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Benureau Y, Moreira Tavares E, Muhammad AA, Baconnais S, Le Cam E, Dupaigne P. Method combining BAC film and positive staining for the characterization of DNA intermediates by dark-field electron microscopy. Biol Methods Protoc 2020; 5:bpaa012. [PMID: 32913896 PMCID: PMC7474861 DOI: 10.1093/biomethods/bpaa012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA intermediate structures are formed in all major pathways of DNA metabolism. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is a tool of choice to study their choreography and has led to major advances in the understanding of these mechanisms, particularly those of homologous recombination (HR) and replication. In this article, we describe specific TEM procedures dedicated to the structural characterization of DNA intermediates formed during these processes. These particular DNA species contain single-stranded DNA regions and/or branched structures, which require controlling both the DNA molecules spreading and their staining for subsequent visualization using dark-field imaging mode. Combining BAC (benzyl dimethyl alkyl ammonium chloride) film hyperphase with positive staining and dark-field TEM allows characterizing synthetic DNA substrates, joint molecules formed during not only in vitro assays mimicking HR, but also in vivo DNA intermediates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yann Benureau
- DSB Repair, Replication Stress and Genome Integrity, UMR9019-CNRS ‘Genome Integrity and Cancer’, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Gustave Roussy, F-94805, Villejuif Cedex, France
- UMR9019-CNRS, Genome Integrity and Cancer, Equipe labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Université Paris-Saclay, Gustave Roussy, F-94805, Villejuif Cedex, France
| | - Eliana Moreira Tavares
- DSB Repair, Replication Stress and Genome Integrity, UMR9019-CNRS ‘Genome Integrity and Cancer’, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Gustave Roussy, F-94805, Villejuif Cedex, France
| | - Ali-Akbar Muhammad
- DSB Repair, Replication Stress and Genome Integrity, UMR9019-CNRS ‘Genome Integrity and Cancer’, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Gustave Roussy, F-94805, Villejuif Cedex, France
| | - Sonia Baconnais
- DSB Repair, Replication Stress and Genome Integrity, UMR9019-CNRS ‘Genome Integrity and Cancer’, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Gustave Roussy, F-94805, Villejuif Cedex, France
| | - Eric Le Cam
- DSB Repair, Replication Stress and Genome Integrity, UMR9019-CNRS ‘Genome Integrity and Cancer’, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Gustave Roussy, F-94805, Villejuif Cedex, France
- Correspondence address. DSB Repair, Replication Stress and Genome Integrity, UMR9019-CNRS ‘Genome Integrity and Cancer’, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Gustave Roussy, F-94805, Villejuif Cedex, France. Tel: 00 33 1 42 11 48 76 and 00 33 1 42 11 48 74; E-mail:
| | - Pauline Dupaigne
- DSB Repair, Replication Stress and Genome Integrity, UMR9019-CNRS ‘Genome Integrity and Cancer’, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Gustave Roussy, F-94805, Villejuif Cedex, France
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2
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Chen J, Tang Q, Guo S, Lu C, Le S, Yan J. Parallel triplex structure formed between stretched single-stranded DNA and homologous duplex DNA. Nucleic Acids Res 2017; 45:10032-10041. [PMID: 28973442 PMCID: PMC5622322 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkx628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The interaction between the single-stranded DNA and the homologous duplex DNA is essential for DNA homologous repair. Here, we report that parallel triplex structure can form spontaneously between a mechanically extended ssDNA and a homologous dsDNA in protein-free condition. The triplex has a contour length close to that of a B-form DNA duplex and remains stable after force is released. The binding energy between the ssDNA and the homologous dsDNA in the triplex is estimated to be comparable to the basepairing energy in a B-form dsDNA. As ssDNA is in a similar extended conformation within recombinase-coated nucleoprotein filaments, we propose that the parallel triplex may form and serve as an intermediate during recombinase-catalyzed homologous joint formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Chen
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, 117411, Singapore
| | - Qingnan Tang
- Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, 117542, Singapore
| | - Shiwen Guo
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, 117411, Singapore
| | - Chen Lu
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, 117411, Singapore.,Centre for Bioimaging Sciences, National University of Singapore, 117546, Singapore
| | - Shimin Le
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, 117411, Singapore.,Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, 117542, Singapore
| | - Jie Yan
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, 117411, Singapore.,Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, 117542, Singapore.,Centre for Bioimaging Sciences, National University of Singapore, 117546, Singapore
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3
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Ganesh KN, Kumar VA, Barawkar DA. Synthetic Control of DNA Triplex Structure through Chemical Modifications. PERSPECTIVES IN SUPRAMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY 2007. [DOI: 10.1002/9780470511473.ch6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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4
