The crystal structure of the bifunctional primase-helicase of bacteriophage T7

Structural and Molecular Basis for Mitochondrial DNA Replication and Transcription in Health and Antiviral Drug Toxicity

Human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is a 16.9 kbp double-stranded, circular DNA, encoding subunits of the oxidative phosphorylation electron transfer chain and essential RNAs for mitochondrial protein translation. The minimal human mtDNA replisome is composed of the DNA helicase Twinkle, DNA polymerase γ, and mitochondrial single-stranded DNA-binding protein. While the mitochondrial RNA transcription is carried out by mitochondrial RNA polymerase, mitochondrial transcription factors TFAM and TFB2M, and a transcription elongation factor, TEFM, both RNA transcriptions, and DNA replication machineries are intertwined and control mtDNA copy numbers, cellular energy supplies, and cellular metabolism. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms governing these main pathways and the mtDNA diseases that arise from mutations in transcription and replication machineries from a structural point of view. We also address the adverse effect of antiviral drugs mediated by mitochondrial DNA and RNA polymerases as well as possible structural approaches to develop nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor and ribonucleosides analogs with reduced toxicity.

Structural and dynamic basis of DNA capture and translocation by mitochondrial Twinkle helicase

Twinkle is a mitochondrial replicative helicase which can self-load onto and unwind mitochondrial DNA. Nearly 60 mutations on Twinkle have been linked to human mitochondrial diseases. Using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and high-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM), we obtained the atomic-resolution structure of a vertebrate Twinkle homolog with DNA and captured in real-time how Twinkle is self-loaded onto DNA. Our data highlight the important role of the non-catalytic N-terminal domain of Twinkle. The N-terminal domain directly contacts the C-terminal helicase domain, and the contact interface is a hotspot for disease-related mutations. Mutations at the interface destabilize Twinkle hexamer and reduce helicase activity. With HS-AFM, we observed that a highly dynamic Twinkle domain, which is likely to be the N-terminal domain, can protrude ∼5 nm to transiently capture nearby DNA and initialize Twinkle loading onto DNA. Moreover, structural analysis and subunit doping experiments suggest that Twinkle hydrolyzes ATP stochastically, which is distinct from related helicases from bacteriophages.

Structural insight and characterization of human Twinkle helicase in mitochondrial disease

Twinkle is the mammalian helicase vital for replication and integrity of mitochondrial DNA. Over 90 Twinkle helicase disease variants have been linked to progressive external ophthalmoplegia and ataxia neuropathies among other mitochondrial diseases. Despite the biological and clinical importance, Twinkle represents the only remaining component of the human minimal mitochondrial replisome that has yet to be structurally characterized. Here, we present 3-dimensional structures of human Twinkle W315L. Employing cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), we characterize the oligomeric assemblies of human full-length Twinkle W315L, define its multimeric interface, and map clinical variants associated with Twinkle in inherited mitochondrial disease. Cryo-EM, crosslinking-mass spectrometry, and molecular dynamics simulations provide insight into the dynamic movement and molecular consequences of the W315L clinical variant. Collectively, this ensemble of structures outlines a framework for studying Twinkle function in mitochondrial DNA replication and associated disease states.

Computationally exploring the mechanism of bacteriophage T7 gp4 helicase translocating along ssDNA

Bacteriophage T7 gp4 helicase has served as a model system for understanding mechanisms of hexameric replicative helicase translocation. The mechanistic basis of how nucleoside 5'-triphosphate hydrolysis and translocation of gp4 helicase are coupled is not fully resolved. Here, we used a thermodynamically benchmarked coarse-grained protein force field, Associative memory, Water mediated, Structure and Energy Model (AWSEM), with the single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) force field 3SPN.2C to investigate gp4 translocation. We found that the adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) at the subunit interface stabilizes the subunit-subunit interaction and inhibits subunit translocation. Hydrolysis of ATP to adenosine 5'-diphosphate enables the translocation of one subunit, and new ATP binding at the new subunit interface finalizes the subunit translocation. The LoopD2 and the N-terminal primase domain provide transient protein-protein and protein-DNA interactions that facilitate the large-scale subunit movement. The simulations of gp4 helicase both validate our coarse-grained protein-ssDNA force field and elucidate the molecular basis of replicative helicase translocation.

The helicase core accessory regions of the phage BFK20 DnaB-like helicase gp43 significantly affect its activity, oligomeric state and DNA binding properties

The multifunctional phage replication protein gp43 is composed of an N-terminal prim-pol domain and a C-terminal domain similar to the SF4-type replicative helicases. We prepared four mutants all missing the prim-pol domain with the helicase core flanked by accessory N- and C-terminal regions truncated to varying extents. The shortest fragment still possessing strong ssDNA-dependent ATPase activity and helicase activity was gp43HEL519-983. The other proteins tested were gp43HEL557-983, gp43HEL519-855 and gp43HEL519-896. Removal of the 38 N-terminal residues in gp43HEL557-983, or the 128 and 87 C-terminal residues in gp43HEL519-855 and gp43HEL519-896, resulted in a significant decrease in the ATPase activities. The 38-amino acid N-terminal region has probably a function in modulating DNA binding and protein oligomerization. Deletion of the 87 C-terminal residues resulted in a twofold increase in the unwinding rate. This region is likely indispensable for binding to DNA substrates.

The Cryo-EM structure of AAV2 Rep68 in complex with ssDNA reveals a malleable AAA+ machine that can switch between oligomeric states

The adeno-associated virus (AAV) non-structural Rep proteins catalyze all the DNA transactions required for virus viability including, DNA replication, transcription regulation, genome packaging, and during the latent phase, site-specific integration. Rep proteins contain two multifunctional domains: an Origin Binding Domain (OBD) and a SF3 helicase domain (HD). Studies have shown that Rep proteins have a dynamic oligomeric behavior where the nature of the DNA substrate molecule modulates its oligomeric state. In the presence of ssDNA, Rep68 forms a large double-octameric ring complex. To understand the mechanisms underlying AAV Rep function, we investigated the cryo-EM and X-ray structures of Rep68-ssDNA complexes. Surprisingly, Rep68 generates hybrid ring structures where the OBD forms octameric rings while the HD forms heptamers. Moreover, the binding to ATPγS promotes a large conformational change in the entire AAA+ domain that leads the HD to form both heptamer and hexamers. The HD oligomerization is driven by an interdomain linker region that acts as a latch to 'catch' the neighboring HD subunit and is flexible enough to permit the formation of different stoichiometric ring structures. Overall, our studies show the structural basis of AAV Rep's structural flexibility required to fulfill its multifunctional role during the AAV life cycle.

