide: (1) phosphate, (2) [Rp]-phosphorothioate, or (3) phosphorodithioate. The UV and NMR melting profiles revealed that the normal hybrid is more stable than the [Rp]-phosphorothioate, which in turn is more stable than the phosphorodithioate. Homonuclear two-dimensional nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy and double quantum-filtered correlation spectroscopy afforded nearly complete non-labile proton assignments. The three molecules show nearly equivalent chemical shifts, with the exception of H3' protons, which are shifted downfield in a manner that appears correlated with the degree of sulfur substitution at phosphate. All three hybrids exhibit unusually broad linewidths for deoxyribose protons H2' and H2".Distance restraints were calculated from NOE cross-peak intensities via a complete relaxation matrix approach using the program RANDMARDI. Detailed comparison of interproton distances from each hybrid indicates that the three molecules share a common structure, with neither strand in canonical A or B form. Correlation of R factors, calculated using the program CORMA with DNA H2'-base and H3'-base distances, revealed a relative increase in the population of B-type sugar conformations for deoxyriboses in the A+T-rich center of the hybrid sequence. It is widely known that the activity of enzymes which act upon DNA.RNA hybrid substrates (e.g. ribonuclease H) is impacted when the hybrids contain phosphorothioate or phosphorodithioate substitutions. The structural similarity of the three hybrids examined here suggests that factors other than global structure may mediate the activity of these enzymes.

N-termini of EcoRI restriction endonuclease dimer are in close proximity on the protein surface

The N-terminal region of EcoRI endonuclease is essential for cleavage yet is invisible in the 2.5 A crystal structure of endonuclease-DNA complex [Kim, Y., Grable, J. C., Love, R., Greene, P. J., Rosenberg, J. M. (1990) Science 249, 1307-1309]. We used site-directed fluorescence spectroscopy and chemical cross-linking to locate the N-terminal region and assess its flexibility in the absence and presence of DNA substrate. The second amino acid in each subunit of the homodimer was replaced with cysteine and labeled with pyrene or reacted with bifunctional cross-linkers. The broad absorption spectra and characteristic excimer emission bands of pyrene-labeled muteins indicated stacking of the two pyrene rings in the homodimer. Proximity of N-terminal cysteines was confirmed by disulfide bond formation and chemical cross-linking. The dynamics of the N-terminal region were determined from time-resolved emission anisotropy measurements. The anisotropy decay had two components: a fast component with rotational correlation time of 0.3-3 ns representing probe internal motions and a slow component with 50-100 ns correlation time representing overall tumbling of the protein conjugate. We conclude that the N-termini are close together at the dimer interface with limited flexibility. Binding of Mg2+ cofactor or DNA substrate did not affect the location or flexibility of the N-terminal region as sensed by pyrene fluorescence and cross-linking, indicating that substrate binding is not accompanied by folding or unfolding of the N-terminus.

Structure of a stereoregular phosphorothioate DNA/RNA duplex

In this work, we present the first NMR solution structure of a DNA/RNA hybrid containing stereoregular Rp-phosphorothioate modifications of all DNA backbone linkages. The complex of the enzymatically synthesized phosphorothioate DNA octamer (all-Rp)-d(GCGTCAGG) and its complementary RNA r(CCUGACGC) was found to adopt an overall conformation within the A-form family. Most helical parameters and the sugar puckers of the DNA strand assume values intermediate between A- and B-form. The close structural similarity with the unmodified DNA/RNA hybrid of the same sequence may explain why both the natural and the sulfur-substituted complex can be recognized and digested by ribonuclease H.

Specific binding by EcoRV endonuclease to its DNA recognition site GATATC

Restriction endonuclease EcoRV has been reported to be unable to distinguish its specific DNA site, GATATC, from non-specific DNA sites in the absence of the catalytic cofactor Mg2+, and thus to exercise sequence specificity solely in the catalytic step. In contrast, we show here that under appropriate conditions of pH and salt concentration, specific complexes with oligonucleotides containing the GATATC site can be detected by either filter-binding or gel-retardation. Equilibrium binding constants (K(A)) are easily measured by both direct equilibrium and equilibrium-competition methods. The preference for "specific" over "non-specific" binding at pH 7 in the absence of divalent cations is about 1000-fold (per mole of oligonucleotide) or 12,000-fold (per mole of binding sites). Ethylation-interference footprinting shows that the "specific" complex includes strong contacts to the phosphate groups GpApTpApTC. Specific DNA binding is strongly pH-dependent, decreasing about 15-fold for each increase of one pH unit above pH 6, but non-specific binding is not; thus, binding specificity decreases with increasing pH. Gel retardation and filter-binding at pH < or = 7 yield essentially identical values of K(A) for specific-site binding, but at pH > 7 gel retardation significantly underestimates K(A). Specific-site binding is stimulated about 700-fold by Ca2+ (not a cofactor for cleavage), but with non-cleavable 3'-phosphorothiolate and 4'-thiodeoxyribose derivatives whose response to Ca2+ is similar to that of the parent oligonucleotide, Mg2+ stimulates binding only fourfold and twofold, respectively. Thus, binding specificity is not dramatically enhanced by Mg2+. Taking into account discrimination in binding and in the first-order rate constant for phosphodiester bond scission, the overall discrimination exercised against the incorrect site GTTATC is about 10(7)-fold. EcoRV endonuclease is thus not a "new paradigm" for site-specific interaction without binding specificity, but like other type II restriction endonucleases achieves sequence specificity by discriminating both in DNA binding and in catalysis.