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Radding
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, USA
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5
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Kim HK, Morimatsu K, Nordén B, Ardhammar M, Takahashi M. ADP stabilizes the human Rad51-single stranded DNA complex and promotes its DNA annealing activity. Genes Cells 2002; 7:1125-34. [PMID: 12390247 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2443.2002.00588.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human Rad51 protein (HsRad51) is a homologue of Escherichia coli RecA protein, and involved in homologous recombination. These eukaryotic and bacterial proteins catalyse strand exchange between two homologous DNA molecules, each forming a complex with single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) and ATP as the initial step. Both proteins hydrolyse ATP; however, the role of ATP hydrolysis appears to vary between the two proteins. RESULTS Measurements using the fluorescence ssDNA analogue, poly(1,N6-etheno-deoxyadenosine), indicate that ATP affects the HsRad51-ssDNA complex, promoting two conformational states: one transient, rather rigid transition state and a final more flexible state. While ADP lowers the affinity of RecA protein to ssDNA, it is found to rather stabilize the HsRad51-ssDNA complex. ADP does not activate the strand exchange by HsRad51 but instead stimulates annealing between complementary ssDNAs. CONCLUSIONS The hydrolysis of ATP promotes a transition of the HsRad51-ssDNA complex from a stiff state to less stiff state. The first state may be important for the strand separation of dsDNA in the initial step of strand exchange, while the second state may be important for annealing in the next step. However, hydrolysis does not dissociate HsRad51 from DNA as a component step of its recycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye-Kyung Kim
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Chalmers University of Technology, SE 412 96, Gothenburg, Sweden
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6
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Abstract
The accelerating effect of cationic substances on the DNA strand exchange reaction between a 20 bp DNA duplex and its complementary single strand was studied. A polycationic comb-type copolymer, that consists of a poly(L-lysine) backbone and a dextran graft chain (PLL-g-Dex) and known to stabilize triplex DNA, expedites the strand exchange reaction under physiological relevant conditions. Electrostatically a small excess of the copolymer let to a 300-1500-fold increase in the DNA strand exchange while large excess of spermine or cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, a cationic detergent known to promote markedly hybridization of complementary DNA strands, shows only a slight effect. The efficacy of the copolymer was not affected by a 10 mM Mg2+ concentration. Notably the copolymer promotes the strand exchange reaction while it stabilizes double-stranded DNA. The stabilization of strand exchange intermediates consisting of the parent duplex and the single strand by the copolymer is believed to be responsible for the observed acceleration behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- W J Kim
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, Faculty of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan
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7
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Nishinaka T, Shinohara A, Ito Y, Yokoyama S, Shibata T. Base pair switching by interconversion of sugar puckers in DNA extended by proteins of RecA-family: a model for homology search in homologous genetic recombination. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1998; 95:11071-6. [PMID: 9736691 PMCID: PMC21597 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.95.19.11071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Escherichia coli RecA is a representative of proteins from the RecA family, which promote homologous pairing and strand exchange between double-stranded DNA and single-stranded DNA. These reactions are essential for homologous genetic recombination in various organisms. From NMR studies, we previously reported a novel deoxyribose-base stacking interaction between adjacent residues on the extended single-stranded DNA bound to RecA protein. In this study, we found that the same DNA structure was induced by the binding to Saccharomyces cerevisiae Rad51 protein, indicating that the unique DNA structure induced by the binding to RecA-homologs was conserved from prokaryotes to eukaryotes. On the basis of this structure, we have formulated the structure of duplex DNA within filaments formed by RecA protein and its homologs. Two types of molecular structures are presented. One is the duplex structure that has the N-type sugar pucker. Its helical pitch is approximately 95 A (18.6 bp/turn), corresponding to that of an active, or ATP-form of the RecA filament. The other is one that has the S-type sugar pucker. Its helical pitch is approximately 64 A (12.5 bp/turn), corresponding to that of an inactive, or ADP-form of the RecA filament. During this modeling, we found that the interconversion of sugar puckers between the N-type and the S-type rotates bases horizontally, while maintaining the deoxyribose-base stacking interaction. We propose that this base rotation enables base pair switching between double-stranded DNA and single-stranded DNA to take place, facilitating homologous pairing and strand exchange. A possible mechanism for strand exchange involving DNA rotation also is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Nishinaka