TWINKLE and Other Human Mitochondrial DNA Helicases: Structure, Function and Disease

Mammalian mitochondria contain a circular genome (mtDNA) which encodes subunits of the oxidative phosphorylation machinery. The replication and maintenance of mtDNA is carried out by a set of nuclear-encoded factors—of which, helicases form an important group. The TWINKLE helicase is the main helicase in mitochondria and is the only helicase required for mtDNA replication. Mutations in TWINKLE cause a number of human disorders associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, neurodegeneration and premature ageing. In addition, a number of other helicases with a putative role in mitochondria have been identified. In this review, we discuss our current knowledge of TWINKLE structure and function and its role in diseases of mtDNA maintenance. We also briefly discuss other potential mitochondrial helicases and postulate on their role(s) in mitochondria.

Structure-Function Analysis Reveals the Singularity of Plant Mitochondrial DNA Replication Components: A Mosaic and Redundant System

Plants are sessile organisms, and their DNA is particularly exposed to damaging agents. The integrity of plant mitochondrial and plastid genomes is necessary for cell survival. During evolution, plants have evolved mechanisms to replicate their mitochondrial genomes while minimizing the effects of DNA damaging agents. The recombinogenic character of plant mitochondrial DNA, absence of defined origins of replication, and its linear structure suggest that mitochondrial DNA replication is achieved by a recombination-dependent replication mechanism. Here, I review the mitochondrial proteins possibly involved in mitochondrial DNA replication from a structural point of view. A revision of these proteins supports the idea that mitochondrial DNA replication could be replicated by several processes. The analysis indicates that DNA replication in plant mitochondria could be achieved by a recombination-dependent replication mechanism, but also by a replisome in which primers are synthesized by three different enzymes: Mitochondrial RNA polymerase, Primase-Helicase, and Primase-Polymerase. The recombination-dependent replication model and primers synthesized by the Primase-Polymerase may be responsible for the presence of genomic rearrangements in plant mitochondria.

Combined Solution and Crystal Methods Reveal the Electrostatic Tethers That Provide a Flexible Platform for Replication Activities in the Bacteriophage T7 Replisome

Recent structural studies of the bacteriophage T7 DNA replication system have shed light on how multiple proteins assemble to copy two antiparallel DNA strands. In T7, acidic C-terminal tails of both the primase-helicase and single-stranded DNA binding protein bind to two basic patches on the DNA polymerase to aid in replisome assembly, processivity, and coordinated DNA synthesis. Although these electrostatic interactions are essential for DNA replication, the molecular details for how these tails bind the polymerase are unknown. We have determined an X-ray crystal structure of the T7 DNA polymerase bound to both a primer/template DNA and a peptide that mimics the C-terminal tail of the primase-helicase. The structure reveals that the essential C-terminal phenylalanine of the tail binds to a hydrophobic pocket that is surrounded by positive charge on the surface of the polymerase. We show that alterations of polymerase residues that engage the tail lead to defects in viral replication. In the structure, we also observe dTTP bound in the exonuclease active site and stacked against tryptophan 160. Using both primer/extension assays and high-throughput sequencing, we show how mutations in the exonuclease active site lead to defects in mismatch repair and an increase in the level of mutagenesis of the T7 genome. Finally, using small-angle X-ray scattering, we provide the first solution structures of a complex between the single-stranded DNA binding protein and the DNA polymerase and show how a single-stranded DNA binding protein dimer engages both one and two copies of DNA polymerase.

Structural basis for adPEO-causing mutations in the mitochondrial TWINKLE helicase

TWINKLE is the helicase involved in replication and maintenance of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in mammalian cells. Structurally, TWINKLE is closely related to the bacteriophage T7 gp4 protein and comprises a helicase and primase domain joined by a flexible linker region. Mutations in and around this linker region are responsible for autosomal dominant progressive external ophthalmoplegia (adPEO), a neuromuscular disorder associated with deletions in mtDNA. The underlying molecular basis of adPEO-causing mutations remains unclear, but defects in TWINKLE oligomerization are thought to play a major role. In this study, we have characterized these disease variants by single-particle electron microscopy and can link the diminished activities of the TWINKLE variants to altered oligomeric properties. Our results suggest that the mutations can be divided into those that (i) destroy the flexibility of the linker region, (ii) inhibit ring closure and (iii) change the number of subunits within a helicase ring. Furthermore, we demonstrate that wild-type TWINKLE undergoes large-scale conformational changes upon nucleoside triphosphate binding and that this ability is lost in the disease-causing variants. This represents a substantial advancement in the understanding of the molecular basis of adPEO and related pathologies and may aid in the development of future therapeutic strategies.

Structures and operating principles of the replisome

Visualization in atomic detail of the replisome that performs concerted leading- and lagging-DNA strand synthesis at a replication fork has not been reported. Using bacteriophage T7 as a model system, we determined cryo-electron microscopy structures up to 3.2-angstroms resolution of helicase translocating along DNA and of helicase-polymerase-primase complexes engaging in synthesis of both DNA strands. Each domain of the spiral-shaped hexameric helicase translocates sequentially hand-over-hand along a single-stranded DNA coil, akin to the way AAA+ ATPases (adenosine triphosphatases) unfold peptides. Two lagging-strand polymerases are attached to the primase, ready for Okazaki fragment synthesis in tandem. A β hairpin from the leading-strand polymerase separates two parental DNA strands into a T-shaped fork, thus enabling the closely coupled helicase to advance perpendicular to the downstream DNA duplex. These structures reveal the molecular organization and operating principles of a replisome.

Mechanisms of opening and closing of the bacterial replicative helicase

Assembly of bacterial ring-shaped hexameric replicative helicases on single-stranded (ss) DNA requires specialized loading factors. However, mechanisms implemented by these factors during opening and closing of the helicase, which enable and restrict access to an internal chamber, are not known. Here, we investigate these mechanisms in the Escherichia coli DnaB helicase•bacteriophage λ helicase loader (λP) complex. We show that five copies of λP bind at DnaB subunit interfaces and reconfigure the helicase into an open spiral conformation that is intermediate to previously observed closed ring and closed spiral forms; reconfiguration also produces openings large enough to admit ssDNA into the inner chamber. The helicase is also observed in a restrained inactive configuration that poises it to close on activating signal, and transition to the translocation state. Our findings provide insights into helicase opening, delivery to the origin and ssDNA entry, and closing in preparation for translocation.