Probing contacts to the DNA backbone in the trp repressor-operator sequence-specific protein-nucleic acid complex using diastereomeric methylphosphonate analogues

Fourteen analogue DNA sequences containing the trp operator sequence and a single diastereomeric methylphosphonate linkage are each prepared from the stereochemically pure nucleoside methylphosphonate dimer building block, prepared as a phosphoramidite. The analogue sequences are shown to be single diastereomers on the basis of HPLC analysis of the digestion mixture; in each case, only a single diastereomeric dimer is present. These analogue sequences can be used effectively to probe for interactions to either of the prochiral phosphate oxygens as illustrated by their use to identify critical interactions in the trp repressor-operator complex. In a number of cases, the pairs of diastereomeric analogue sequences exhibit variable binding affinities that can be used to identify one of the prochiral phosphate oxygens as a critical site for complex-stabilizing interactions. Upon the basis of dissociation constants, apparent incremental binding energies are assigned to specific interactions. In all but one example, these identified sites for interactions to the phosphate backbone can be correlated with contacts implicated by the crystal structure analysis of the trp repressor-operator complex.

Recognition and cleavage of DNA by type-II restriction endonucleases

Restriction endonucleases are enzymes which recognize short DNA sequences and cleave the DNA in both strands. Depending on the enzymological properties different types are distinguished. Type II restriction endonucleases are homodimers which recognize short palindromic sequences 4-8 bp in length and, in the presence of Mg2+, cleave the DNA within or next to the recognition site. They are capable of non-specific binding to DNA and make use of linear diffusion to locate their target site. Binding and recognition of the specific site involves contacts to the bases of the recognition sequence and the phosphodiester backbone over approximately 10-12 bp. In general, recognition is highly redundant which explains the extreme specificity of these enzymes. Specific binding is accompanied by conformational changes over both the protein and the DNA. This mutual induced fit leads to the activation of the catalytic centers. The precise mechanism of cleavage has not yet been established for any restriction endonuclease. Currently two models are discussed: the substrate-assisted catalysis mechanism and the two-metal-ion mechanism. Structural similarities identified between EcoRI, EcoRV, BamHI, PvuII and Cfr10I suggest that many type II restriction endonucleases are not only functionally but also evolutionarily related.

Thermodynamics of sequence-specific protein-DNA interactions

The molecular recognition processes in sequence-specific protein-DNA interactions are complex. The only feature common to all sequence-specific protein-DNA structures is a large interaction interface, which displays a high degree of complementarity in terms of shape, polarity and electrostatics. Many molecular mechanisms act in concert to form the specific interface. These include conformational changes in DNA and protein, dehydration of surfaces, reorganization of ion atmospheres, and changes in dynamics. Here we review the current understanding of how different mechanisms contribute to the thermodynamics of the binding equilibrium and the stabilizing effect of the different types of noncovalent interactions found in protein-DNA complexes. The relation to the thermodynamics of small molecule-DNA binding and protein folding is also briefly discussed.

Chiral phosphorothioates as probes of protein interactions with individual DNA phosphoryl oxygens: essential interactions of EcoRI endonuclease with the phosphate at pGAATTC

The contact between EcoRI endonuclease and the "primary clamp" phosphate of its recognition site pGAATTC is absolutely required for recognition of the canonical and all variant DNA sites. We have probed this contact using oligonucleotides containing single stereospecific (Rp)- or (Sp)- phosphorothioates (Ps). At the GAApTTC position, where the endonuclease interacts with only one phosphoryl oxygen at the central DNA kink, Rp-Ps inhibits and Sp-Ps stimulates binding and cleavage [Lesser et al. (1992) J. Biol. Chem. 267, 24810-24818]: in contrast, at the pGAATTC position both diastereomers inhibit binding. For single-strand substitution, the penalty in binding free energy (delta delta G0bind) is slightly greater for Sp-Ps (+ 0.9 kcal/mol) than for Rp-Ps (+ 0.7 kcal/mol). Binding penalties are approximately additive for double-strand substitution (Rp,Rp-Ps or Sp,Sp-Ps). Neither Ps diastereomer in one DNA strand affects the first-order rate constants for cleavage in the unmodified DNA strand, and only Sp-Ps inhibits the cleavage rate constant (3-fold) in the modified DNA strand. Thus, the second-order cleavage rate (including binding and catalysis) is inhibited 14-fold by Sp-Ps and 45-fold by Sp,Sp-Ps. In the canonical complex, the phosphate at pGAATTC is completely surrounded by protein and each nonbridging phosphoryl oxygen receives two hydrogen bonds from the endonuclease, such that in either orientation the increased bond length of P-S- inhibits binding. However, the pro-Sp oxygen interacts with residues that are connected (by proximity or inter-side-chain hydrogen bonding) to side chains with essential roles in catalysis, so cleavage is preferentially inhibited when these side chains are slightly displaced by the Sp-Ps diastereomer.