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Laboratory, The Institute of Physical and Chemical Research (RIKEN), Saitama 351-0198, Japan
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8
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Noy A, Vezenov DV, Kayyem JF, Meade TJ, Lieber CM. Stretching and breaking duplex DNA by chemical force microscopy. CHEMISTRY & BIOLOGY 1997; 4:519-27. [PMID: 9263640 DOI: 10.1016/s1074-5521(97)90324-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Specific interactions between complementary strands of DNA and other molecules are central to the storage, retrieval and modification of information in biological systems. Although in many cases the basic structures of duplex DNA and the binding energetics have been well characterized, little information is available about the forces in these systems. These forces are of critical importance because they must be overcome, for example, by protein machines during transcription and repair. Recent developments in atomic force microscopy make possible direct measurements of such forces between the individual oligonucleotide strands that form DNA duplexes. RESULTS We used the chemical force microscopy technique, in which oligonucleotides are covalently linked to the force microscope probe tip and the sample surface, to measure the elongation and binding forces of individual DNA duplexes. The separation forces between complementary oligonucleotide strands were found to be significantly larger than the forces measured between noncomplementary strands, and to be consistent with the unbinding of a single DNA duplex. With increasing applied force, the separation of complementary strands proceeded in a stepwise manner: B-form DNA was stretched, then structurally transformed to a stable form of DNA approximately twice the length of the B form, and finally separated into single-stranded oligonucleotides. These data provide a direct measurement of the forces required to elastically deform and separate double-stranded DNA into single strands. CONCLUSIONS Force microscopy provides a direct and quantitative measurement of the forces and energetics required to stretch and unbind DNA duplexes. Because the measurements can be carried out readily on synthetic oligonucleotides and in the presence of exogenous molecules, this method affords an opportunity for directly assessing the energetics of distorting and unbinding specific DNA sequences and DNA complexes. Such data could provide unique insights into the mechanistic steps following sequence-specific recognition by, for example, DNA repair and transcription factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Noy
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
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9
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Gupta RC, Bazemore LR, Golub EI, Radding CM. Activities of human recombination protein Rad51. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1997; 94:463-8. [PMID: 9012806 PMCID: PMC19535 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.94.2.463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Homologous pairing and strand exchange, which are catalyzed by Escherichia coli RecA protein, are central to homologous recombination. Homologs of this protein are found in eukaryotes; however, little has been reported on the recombinase activities of the mammalian homologs, including the human protein, denoted HsRad51. For the studies described here, we purified HsRad51 form E. coli. Although the activities of HsRad51 and RecA were qualitatively similar in the presence of ATP, there were also striking differences. The stoichiometry of binding to DNA and the rate of renaturation of complementary strands were similar for the two proteins, but rates of ATP hydrolysis, homologous pairing, and subsequent strand exchange promoted by HsRad51 were less than 1/10 those of RecA. In addition, HsRad51 bound gamma-thio-ATP and formed stable presynaptic complexes that promoted renaturation as rapidly as RecA, but the recombinant human protein catalyzed neither strand exchange nor homologous pairing of a single strand with duplex DNA in the presence of the ATP analog. By contrast, RecA promoted both of the latter reactions in control experiments. These observations suggest that among RecA-like proteins, HsRad51 may be a variant in which homologous pairing and strand exchange are more closely linked to the hydrolysis of ATP.
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Affiliation(s)
- R C Gupta
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
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10
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Cox
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison 53706, USA
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11
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Rao BJ, Chiu SK, Bazemore LR, Reddy G, Radding CM. How specific is the first recognition step of homologous recombination? Trends Biochem Sci 1995; 20:109-13. [PMID: 7709428 DOI: 10.1016/s0968-0004(00)88976-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The Escherichia coli RecA protein promotes homologous recognition in base triplets via non-Watson-Crick bonds that differ from those formed nonenzymically from DNA consisting of runs of purines or pyrimidines. Base substitutions reveal recognition to be permissive, consistent with a search for homology that achieves speed at the cost of precision.