Structures of the Catalytic Domain of Bacterial Primase DnaG in Complexes with DNA Provide Insight into Key Priming Events

Bacterial primase DnaG is an essential nucleic acid polymerase that generates primers for replication of chromosomal DNA. The mechanism of DnaG remains unclear due to the paucity of structural information on DnaG in complexes with other replisome components. Here we report the first crystal structures of noncovalent DnaG-DNA complexes, obtained with the RNA polymerase domain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis DnaG and various DNA ligands. One structure, obtained with ds DNA, reveals interactions with DnaG as it slides on ds DNA and suggests how DnaG binds template for primer synthesis. In another structure, DNA in the active site of DnaG mimics the primer, providing insight into mechanisms for the nucleotide transfer and DNA translocation. In conjunction with the recent cryo-EM structure of the bacteriophage T7 replisome, this study yields a model for primer elongation and hand-off to DNA polymerase.

Plant organellar DNA primase-helicase synthesizes RNA primers for organellar DNA polymerases using a unique recognition sequence

DNA primases recognize single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) sequences to synthesize RNA primers during lagging-strand replication. Arabidopsis thaliana encodes an ortholog of the DNA primase-helicase from bacteriophage T7, dubbed AtTwinkle, that localizes in chloroplasts and mitochondria. Herein, we report that AtTwinkle synthesizes RNA primers from a 5′-(G/C)GGA-3′ template sequence. Within this sequence, the underlined nucleotides are cryptic, meaning that they are essential for template recognition but are not instructional during RNA synthesis. Thus, in contrast to all primases characterized to date, the sequence recognized by AtTwinkle requires two nucleotides (5′-GA-3′) as a cryptic element. The divergent zinc finger binding domain (ZBD) of the primase module of AtTwinkle may be responsible for template sequence recognition. During oligoribonucleotide synthesis, AtTwinkle shows a strong preference for rCTP as its initial ribonucleotide and a moderate preference for rGMP or rCMP incorporation during elongation. RNA products synthetized by AtTwinkle are efficiently used as primers for plant organellar DNA polymerases. In sum, our data strongly suggest that AtTwinkle primes organellar DNA polymerases during lagging strand synthesis in plant mitochondria and chloroplast following a primase-mediated mechanism. This mechanism contrasts to lagging-strand DNA replication in metazoan mitochondria, in which transcripts synthesized by mitochondrial RNA polymerase prime mitochondrial DNA polymerase γ.

Hybrid Methods Reveal Multiple Flexibly Linked DNA Polymerases within the Bacteriophage T7 Replisome

The physical organization of DNA enzymes at a replication fork enables efficient copying of two antiparallel DNA strands, yet dynamic protein interactions within the replication complex complicate replisome structural studies. We employed a combination of crystallographic, native mass spectrometry and small-angle X-ray scattering experiments to capture alternative structures of a model replication system encoded by bacteriophage T7. Two molecules of DNA polymerase bind the ring-shaped primase-helicase in a conserved orientation and provide structural insight into how the acidic C-terminal tail of the primase-helicase contacts the DNA polymerase to facilitate loading of the polymerase onto DNA. A third DNA polymerase binds the ring in an offset manner that may enable polymerase exchange during replication. Alternative polymerase binding modes are also detected by small-angle X-ray scattering with DNA substrates present. Our collective results unveil complex motions within T7 replisome higher-order structures that are underpinned by multivalent protein-protein interactions with functional implications.

Assessing heterogeneity in oligomeric AAA+ machines

ATPases Associated with various cellular Activities (AAA+ ATPases) are molecular motors that use the energy of ATP binding and hydrolysis to remodel their target macromolecules. The majority of these ATPases form ring-shaped hexamers in which the active sites are located at the interfaces between neighboring subunits. Structural changes initiate in an active site and propagate to distant motor parts that interface and reshape the target macromolecules, thereby performing mechanical work. During the functioning cycle, the AAA+ motor transits through multiple distinct states. Ring architecture and placement of the catalytic sites at the intersubunit interfaces allow for a unique level of coordination among subunits of the motor. This in turn results in conformational differences among subunits and overall asymmetry of the motor ring as it functions. To date, a large amount of structural information has been gathered for different AAA+ motors, but even for the most characterized of them only a few structural states are known and the full mechanistic cycle cannot be yet reconstructed. Therefore, the first part of this work will provide a broad overview of what arrangements of AAA+ subunits have been structurally observed focusing on diversity of ATPase oligomeric ensembles and heterogeneity within the ensembles. The second part of this review will concentrate on methods that assess structural and functional heterogeneity among subunits of AAA+ motors, thus bringing us closer to understanding the mechanism of these fascinating molecular motors.

Cryo-EM structure of the replisome reveals multiple interactions coordinating DNA synthesis

We present a structure of the ∼650-kDa functional replisome of bacteriophage T7 assembled on DNA resembling a replication fork. A structure of the complex consisting of six domains of DNA helicase, five domains of RNA primase, two DNA polymerases, and two thioredoxin (processivity factor) molecules was determined by single-particle cryo-electron microscopy. The two molecules of DNA polymerase adopt a different spatial arrangement at the replication fork, reflecting their roles in leading- and lagging-strand synthesis. The structure, in combination with biochemical data, reveals molecular mechanisms for coordination of leading- and lagging-strand synthesis. Because mechanisms of DNA replication are highly conserved, the observations are relevant to other replication systems.

Infantile onset spinocerebellar ataxia caused by compound heterozygosity for Twinkle mutations and modeling of Twinkle mutations causing recessive disease

Mutations in nuclear genes required for the replication and maintenance of mitochondrial DNA cause progressive multisystemic neuromuscular disorders with overlapping phenotypes. Biallelic mutations in C10orf2, encoding the Twinkle mitochondrial DNA helicase, lead to infantile-onset cerebellar ataxia (IOSCA), as well as milder and more severe phenotypes. We present a 13-year-old girl with ataxia, severe hearing loss, optic atrophy, peripheral neuropathy, and hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. Whole-exome sequencing revealed that the patient is compound heterozygous for previously unreported variants in the C10orf2 gene: a paternally inherited frameshift variant (c.333delT; p.L112Sfs*3) and a maternally inherited missense variant (c.904C>T; p.R302W). The identification of novel C10orf2 mutations extends the spectrum of mutations in the Twinkle helicase causing recessive disease, in particular the intermediate IOSCA phenotype. Structural modeling suggests that the p.R302W mutation and many other recessively inherited Twinkle mutations impact the position or interactions of the linker region, which is critical for the oligomeric ring structure and activity of the helicase. This study emphasizes the utility of whole-exome sequencing for the genetic diagnosis of a complex multisystemic disorder.

Animal Mitochondrial DNA Replication

Recent advances in the field of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) replication highlight the diversity of both the mechanisms utilized and the structural and functional organization of the proteins at mtDNA replication fork, despite the relative simplicity of the animal mtDNA genome. DNA polymerase γ, mtDNA helicase and mitochondrial single-stranded DNA-binding protein-the key replisome proteins, have evolved distinct structural features and biochemical properties. These appear to be correlated with mtDNA genomic features in different metazoan taxa and with their modes of DNA replication, although substantial integrative research is warranted to establish firmly these links. To date, several modes of mtDNA replication have been described for animals: rolling circle, theta, strand-displacement, and RITOLS/bootlace. Resolution of a continuing controversy relevant to mtDNA replication in mammals/vertebrates will have a direct impact on the mechanistic interpretation of mtDNA-related human diseases. Here we review these subjects, integrating earlier and recent data to provide a perspective on the major challenges for future research.