Influence of the phosphate backbone on the recognition and hydrolysis of DNA by the EcoRV restriction endonuclease. A study using oligodeoxynucleotide phosphorothioates

A set of phosphorothioate-containing oligonucleotides based on pGACGATATCGTC, a self-complementary dodecamer that contains the EcoRV recognition sequence (GATATC), has been prepared. The phosphorothioate group has been individually introduced at the central nine phosphate positions and the two diastereomers produced at each site separated and purified. The Km and Vmax values found for each of these modified DNA molecules with the EcoRV restriction endonuclease have been determined and compared with those seen for the unmodified all-phosphate-containing dodecamer. This has enabled an evaluation of the roles that both of the non-esterified oxygen atoms in the individual phosphates play in DNA binding and hydrolysis by the endonuclease. The results have also been compared with crystal structures of the EcoRV endonuclease, complexed with an oligodeoxynucleotide, to allow further definition of phosphate group function during substrate binding and turnover. For further study, see the related article "Probing the Indirect Readout of the Restriction Enzyme EcoRV: Mutational Analysis of Contacts to the DNA Backbone" (Wenz, A., Jeltsch, A., and Pingoud, A. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 5565-5573).

Probing the indirect readout of the restriction enzyme EcoRV. Mutational analysis of contacts to the DNA backbone

According to the crystal structure of the specific EcoRV.DNA complex, not only the functional groups of the nucleobases but also the phosphate groups of the DNA backbone are contacted by the enzyme. To examine the contribution of backbone contacts to substrate recognition and catalysis by EcoRV, we exchanged 12 amino acids residues located close to phosphate groups by site-directed mutagenesis. We purified the resulting EcoRV mutants and characterized them with respect to their DNA binding and cleavage activity. According to our steady state kinetic analysis, there are strong interactions between three basic amino acid residues (Lys-119, Arg-140, and Arg-226) and the phosphate backbone that support specific binding presumably by inducing and maintaining the kinked conformation of the DNA observed in the specific EcoRV.DNA complex. These contacts are important in both the ground state and the transition state. Other, uncharged residues (Thr-93 and Ser-112), which could be involved in hydrogen bonds to the phosphate groups, are needed primarily to stabilize the transition state. An especially important amino acid residue is Thr-37, which seems to couple recognition to catalysis by indirect readout.

Studies of the interactions between Escherichia coli ribonuclease HI and its substrate

Ribonuclease H (RNase H) recognizes a DNA-RNA hybrid duplex and catalyzes the hydrolysis of the phosphodiester linkages in only the RNA strand. Previously, we developed a method to cleave RNA in a sequence-dependent manner using RNase H and a complementary oligonucleotide containing 2'-O-methylribonucleosides. Since cleavage is restricted to a single site by the modified complementary strand, this system allows kinetic analysis of the RNase H reaction. We describe an investigation of the interactions between RNase HI from Escherichia coli and its substrate, and between the substrate and a metal ion using synthetic oligonucleotide duplexes modified at the cleavage site in combination with the 2'-O-methylribonucleotides. Firstly, the base moiety was changed to interfere with enzyme binding in either the major or minor groove. When 2-N-methylguanine was incorporated into the cleavage site, the Km value for this substrate, containing a methyl group in the minor groove, was 20-fold larger than that for the unmodified substrate, whereas 5-phenyluracil, with a phenyl group residing in the major groove of the duplex, did not affect the affinity. Secondly, the phosphodiester linkage at the cleavage site was changed into a phosphorothioate with a defined configuration. Only the Rp isomer was cleaved at this site in the presence of Mg2+ or Cd2+. These results suggest that the enzyme, but not the metal ion, interacts with the phosphate residue at the cleavage site. Thirdly, the 2'-position of the nucleoside on the 5'-side of the scissile phosphodiester was modified. Alteration of the 2'-hydroxyl function into an amino, fluoro or methoxy group, or removal of this 2'-hydroxyl group, did not affect the affinity for the enzyme, but reduced the reaction rate. An outer sphere interaction of a metal ion with the 2'-hydroxyl group is suggested.