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Affiliation(s)
- B J Rao
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
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12
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Transcription induces the formation of a stable RNA.DNA hybrid in the immunoglobulin alpha switch region. J Biol Chem 1994. [DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9258(17)31881-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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13
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Rao BJ, Radding CM. Formation of base triplets by non-Watson-Crick bonds mediates homologous recognition in RecA recombination filaments. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1994; 91:6161-5. [PMID: 8016131 PMCID: PMC44158 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.91.13.6161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Whereas complementary strands of DNA recognize one another by forming Watson-Crick base pairs, the way in which RecA protein enables a single strand to recognize homology in duplex DNA has remained unknown. Recent experiments, however, have shown that a single plus strand in the RecA filament can recognize an identical plus strand via bonds that, by definition, are non-Watson-Crick. In experiments reported here, base substitutions had the same qualitative and quantitative effects on the pairing of two identical strands in the RecA filament as on the recognition of duplex DNA by a third strand, indicating that similar non-Watson-Crick interactions govern both reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- B J Rao
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510
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14
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Kmiec EB, Holloman WK. ATP-dependent DNA renaturation and DNA-dependent ATPase reactions catalyzed by the Ustilago maydis homologous pairing protein. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY 1994; 219:865-75. [PMID: 8112338 DOI: 10.1111/j.1432-1033.1994.tb18568.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Purification of the ATP-dependent homologous pairing activity from Ustilago maydis yields a protein preparation that is enriched for a 70-kDa polypeptide as determined by SDS-gel electrophoresis. The protein responsible for the ATP-dependent pairing activity, using renaturation of complementary single strands of DNA as an assay, has a Stokes radius of 3.6 nm and a sedimentation coefficient of 4.3 S consistent with the interpretation that the activity arises from a monomeric globular protein of 70 kDa. Including heparin-agarose and FPLC gel filtration chromatography steps in the previously published protocol improves the purification of the protein. ATP and Mg2+ are necessary cofactors for optimal DNA renaturation activity. ADP inhibits the reaction. Analysis of the ATP-dependent renaturation kinetics indicates the reaction proceeds through a first-order mechanism. The protein has an associated DNA-dependent ATPase as indicated by co-chromatography with the purified ATP-dependent renaturation activity through an FPLC gel-filtration column. Single-stranded DNA and Mg2+ are required for optimal ATP hydrolytic activity, although a number of other polynucleotides and divalent cations can substitute to varying degrees. Hydrolysis of ATP is activated in a sigmoidal manner with increasing amounts of the protein. At ATP concentrations below 0.1 mM the ATPase activity exhibits positive cooperativity as indicated from the Hill coefficient of 1.8 determined by steady-state kinetic analysis of the reaction. ADP and adenosine 5'-[beta,gamma-imido]triphosphate are inhibitors of the ATPase activity although they appear to exert their inhibitory effects through different modes. These results are interpreted as evidence for protein-protein interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- E B Kmiec
- Department of Pharmacology, Jefferson Cancer Institute, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia
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15
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Rao BJ, Radding CM. Homologous recognition promoted by RecA protein via non-Watson-Crick bonds between identical DNA strands. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1993; 90:6646-50. [PMID: 8341681 PMCID: PMC46989 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.90.14.6646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The RecA protein of Escherichia coli forms a nucleoprotein filament that promotes homologous recognition and subsequent strand exchange between a single strand and duplex DNA via a three-stranded intermediate. Recognition of homology within three-stranded nucleoprotein complexes, which is probably central to genetic recombination, is not well understood as compared with the mutual recognition of complementary single strands by Watson-Crick base pairing. Using oligonucleotides, we examined the determinants of homologous recognition within RecA nucleoprotein filaments. Filaments that contained a single strand of DNA recognized homology not only in a complementary oligonucleotide but also in an identical oligonucleotide, whether their respective sugar-phosphate backbones were antiparallel or parallel, and a filament that contained duplex DNA showed the same polymorphic versatility in the recognition of homology. Recognition of self by a filament that contains a single strand reveals that RecA filaments can recognize homology via non-Watson-Crick hydrogen bonds. Recognition of multiple forms of the same sequence by duplex DNA in the filament shows that it primarily senses base-sequence homology, and suggests that recognition can be accomplished prior to the establishment of new Watson-Crick base pairs in heteroduplex products. However, unlike the initial recognition of homology, strand exchange is stereospecific, requiring the proper antiparallel orientation of complementary strands.