'Modulation of the enzymatic activities of replicative helicase (DnaB) by interaction with Hp0897: a possible mechanism for helicase loading in Helicobacter pylori'

DNA replication in Helicobacter pylori is initiated from a unique site (oriC) on its chromosome where several proteins assemble to form a functional replisome. The assembly of H. pylori replication machinery is similar to that of the model gram negative bacterium Escherichia coli except for the absence of DnaC needed to recruit the hexameric DnaB helicase at the replisome assembly site. In the absence of an obvious DnaC homologue in H. pylori, the question arises as to whether HpDnaB helicase is loaded at the Hp-replication origin by itself or is assisted by other unidentified protein(s). A high-throughput yeast two-hybrid study has revealed two proteins of unknown functions (Hp0897 and Hp0340) that interact with HpDnaB. Here we demonstrate that Hp0897 interacts with HpDnaB helicase in vitro as well as in vivo. Furthermore, the interaction stimulates the DNA binding activity of HpDnaB and modulates its adenosine triphosphate hydrolysis and helicase activities significantly. Prior complex formation of Hp0897 and HpDnaB enhances the binding/loading of DnaB onto DNA. Hp0897, along with HpDnaB, colocalizes with replication complex at initiation but does not move with the replisome during elongation. Together, these results suggest a possible role of Hp0897 in loading of HpDnaB at oriC.

Homologous DNA strand exchange activity of the human mitochondrial DNA helicase TWINKLE

A crucial component of the human mitochondrial DNA replisome is the ring-shaped helicase TWINKLE-a phage T7-gene 4-like protein expressed in the nucleus and localized in the human mitochondria. Our previous studies showed that despite being a helicase, TWINKLE has unique DNA annealing activity. At the time, the implications of DNA annealing by TWINKLE were unclear. Herein, we report that TWINKLE uses DNA annealing function to actively catalyze strand-exchange reaction between the unwinding substrate and a homologous single-stranded DNA. Using various biochemical experiments, we demonstrate that the mechanism of strand-exchange involves active coupling of unwinding and annealing reactions by the TWINKLE. Unlike strand-annealing, the strand-exchange reaction requires nucleotide hydrolysis and greatly stimulated by short region of homology between the recombining DNA strands that promote joint molecule formation to initiate strand-exchange. Furthermore, we show that TWINKLE catalyzes branch migration by resolving homologous four-way junction DNA. These four DNA modifying activities of TWINKLE: strand-separation, strand-annealing, strand-exchange and branch migration suggest a dual role of TWINKLE in mitochondrial DNA maintenance. In addition to playing a major role in fork progression during leading strand DNA synthesis, we propose that TWINKLE is involved in recombinational repair of the human mitochondrial DNA.

Structural Mechanisms of Hexameric Helicase Loading, Assembly, and Unwinding

Hexameric helicases control both the initiation and the elongation phase of DNA replication. The toroidal structure of these enzymes provides an inherent challenge in the opening and loading onto DNA at origins, as well as the conformational changes required to exclude one strand from the central channel and activate DNA unwinding. Recently, high-resolution structures have not only revealed the architecture of various hexameric helicases but also detailed the interactions of DNA within the central channel, as well as conformational changes that occur during loading. This structural information coupled with advanced biochemical reconstitutions and biophysical methods have transformed our understanding of the dynamics of both the helicase structure and the DNA interactions required for efficient unwinding at the replisome.

Structure, function and evolution of the animal mitochondrial replicative DNA helicase

The mitochondrial replicative DNA helicase is essential for animal mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) maintenance. Deleterious mutations in the gene that encodes it cause mitochondrial dysfunction manifested in developmental delays, defects and arrest, limited life span, and a number of human pathogenic phenotypes that are recapitulated in animals across taxa. In fact, the replicative mtDNA helicase was discovered with the identification of human disease mutations in its nuclear gene, and based upon its deduced amino acid sequence homology with bacteriophage T7 gene 4 protein (T7 gp4), a bi-functional primase-helicase. Since that time, numerous investigations of its structure, mechanism, and physiological relevance have been reported, and human disease alleles have been modeled in the human, mouse, and Drosophila systems. Here, we review this literature and draw evolutionary comparisons that serve to shed light on its divergent features.

MCM ring hexamerization is a prerequisite for DNA-binding

The hexameric Minichromosome Maintenance (MCM) protein complex forms a ring that unwinds DNA at the replication fork in eukaryotes and archaea. Our recent crystal structure of an archaeal MCM N-terminal domain bound to single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) revealed ssDNA associating across tight subunit interfaces but not at the loose interfaces, indicating that DNA-binding is governed not only by the DNA-binding residues of the subunits (MCM ssDNA-binding motif, MSSB) but also by the relative orientation of the subunits. We now extend these findings by showing that DNA-binding by the MCM N-terminal domain of the archaeal organism Pyrococcus furiosus occurs specifically in the hexameric oligomeric form. We show that mutants defective for hexamerization are defective in binding ssDNA despite retaining all the residues observed to interact with ssDNA in the crystal structure. One mutation that exhibits severely defective hexamerization and ssDNA-binding is at a conserved phenylalanine that aligns with the mouse Mcm4(Chaos3) mutation associated with chromosomal instability, cancer, and decreased intersubunit association.

It seems like only yesterday

I spent my childhood and adolescence in North and South Carolina, attended Duke University, and then entered Duke Medical School. One year in the laboratory of George Schwert in the biochemistry department kindled my interest in biochemistry. After one year of residency on the medical service of Duke Hospital, chaired by Eugene Stead, I joined the group of Arthur Kornberg at Stanford Medical School as a postdoctoral fellow. Two years later I accepted a faculty position at Harvard Medical School, where I remain today. During these 50 years, together with an outstanding group of students, postdoctoral fellows, and collaborators, I have pursued studies on DNA replication. I have experienced the excitement of discovering a number of important enzymes in DNA replication that, in turn, triggered an interest in the dynamics of a replisome. My associations with industry have been stimulating and fostered new friendships. I could not have chosen a better career.

The hexameric structure of the human mitochondrial replicative helicase Twinkle

The mitochondrial replicative helicase Twinkle is involved in strand separation at the replication fork of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Twinkle malfunction is associated with rare diseases that include late onset mitochondrial myopathies, neuromuscular disorders and fatal infantile mtDNA depletion syndrome. We examined its 3D structure by electron microscopy (EM) and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and built the corresponding atomic models, which gave insight into the first molecular architecture of a full-length SF4 helicase that includes an N-terminal zinc-binding domain (ZBD), an intermediate RNA polymerase domain (RPD) and a RecA-like hexamerization C-terminal domain (CTD). The EM model of Twinkle reveals a hexameric two-layered ring comprising the ZBDs and RPDs in one layer and the CTDs in another. In the hexamer, contacts in trans with adjacent subunits occur between ZBDs and RPDs, and between RPDs and CTDs. The ZBDs show important structural heterogeneity. In solution, the scattering data are compatible with a mixture of extended hexa- and heptameric models in variable conformations. Overall, our structural data show a complex network of dynamic interactions that reconciles with the structural flexibility required for helicase activity.

Mutations in Twinkle primase-helicase cause Perrault syndrome with neurologic features

OBJECTIVE

To identify the genetic cause in 2 families of progressive ataxia, axonal neuropathy, hyporeflexia, and abnormal eye movements, accompanied by progressive hearing loss and ovarian dysgenesis, with a clinical diagnosis of Perrault syndrome.

METHODS

Whole-exome sequencing was performed to identify causative mutations in the 2 affected sisters in each family. Family 1 is of Japanese ancestry, and family 2 is of European ancestry.

RESULTS

In family 1, affected individuals were compound heterozygous for chromosome 10 open reading frame 2 (C10orf2) p.Arg391His and p.Asn585Ser. In family 2, affected individuals were compound heterozygous for C10orf2 p.Trp441Gly and p.Val507Ile. C10orf2 encodes Twinkle, a primase-helicase essential for replication of mitochondrial DNA. Conservation and structural modeling support the causality of the mutations. Twinkle is known also to harbor multiple mutations, nearly all missenses, leading to dominant progressive external ophthalmoplegia type 3 and to recessive mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome 7, also known as infantile-onset spinocerebellar ataxia.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study identifies Twinkle mutations as a cause of Perrault syndrome accompanied by neurologic features and expands the phenotypic spectrum of recessive disease caused by mutations in Twinkle. The phenotypic heterogeneity of conditions caused by Twinkle mutations and the genetic heterogeneity of Perrault syndrome call for genomic definition of these disorders.

DNA replication at the single-molecule level

A cell can be thought of as a highly sophisticated micro factory: in a pool of billions of molecules - metabolites, structural proteins, enzymes, oligonucleotides - multi-subunit complexes assemble to perform a large number of basic cellular tasks, such as DNA replication, RNA/protein synthesis or intracellular transport. By purifying single components and using them to reconstitute molecular processes in a test tube, researchers have gathered crucial knowledge about mechanistic, dynamic and structural properties of biochemical pathways. However, to sort this information into an accurate cellular road map, we need to understand reactions in their relevant context within the cellular hierarchy, which is at the individual molecule level within a crowded, cellular environment. Reactions occur in a stochastic fashion, have short-lived and not necessarily well-defined intermediates, and dynamically form functional entities. With the use of single-molecule techniques these steps can be followed and detailed kinetic information that otherwise would be hidden in ensemble averaging can be obtained. One of the first complex cellular tasks that have been studied at the single-molecule level is the replication of DNA. The replisome, the multi-protein machinery responsible for copying DNA, is built from a large number of proteins that function together in an intricate and efficient fashion allowing the complex to tolerate DNA damage, roadblocks or fluctuations in subunit concentration. In this review, we summarize advances in single-molecule studies, both in vitro and in vivo, that have contributed to our current knowledge of the mechanistic principles underlying DNA replication.

The N-terminal domain of the Drosophila mitochondrial replicative DNA helicase contains an iron-sulfur cluster and binds DNA

The metazoan mitochondrial DNA helicase is an integral part of the minimal mitochondrial replisome. It exhibits strong sequence homology with the bacteriophage T7 gene 4 protein primase-helicase (T7 gp4). Both proteins contain distinct N- and C-terminal domains separated by a flexible linker. The C-terminal domain catalyzes its characteristic DNA-dependent NTPase activity, and can unwind duplex DNA substrates independently of the N-terminal domain. Whereas the N-terminal domain in T7 gp4 contains a DNA primase activity, this function is lost in metazoan mtDNA helicase. Thus, although the functions of the C-terminal domain and the linker are partially understood, the role of the N-terminal region in the metazoan replicative mtDNA helicase remains elusive. Here, we show that the N-terminal domain of Drosophila melanogaster mtDNA helicase coordinates iron in a 2Fe-2S cluster that enhances protein stability in vitro. The N-terminal domain binds the cluster through conserved cysteine residues (Cys(68), Cys(71), Cys(102), and Cys(105)) that are responsible for coordinating zinc in T7 gp4. Moreover, we show that the N-terminal domain binds both single- and double-stranded DNA oligomers, with an apparent Kd of ∼120 nm. These findings suggest a possible role for the N-terminal domain of metazoan mtDNA helicase in recruiting and binding DNA at the replication fork.

Loading strategies of ring-shaped nucleic acid translocases and helicases

Ring-shaped nucleic acid translocases and helicases catalyze the directed and processive movement of nucleic acid strands to support essential transactions such as replication, transcription, and chromosome partitioning. Assembled typically as hexamers, ring helicase/translocase systems use coordinated cycles of nucleoside triphosphate (NTP) hydrolysis to translocate extended DNA or RNA substrates through a central pore. Ring formation presents a topological challenge to the engagement of substrate oligonucleotides, and is frequently overcome by distinct loading strategies for shepherding specific motors onto their respective substrates. Recent structural studies that capture different loading intermediates have begun to reveal how different helicase/translocase rings either assemble around substrates or crack open to allow DNA or RNA strand entry, and how dedicated chaperones facilitate these events in some instances. Both prevailing mechanistic models and remaining knowledge gaps are discussed.

Impact of macromolecular crowding on DNA replication

Enzymatic activities in vivo occur in a crowded environment composed of many macromolecules. This environment influences DNA replication by increasing the concentration of the constituents, desolvation, decreasing the degrees of freedom for diffusion and hopping of proteins onto DNA, and enhancing binding equilibria and catalysis. However, the effect of macromolecular crowding on protein structure is poorly understood. Here we examine macromolecular crowding using the replication system of bacteriophage T7 and we show that it affects several aspects of DNA replication; the activity of DNA helicase increases and the sensitivity of DNA polymerase to salt is reduced. We also demonstrate, using SAXS analysis, that the complex between DNA helicase and DNA polymerase/trx is far more compact in a crowded environment. The highest enzymatic activity corresponds to the most compact structure. Better knowledge of the effect of crowding on structure and activity will enhance mechanistic insight beyond information obtained from NMR and X-ray structures.