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Affiliation(s)
- B J Rao
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biophysics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510
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16
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Camerini-Otero RD, Hsieh P. Parallel DNA triplexes, homologous recombination, and other homology-dependent DNA interactions. Cell 1993; 73:217-23. [PMID: 8477443 DOI: 10.1016/0092-8674(93)90224-e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- R D Camerini-Otero
- Genetics and Biochemistry Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
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17
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Tsaneva IR, Müller B, West SC. RuvA and RuvB proteins of Escherichia coli exhibit DNA helicase activity in vitro. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1993; 90:1315-9. [PMID: 8433990 PMCID: PMC45863 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.90.4.1315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The SOS-inducible ruvA and ruvB gene products of Escherichia coli are required for normal levels of genetic recombination and DNA repair. In vitro, RuvA protein interacts specifically with Holliday junctions and, together with RuvB (an ATPase), promotes their movement along DNA. This process, known as branch migration, is important for the formation of heteroduplex DNA. In this paper, we show that the RuvA and RuvB proteins promote the unwinding of partially duplex DNA. Using single-stranded circular DNA substrates with annealed fragments (52-558 nucleotides in length), we show that RuvA and RuvB promote strand displacement with a 5'-->3' polarity. The reaction is ATP-dependent and its efficiency is inversely related to the length of the duplex DNA. These results show that the ruvA and ruvB genes encode a DNA helicase that specifically recognizes Holliday junctions and promotes branch migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- I R Tsaneva
- Imperial Cancer Research Fund, Clare Hall Laboratories, South Mimms, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
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18
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Kumar K, Muniyappa K. Use of structure-directed DNA ligands to probe the binding of recA protein to narrow and wide grooves of DNA and on its ability to promote homologous pairing. J Biol Chem 1992. [DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9258(18)35838-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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19
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Affiliation(s)
- E C Conley
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Leicester, UK
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20
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Abstract
A novel type of triple-stranded DNA structure was proposed by several groups to play a crucial role in homologous recognition between single- and double-stranded DNA molecules. In this still putative structure a duplex DNA was proposed to co-ordinate a homologous single strand in its major groove side. In contrast to the well-characterized pyrimidine-purine-pyrimidine triplexes in which the two like strands are antiparallel and which are restricted to poly-pyrimidine-containing stretches, the homology-specific triplexes would have like strands in parallel orientation and would not be restricted to any particular sequence provided that there is a homology between interacting DNA molecules. For many years the stereo-chemical possibility of forming homology-dependent three- or four-stranded DNA structures during the pairing stage of recombination reactions was seriously considered in published papers. However, only recently has there been a marked increase in the number of papers that have directly tested the formation of triple-stranded DNA structures during the actual pairing stage of the recombination reaction. Unfortunately the results of these tests are not totally clear cut; while some laboratories presented experimental evidence consistent with the formation of triplexes, others studying the same or very similar systems offered alternative explanations. The aim of this review is to present the current state of the central question in the mechanism of homologous recombination, namely, what kind of DNA structure is responsible for DNA homologous recognition. Is it a novel triplex structure or just a classical duplex?
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Affiliation(s)
- A Stasiak
- Laboratoire d'Analyse Ultrastructurale, Université de Lausanne, Bâtiment de Biologie, Switzerland
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21
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Jwang B, Radding CM. Torsional stress generated by RecA protein during DNA strand exchange separates strands of a heterologous insert. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1992; 89:7596-600. [PMID: 1502170 PMCID: PMC49757 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.89.16.7596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that the helical RecA nucleoprotein filament formed on a circular single strand of DNA causes the progressive, directional transfer of a complementary strand from naked linear duplex DNA to the nucleoprotein filament, even when the duplex contains a sizable heterologous insertion. Since RecA protein lacks demonstrable helicase activity, the mechanism by which it pushes strand exchange through long heterologous inserts has been a quandary. In the present study, a linear duplex substrate with an insertion of 110 base pairs in its middle yielded the expected products, whereas much less of the heteroduplex product was seen when the insertion was located at either end of the duplex substrate or 160 base pairs from the far end of the duplex substrate. In an ongoing reaction of the substrate with an insertion in its middle, P1 nuclease cleaved intermediates from the point of the insertion to various distal sites. Acting on a duplex substrate that contained a single nick located in the complementary strand just beyond the insertion, RecA protein formed joint molecules but failed to complete strand exchange. These data show that negative torsional stress is generated by distant homologous interactions that occur beyond the heterologous insertion and that such stress is essential for unwinding a heterologous insertion that otherwise halts strand exchange.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Jwang
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510
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22
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On the role of ATP hydrolysis in RecA protein-mediated DNA strand exchange. II. Four-strand exchanges. J Biol Chem 1992. [DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9258(18)42023-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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23
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Golub EI, Ward DC, Radding CM. Joints formed by RecA protein from oligonucleotides and duplex DNA block initiation and elongation of transcription. Nucleic Acids Res 1992; 20:3121-5. [PMID: 1620609 PMCID: PMC312447 DOI: 10.1093/nar/20.12.3121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
In the presence of the non-hydrolyzable analog of ATP, ATP gamma S, RecA protein can polymerize on an oligodeoxy-ribonucleotide to form a stable oligonucleoprotein filament that can find its homologous sequence in double-stranded DNA. The homologous joint formed by the oligonucleotide and duplex DNA is stable only if RecA protein is not removed. Such a nucleoprotein joint, covering a part or all of the promoter region of T3 or T7 phage RNA polymerase, blocked transcription directed by those polymerases. The same kind of joint, located downstream of the RNA polymerase promoter, also inhibited elongation of transcription and caused accumulation of truncated transcripts. These observations suggest that RecA protein can be used to shut off transcription from any promoter of known sequence.
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Affiliation(s)
- E I Golub
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510
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24
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Abstract
The recA protein catalyses the ATP-driven homologous pairing and strand exchange of DNA molecules. It is an allosteric enzyme: the ATPase activity is DNA-dependent, and ATP-bound recA protein has a high affinity for DNA, whereas the ADP-bound form has a low affinity. In the absence of ATP hydrolysis, recA protein can still promote homologous pairing, apparently through the formation of a triple-stranded intermediate. The exact role of ATP hydrolysis is not clear, but it presumably drives the triplex intermediate towards products. Here we determine the position of bound ADP diffused into the recA crystal. We show that only the phosphates are bound in the same way as in other NTPases containing the G/AXXXXGKT/S motif. We propose that recA protein may change its conformation upon ATP hydrolysis in a manner analogous to one such protein, the p21 protein from the ras oncogene. A model is presented to account for the allosteric stimulation of DNA binding by ATP. The mechanism by which nucleoside triphosphate hydrolysis is coupled to the binding of another ligand in recA protein and p21 may be typical of the large class of NTPases containing this conserved motif.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Story
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511
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25
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Chow SA, Chiu SK, Wong BC. RecA protein-promoted homologous pairing and strand exchange between intact and partially single-stranded duplex DNA. J Mol Biol 1992; 223:79-93. [PMID: 1530979 DOI: 10.1016/0022-2836(92)90717-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
In the pairing reaction between circular gapped and fully duplex DNA, RecA protein first polymerizes on the gapped DNA to form a nucleoprotein filament. Conditions that removed the formation of secondary structure in the gapped DNA, such as addition of Escherichia coli single-stranded DNA binding protein or preincubation in 1 mM-MgCl2, optimized the binding of RecA protein and increased the formation of joint molecules. The gapped duplex formed stable joints with fully duplex DNA that had a 5' or 3' terminus complementary to the single-stranded region of the gapped molecule. However, the joints formed had distinct properties and structures depending on whether the complementary terminus was at the 5' or 3' end. Pairing between gapped DNA and fully duplex linear DNA with a 3' complementary terminus resulted in strand displacement, symmetric strand exchange and formation of complete strand exchange products. By contrast, pairing between gapped and fully duplex DNA with a 5' complementary terminus produced a joint that was restricted to the gapped region; there was no strand displacement or symmetric strand exchange. The joint formed in the latter reaction was likely a three-stranded intermediate rather than a heteroduplex with the classical Watson-Crick structure. We conclude that, as in the three-strand reaction, the process of strand exchange in the four-strand reaction is polar and progresses in a 5' to 3' direction with respect to the initiating strand. The present study provides further evidence that in both three-strand and four-strand systems the pairing and strand exchange reactions share a common mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Chow
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Hong Kong
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26
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Dunderdale HJ, Benson FE, Parsons CA, Sharples GJ, Lloyd RG, West SC. Formation and resolution of recombination intermediates by E. coli RecA and RuvC proteins. Nature 1991; 354:506-10. [PMID: 1758493 DOI: 10.1038/354506a0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The recombination of DNA molecules has been reconstituted in vitro using two purified enzymes from Escherichia coli. RecA protein catalyses homologous pairing and strand exchange reactions to form intermediate DNA structures that are acted upon by RuvC. The newly identified RuvC protein resolves the intermediates by specific endonucleolytic cleavage to produce recombinant DNA molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- H J Dunderdale
- Imperial Cancer Research Fund, Clare Hall Laboratories, South Mimms, Herts, UK
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27
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Dutreix M, Rao BJ, Radding CM. The effects on strand exchange of 5' versus 3' ends of single-stranded DNA in RecA nucleoprotein filaments. J Mol Biol 1991; 219:645-54. [PMID: 2056532 DOI: 10.1016/0022-2836(91)90661-o] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Since the ends of DNA chains are thought to be important in homologous recombination, the way in which RecA protein and similar recombination enzymes process ends is important. We analyzed the effects of ends both on the formation of joints, and the progression of strand exchange. When the only homologous end was provided by a single strand, there was no significant difference between the formation of joints at a 5' end or a 3' end; but in agreement with the report of Konforti & Davis, Escherichia coli single-stranded DNA binding protein (SSB) selectively inhibited the activity of 5' ends. Complete strand exchange, assessed by study of linear single-stranded and double-stranded substrates, took place only in the 5' to 3' direction relative to DNA in the nucleoprotein filament. These observations pose a paradox: in the presence of SSB, of which there are about 800 tetramers per cell, the formation of homologous joints by RecA protein is favored at a 3' end, from which, however, authentic strand exchange appears not to occur. Since observations reported here and elsewhere show that joints have different properties when formed at a 5' versus a 3' end, we suggest that they may be processed differently in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Dutreix