Discrete interactions between bacteriophage T7 primase-helicase and DNA polymerase drive the formation of a priming complex containing two copies of DNA polymerase

Replisomes are multiprotein complexes that coordinate the synthesis of leading and lagging DNA strands to increase the replication efficiency and reduce DNA strand breaks caused by stalling of replication forks. The bacteriophage T7 replisome is an economical machine that requires only four proteins for processive, coupled synthesis of two DNA strands. Here we characterize a complex between T7 primase-helicase and DNA polymerase on DNA that was trapped during the initiation of Okazaki fragment synthesis from an RNA primer. This priming complex consists of two DNA polymerases and a primase-helicase hexamer that assemble on the DNA template in an RNA-dependent manner. The zinc binding domain of the primase-helicase is essential for trapping the RNA primer in complex with the polymerase, and a unique loop located on the thumb of the polymerase also stabilizes this primer extension complex. Whereas one of the polymerases engages the primase-helicase and RNA primer on the lagging strand of a model replication fork, the second polymerase in the complex is also functional and can bind a primed template DNA. These results indicate that the T7 primase-helicase specifically engages two copies of DNA polymerase, which would allow the coordination of leading and lagging strand synthesis at a replication fork. Assembly of the T7 replisome is driven by intimate interactions between the DNA polymerase and multiple subunits of the primase-helicase hexamer.

Switching from single-stranded to double-stranded DNA limits the unwinding processivity of ring-shaped T7 DNA helicase

Phage T7 helicase unwinds double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) by encircling one strand while excluding the complementary strand from its central channel. When T7 helicase translocates on single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), it has kilobase processivity; yet, it is unable to processively unwind linear dsDNA, even 60 base-pairs long. Particularly, the GC-rich dsDNAs are unwound with lower amplitudes under single-turnover conditions. Here, we provide evidence that T7 helicase switches from ssDNA to dsDNA during DNA unwinding. The switching propensity is higher when dsDNA is GC-rich or when the 3′-overhang of forked DNA is <15 bases. Once helicase encircles dsDNA, it travels along dsDNA and dissociates from the end of linear DNA without strand separation, which explains the low unwinding amplitude of these substrates. Trapping the displaced strand with ssDNA binding protein or changing its composition to morpholino oligomer that does not interact with helicase increases the unwinding amplitude. We conclude that the displaced strand must be continuously excluded and kept away from the central channel for processive DNA unwinding. The finding that T7 helicase can switch from ssDNA to dsDNA binding mode during unwinding provides new insights into ways of limiting DNA unwinding and triggering fork regression when stalled forks need to be restarted.

Structure and mechanism of hexameric helicases

Hexameric helicases are responsible for many biological processes, ranging from DNA replication in various life domains to DNA repair, transcriptional regulation and RNA metabolism, and encompass superfamilies 3-6 (SF3-6).To harness the chemical energy from ATP hydrolysis for mechanical work, hexameric helicases have a conserved core engine, called ASCE, that belongs to a subdivision of the P-loop NTPases. Some of the ring helicases (SF4 and SF5) use a variant of ASCE known as RecA-like, while some (SF3 and SF6) use another variant known as AAA+ fold. The NTP-binding sites are located at the interface between monomers and include amino-acid residues coming from neighbouring subunits, providing a mean for small structural changes within the ATP-binding site to be amplified into large inter-subunit movement.The ring structure has a central channel which encircles the nucleic acid. The topological link between the protein and the nucleic acid substrate increases the stability and processivity of the enzyme. This is probably the reason why within cellular systems the critical step of unwinding dsDNA ahead of the replication fork seems to be almost invariably carried out by a toroidal helicase, whether in bacteria, archaea or eukaryotes, as well as in some viruses.Over the last few years, a large number of biochemical, biophysical and structural data have thrown new light onto the architecture and function of these remarkable machines. Although the evidence is still limited to a couple of systems, biochemical and structural results suggest that motors based on RecA and AAA+ folds have converged on similar mechanisms to couple ATP-driven conformational changes to movement along nucleic acids.

Helicases at the replication fork

Helicases are fundamental components of all replication complexes since unwinding of the double-stranded template to generate single-stranded DNA is essential to direct DNA synthesis by polymerases. However, helicases are also required in many other steps of DNA replication. Replicative helicases not only unwind the template DNA but also play key roles in regulating priming of DNA synthesis and coordination of leading and lagging strand DNA polymerases. Accessory helicases also aid replicative helicases in unwinding of the template strands in the presence of proteins bound to the DNA, minimising the risks posed by nucleoprotein complexes to continued fork movement. Helicases also play critical roles in Okazaki fragment processing in eukaryotes and may also be needed to minimise topological problems when replication forks converge. Thus fork movement, coordination of DNA synthesis, lagging strand maturation and termination of replication all depend on helicases. Moreover, if disaster strikes and a replication fork breaks down then reloading of the replication machinery is effected by helicases, at least in bacteria. This chapter describes how helicases function in these multiple steps at the fork and how DNA unwinding is coordinated with other catalytic processes to ensure efficient, high fidelity duplication of the genetic material in all organisms.

A novel non-radioactive primase-pyrophosphatase activity assay and its application to the discovery of inhibitors of Mycobacterium tuberculosis primase DnaG

Bacterial DNA primase DnaG synthesizes RNA primers required for chromosomal DNA replication. Biochemical assays measuring primase activity have been limited to monitoring formation of radioactively labelled primers because of the intrinsically low catalytic efficiency of DnaG. Furthermore, DnaG is prone to aggregation and proteolytic degradation. These factors have impeded discovery of DnaG inhibitors by high-throughput screening (HTS). In this study, we expressed and purified the previously uncharacterized primase DnaG from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb DnaG). By coupling the activity of Mtb DnaG to that of another essential enzyme, inorganic pyrophosphatase from M. tuberculosis (Mtb PPiase), we developed the first non-radioactive primase–pyrophosphatase assay. An extensive optimization of the assay enabled its efficient use in HTS (Z′ = 0.7 in the 384-well format). HTS of 2560 small molecules to search for inhibitory compounds yielded several hits, including suramin, doxorubicin and ellagic acid. We demonstrate that these three compounds inhibit Mtb DnaG. Both suramin and doxorubicin are potent (low-µM) DNA- and nucleotide triphosphate-competitive priming inhibitors that interact with more than one site on Mtb DnaG. This novel assay should be applicable to other primases and inefficient DNA/RNA polymerases, facilitating their characterization and inhibitor discovery.