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biophysics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven CT 06510
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28
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Abstract
When RecA protein, in the form of a nucleoprotein filament containing circular single-stranded DNA (plus strand only), reacts with homologous linear duplex DNA, a directional transfer ensues of a strand from the duplex DNA to the nucleoprotein filament, resulting in the displacement of the linear plus strand in the 5' to 3' direction. The initial homologous synapsis, however, can occur at either end of the duplex DNA, or anywhere in between, and when homology is restricted to different regions of the duplex DNA, the joint molecules that form in each region show striking differences in stability upon deproteinization: distal joints greater than proximal joints much greater than medial joints. In the deproteinized distal joints, which are thermostable, 2000 nucleotide residues of the circular plus strand are resistant to P1 nuclease; both strands of the original duplex DNA remain resistant to P1 nuclease, and the potentially displaceable linear plus strand, which has a 3' homologous end, remains resistant to Escherichia coli exonuclease I. These observations suggest that RecA protein promotes homologous pairing and strand exchange via long three-stranded DNA intermediates and, moreover, that, once formed, such triplex structures in natural DNA are stable even when RecA protein has been removed.
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Affiliation(s)
- B J Rao
- Department of Human Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510
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29
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Rosenberg SM, Hastings PJ. The split-end model for homologous recombination at double-strand breaks and at Chi. Biochimie 1991; 73:385-97. [PMID: 1911939 DOI: 10.1016/0300-9084(91)90105-a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
In recent years two different styles of model for homologous recombination have been discussed, depending on whether or not the recombination event occurs in the vicinity of a double-strand break in DNA. The models of Holliday and Meselson and Radding exemplify those that do not involve a break whereas the model of Szostak et al is taken as an example of those that do. Recent advances in understanding a prototypic recombination system thought to promote exchange distant from DNA ends, at Chi sites, suggest a mechanism of initiation neither like Holliday/Meselson-Radding nor like Szostak et al. In those models, only one strand of DNA may invade a homologous DNA molecule. We propose a model for Chi in which exonuclease degrades DNA from a double-strand break to the Chi site; the exonuclease is converted into a helicase upon interaction with Chi; unwinding produces a recombinagenic split-end, and both 3'- and 5'-ending strands at the split-end are capable of invading a homologue. Different genetic consequences are proposed to result from invasion by each. We review evidence supporting the split-end model and suggest its application in at least some cases previously considered to proceed via the Meselson/Radding model and by the double-strand-break repair model of Szostak et al.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Rosenberg
- Department of Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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30
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Rao BJ, Jwang B, Dutreix M. Production of triple-stranded recombination intermediates by RecA protein, in vitro. Biochimie 1991; 73:363-70. [PMID: 1911938 DOI: 10.1016/0300-9084(91)90102-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
During the directional strand exchange that is promoted by RecA protein between linear duplex DNA and circular single-stranded DNA, a triple-stranded DNA intermediate was formed and persisted even after the completion of strand transfer followed by deproteinization. In the deproteinized three-stranded DNA complexes, the sequestered linear third strand resisted digestion by E coli exonuclease I. In relation to polarity of strand exchange which defines the proximal and distal ends of the duplex DNA, when homology was restricted to the distal region of duplex substrate, the joints formed efficiently and were stable even upon complete deproteinization. Enzymatic probing of deproteinized distal joints with nuclease P1 revealed that the joints consist of long three-stranded structures that at neutral pH lack significant single-stranded character in any of the three strands. Instead of circular single-stranded DNA, when a linear single strand is recombined with partially homologous duplex DNA, in the presence of SSB, the formation of homologous joints by RecA protein, is significantly more efficient at distal end than at the proximal. Taken together, these observations suggest that with any single-stranded DNA (circular or linear), RecA protein efficiently promotes the formation of distal joints, from which, however, authentic strand exchange may not occur. Moreover, these joints might represent an intermediate which is trapped into a stable triple stranded state.
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Affiliation(s)
- B J Rao
- Department of Human Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510
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31
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Radding CM. Helical interactions in homologous pairing and strand exchange driven by RecA protein. J Biol Chem 1991. [DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9258(19)67599-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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32
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Abstract
Processes fundamental to all models of genetic recombination include the homologous pairing and subsequent exchange of DNA strands. Biochemical analysis of these events has been conducted primarily on the recA protein of Escherichia coli, although proteins which can promote such reactions have been purified from many sources, both prokaryotic and eukaryotic. The activities of these homologous pairing and DNA strand exchange proteins are either ATP-dependent, as predicted based on the recA protein paradigm, or, more unexpectedly, ATP-independent. This review examines the reactions promoted by both classes of proteins and highlights their similarities and differences. The mechanistic implications of the apparent existence of 2 classes of strand exchange protein are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- A K Eggleston
- Department of Cell, Molecular, and Structural Biology, Northwestern University Medical School, IL 60611
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33
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Abstract
Paul Howard-Flanders et al proposed a molecular model of RecA-mediated recombination reaction six years ago. How does this model stand at present? In answering this question, we focus on two leading ideas of the original model, namely the proposal of the coaxial arrangement of the aligned DNA molecules within helical RecA filaments and the proposal of the ATP independence of the pairing stage of the recombination reaction. Results obtained after the model was proposed are reviewed and compared with these original assumptions and postulates of the model. EM visualization of recombining DNA molecules, studies of the energetics of the RecA-mediated recombination reaction and biochemical analysis of deproteinized joint molecules are fully consistent with a triple-stranded DNA arrangement during the RecA-mediated recombination reaction and demonstrate the ATP independence of the pairing stage of the reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Z Stasiak
- Laboratoire d'Analyse Ultrastructurale, Université de Lausanne, Lausanne-Dorigny, Switzerland
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34
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Affiliation(s)
- S C West
- Imperial Cancer Research Fund, Clare Hall Laboratories, South Mimms, Herts, UK
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35
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Connolly B, West SC. Genetic recombination in Escherichia coli: Holliday junctions made by RecA protein are resolved by fractionated cell-free extracts. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1990; 87:8476-80. [PMID: 2146685 PMCID: PMC54979 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.87.21.8476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Escherichia coli RecA protein catalyzes reciprocal strand-exchange reactions between duplex DNA molecules, provided that one contains a single-stranded gap or tail, to form recombination intermediates containing Holliday junctions. Recombination reactions are thought to occur within helical RecA-nucleoprotein filaments in which DNA molecules are interwound. Structures generated in vitro by RecA protein have been used to detect an activity from fractionated E. coli extracts that resolves the intermediates into heteroduplex recombinant products. Resolution occurs by specific endonucleolytic cleavage at the Holliday junction. The products of cleavage are characteristic of patch and splice recombinants.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Connolly
- Imperial Cancer Research Fund, Clare Hall Laboratories, South Mimms, Herts, United Kingdom
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36
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Hsieh P, Camerini-Otero CS, Camerini-Otero RD. Pairing of homologous DNA sequences by proteins: evidence for three-stranded DNA. Genes Dev 1990; 4:1951-63. [PMID: 2276627 DOI: 10.1101/gad.4.11.1951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
We show that recombinases form joint molecules over very short regions of homology. When these molecules are deproteinized the three strands are in a structure that is surprisingly resistant to dissociation by branch migration, even at elevated temperatures. The joint molecules dissociate at temperatures comparable to those required to melt DNA duplexes of the same length and sequence. We also show that nonenzymatically formed structures of the same length and sequence, which have a free third strand ready to branch migrate, dissociate at much lower temperatures. These results provide compelling evidence that the three DNA strands in the region of pairing are hydrogen bonded to each other. Our observations suggest that such a novel three-stranded DNA molecule, or a structure very similar to it, may be the intermediate in general recombination that is used in the recognition of sequence homology. We discuss some of the structural features implicit in this molecule containing any base sequence and compare them with those manifest in true DNA triple helices containing special sequence motifs.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Hsieh
- Genetics and Biochemistry Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
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