An interaction between DNA polymerase and helicase is essential for the high processivity of the bacteriophage T7 replisome

Synthesis of the leading DNA strand requires the coordinated activity of DNA polymerase and DNA helicase, whereas synthesis of the lagging strand involves interactions of these proteins with DNA primase. We present the first structural model of a bacteriophage T7 DNA helicase-DNA polymerase complex using a combination of small angle x-ray scattering, single-molecule, and biochemical methods. We propose that the protein-protein interface stabilizing the leading strand synthesis involves two distinct interactions: a stable binding of the helicase to the palm domain of the polymerase and an electrostatic binding of the carboxyl-terminal tail of the helicase to a basic patch on the polymerase. DNA primase facilitates binding of DNA helicase to ssDNA and contributes to formation of the DNA helicase-DNA polymerase complex by stabilizing DNA helicase.

Heterohexamer of 56- and 63-kDa Gene 4 Helicase-Primase of Bacteriophage T7 in DNA Replication

Bacteriophage T7 expresses two forms of gene 4 protein (gp4). The 63-kDa full-length gp4 contains both the helicase and primase domains. T7 phage also express a 56-kDa truncated gp4 lacking the zinc binding domain of the primase; the protein has helicase activity but no DNA-dependent primase activity. Although T7 phage grow better when both forms are present, the role of the 56-kDa gp4 is unknown. The two molecular weight forms oligomerize by virtue of the helicase domain to form heterohexamers. The 56-kDa gp4 and any mixture of 56- and 63-kDa gp4 show higher helicase activity in DNA unwinding and strand-displacement DNA synthesis than that observed for the 63-kDa gp4. However, single-molecule measurements show that heterohexamers have helicase activity similar to the 63-kDa gp4 hexamers. In oligomerization assays the 56-kDa gp4 and any mixture of the 56- and 63-kDa gp4 oligomerize to form more hexamers than does the 63-kDa gp4. The zinc binding domain of the 63-kDa gp4 interferes with hexamer formation, an inhibition that is relieved by the insertion of the 56-kDa species. Compared with the 63-kDa gp4, heterohexamers synthesize a reduced amount of oligoribonucleotides, mediated predominately by the 63-kDa subunits via a cis mode. During coordinated DNA synthesis 7% of the tetraribonucleotides synthesized are used as primers by both heterohexamers and hexamers of the 63-kDa gp4. Overall, an equimolar mixture of the two forms of gp4 shows the highest rate of DNA synthesis during coordinated DNA synthesis.

Molecular interactions in the priming complex of bacteriophage T7

The lagging-strand DNA polymerase requires an oligoribonucleotide, synthesized by DNA primase, to initiate the synthesis of an Okazaki fragment. In the replication system of bacteriophage T7 both DNA primase and DNA helicase activities are contained within a single protein, the bifunctional gene 4 protein (gp4). Intermolecular interactions between gp4 and T7 DNA polymerase are crucial for the stabilization of the oligoribonucleotide, its transfer to the polymerase, and its extension by DNA polymerase. We have identified conditions necessary to assemble the T7 priming complex and characterized its biophysical properties using fluorescence anisotropy. In order to reveal molecular interactions that occur during delivery of the oligoribonucleotide to DNA polymerase, we have used four genetically altered gp4 to demonstrate that both the RNA polymerase and the zinc-finger domains of DNA primase are involved in the stabilization of the priming complex and in sequence recognition in the DNA template. We find that the helicase domain of gp4 contributes to the stability of the complex by binding to the ssDNA template. The C-terminal tail of gp4 is not required for complex formation.

Loading mechanisms of ring helicases at replication origins

Threading of DNA through the central channel of a replicative ring helicase is known as helicase loading, and is a pivotal event during replication initiation at replication origins. Once loaded, the helicase recruits the primase through a direct protein-protein interaction to complete the initial 'priming step' of DNA replication. Subsequent assembly of the polymerases and processivity factors completes the structure of the replisome. Two replisomes are assembled, one on each strand, and move in opposite directions to replicate the parental DNA during the 'elongation step' of DNA replication. Replicative helicases are the motor engines of replisomes powered by the conversion of chemical energy to mechanical energy through ATP binding and hydrolysis. Bidirectional loading of two ring helicases at a replication origin is achieved by strictly regulated and intricately choreographed mechanisms, often through the action of replication initiation and helicase-loader proteins. Current structural and biochemical data reveal a wide range of different helicase-loading mechanisms. Here we review advances in this area and discuss their implications.

The interface of transcription and DNA replication in the mitochondria

DNA replication of the mitochondrial genome is unique in that replication is not primed by RNA derived from dedicated primases, but instead by extension of processed RNA transcripts laid down by the mitochondrial RNA polymerase. Thus, the RNA polymerase serves not only to generate the transcripts but also the primers needed for mitochondrial DNA replication. The interface between this transcription and DNA replication is not well understood but must be highly regulated and coordinated to carry out both mitochondrial DNA replication and transcription. This review focuses on the extension of RNA primers for DNA replication by the replication machinery and summarizes the current models of DNA replication in mitochondria as well as the proteins involved in mitochondrial DNA replication, namely, the DNA polymerase γ and its accessory subunit, the mitochondrial DNA helicase, the single-stranded DNA binding protein, topoisomerase I and IIIα and RNaseH1. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Mitochondrial Gene Expression.

Molecular architecture of a multifunctional MCM complex

DNA replication is strictly regulated through a sequence of steps that involve many macromolecular protein complexes. One of them is the replicative helicase, which is required for initiation and elongation phases. A MCM helicase found as a prophage in the genome of Bacillus cereus is fused with a primase domain constituting an integrative arrangement of two essential activities for replication. We have isolated this helicase–primase complex (BcMCM) showing that it can bind DNA and displays not only helicase and primase but also DNA polymerase activity. Using single-particle electron microscopy and 3D reconstruction, we obtained structures of BcMCM using ATPγS or ADP in the absence and presence of DNA. The complex depicts the typical hexameric ring shape. The dissection of the unwinding mechanism using site-directed mutagenesis in the Walker A, Walker B, arginine finger and the helicase channels, suggests that the BcMCM complex unwinds DNA following the extrusion model similarly to the E1 helicase from papillomavirus.

Flexible tethering of primase and DNA Pol α in the eukaryotic primosome

The Pol α/primase complex or primosome is the primase/polymerase complex that initiates nucleic acid synthesis during eukaryotic replication. Within the primosome, the primase synthesizes short RNA primers that undergo limited extension by Pol α. The resulting RNA–DNA primers are utilized by Pol δ and Pol ε for processive elongation on the lagging and leading strands, respectively. Despite its importance, the mechanism of RNA–DNA primer synthesis remains poorly understood. Here, we describe a structural model of the yeast primosome based on electron microscopy and functional studies. The 3D architecture of the primosome reveals an asymmetric, dumbbell-shaped particle. The catalytic centers of primase and Pol α reside in separate lobes of high relative mobility. The flexible tethering of the primosome lobes increases the efficiency of primer transfer between primase and Pol α. The physical organization of the primosome suggests that a concerted mechanism of primer hand-off between primase and Pol α would involve coordinated movements of the primosome lobes. The first three-dimensional map of the eukaryotic primosome at 25 Å resolution provides an essential structural template for understanding initiation of eukaryotic replication.

Structure-based design of a disulfide-linked oligomeric form of the simian virus 40 (SV40) large T antigen DNA-binding domain

The modular multifunctional protein large T antigen (T-ag) from simian virus 40 orchestrates many of the events needed for replication of the viral double-stranded DNA genome. This protein assembles into single and double hexamers on specific DNA sequences located at the origin of replication. This complicated process begins when the origin-binding domain of large T antigen (T-ag ODB) binds the GAGGC sequences in the central region (site II) of the viral origin of replication. While many of the functions of purified T-ag OBD can be studied in isolation, it is primarily monomeric in solution and cannot assemble into hexamers. To overcome this limitation, the possibility of engineering intermolecular disulfide bonds in the origin-binding domain which could oligomerize in solution was investigated. A recent crystal structure of the wild-type T-ag OBD showed that this domain forms a left-handed spiral in the crystal with six subunits per turn. Therefore, we analyzed the protein interface of this structure and identified two residues that could potentially support an intermolecular disulfide bond if changed to cysteines. SDS-PAGE analysis established that the mutant T-ag OBD formed higher oligomeric products in a redox-dependent manner. In addition, the 1.7 Å resolution crystal structure of the engineered disulfide-linked T-ag OBD is reported, which establishes that oligomerization took place in the expected manner.

A257T linker region mutant of T7 helicase-primase protein is defective in DNA loading and rescued by T7 DNA polymerase

The helicase and primase activities of the hexameric ring-shaped T7 gp4 protein reside in two separate domains connected by a linker region. This linker region is part of the subunit interface between monomers, and point mutations in this region have deleterious effects on the helicase functions. One such linker region mutant, A257T, is analogous to the A359T mutant of the homologous human mitochondrial DNA helicase Twinkle, which is linked to diseases such as progressive external opthalmoplegia. Electron microscopy studies show that A257T gp4 is normal in forming rings with dTTP, but the rings do not assemble efficiently on the DNA. Therefore, A257T, unlike the WT gp4, does not preassemble on the unwinding DNA substrate with dTTP without Mg(II), and its DNA unwinding activity in ensemble assays is slow and limited by the DNA loading rate. Single molecule assays measured a 45 times slower rate of A257T loading on DNA compared with WT gp4. Interestingly, once loaded, A257T has almost WT-like translocation and DNA unwinding activities. Strikingly, A257T preassembles stably on the DNA in the presence of T7 DNA polymerase, which restores the ensemble unwinding activity of A257T to ∼75% of WT, and the rescue does not require DNA synthesis. The DNA loading rate of A257T, however, remains slow even in the presence of the polymerase, which explains why A257T does not support T7 phage growth. Similar types of defects in the related human mitochondrial DNA helicase may be responsible for inefficient DNA replication leading to the disease states.

Structural analysis of bacteriophage T4 DNA replication: a review in the Virology Journal series on bacteriophage T4 and its relatives

The bacteriophage T4 encodes 10 proteins, known collectively as the replisome, that are responsible for the replication of the phage genome. The replisomal proteins can be subdivided into three activities; the replicase, responsible for duplicating DNA, the primosomal proteins, responsible for unwinding and Okazaki fragment initiation, and the Okazaki repair proteins. The replicase includes the gp43 DNA polymerase, the gp45 processivity clamp, the gp44/62 clamp loader complex, and the gp32 single-stranded DNA binding protein. The primosomal proteins include the gp41 hexameric helicase, the gp61 primase, and the gp59 helicase loading protein. The RNaseH, a 5' to 3' exonuclease and T4 DNA ligase comprise the activities necessary for Okazaki repair. The T4 provides a model system for DNA replication. As a consequence, significant effort has been put forth to solve the crystallographic structures of these replisomal proteins. In this review, we discuss the structures that are available and provide comparison to related proteins when the T4 structures are unavailable. Three of the ten full-length T4 replisomal proteins have been determined; the gp59 helicase loading protein, the RNase H, and the gp45 processivity clamp. The core of T4 gp32 and two proteins from the T4 related phage RB69, the gp43 polymerase and the gp45 clamp are also solved. The T4 gp44/62 clamp loader has not been crystallized but a comparison to the E. coli gamma complex is provided. The structures of T4 gp41 helicase, gp61 primase, and T4 DNA ligase are unknown, structures from bacteriophage T7 proteins are discussed instead. To better understand the functionality of T4 DNA replication, in depth structural analysis will require complexes between proteins and DNA substrates. A DNA primer template bound by gp43 polymerase, a fork DNA substrate bound by RNase H, gp43 polymerase bound to gp32 protein, and RNase H bound to gp32 have been crystallographically determined. The preparation and crystallization of complexes is a significant challenge. We discuss alternate approaches, such as small angle X-ray and neutron scattering to generate molecular envelopes for modeling macromolecular assemblies.

Herpes simplex virus type 1 helicase-primase: DNA binding and consequent protein oligomerization and primase activation

The heterotrimeric helicase-primase complex of herpes simplex virus type I (HSV-1), consisting of UL5, UL8, and UL52, possesses 5' to 3' helicase, single-stranded DNA (ssDNA)-dependent ATPase, primase, and DNA binding activities. In this study we confirm that the UL5-UL8-UL52 complex has higher affinity for forked DNA than for ssDNA and fails to bind to fully annealed double-stranded DNA substrates. In addition, we show that a single-stranded overhang of greater than 6 nucleotides is required for efficient enzyme loading and unwinding. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays and surface plasmon resonance analysis provide additional quantitative information about how the UL5-UL8-UL52 complex associates with the replication fork. Although it has previously been reported that in the absence of DNA and nucleoside triphosphates the UL5-UL8-UL52 complex exists as a monomer in solution, we now present evidence that in the presence of forked DNA and AMP-PNP, higher-order complexes can form. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays reveal two discrete complexes with different mobilities only when helicase-primase is bound to DNA containing a single-stranded region, and surface plasmon resonance analysis confirms larger amounts of the complex bound to forked substrates than to single-overhang substrates. Furthermore, we show that primase activity exhibits a cooperative dependence on protein concentration while ATPase and helicase activities do not. Taken together, these data suggest that the primase activity of the helicase-primase requires formation of a dimer or higher-order structure while ATPase activity does not. Importantly, this provides a simple mechanism for generating a two-polymerase replisome at the replication fork.