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Abstract
Ring-shaped hexameric helicases are essential motor proteins that separate duplex nucleic acid strands for DNA replication, recombination, and transcriptional regulation. Two evolutionarily distinct lineages of these enzymes, predicated on RecA and AAA+ ATPase folds, have been identified and characterized to date. Hexameric helicases couple NTP hydrolysis with conformational changes that move nucleic acid substrates through a central pore in the enzyme. How hexameric helicases productively engage client DNA or RNA segments and use successive rounds of NTPase activity to power translocation and unwinding have been longstanding questions in the field. Recent structural and biophysical findings are beginning to reveal commonalities in NTP hydrolysis and substrate translocation by diverse hexameric helicase families. Here, we review these molecular mechanisms and highlight aspects of their function that are yet to be understood.
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2
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Spinks RR, Spenkelink LM, Dixon NE, van Oijen AM. Single-Molecule Insights Into the Dynamics of Replicative Helicases. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:741718. [PMID: 34513934 PMCID: PMC8426354 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.741718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Helicases are molecular motors that translocate along single-stranded DNA and unwind duplex DNA. They rely on the consumption of chemical energy from nucleotide hydrolysis to drive their translocation. Specialized helicases play a critically important role in DNA replication by unwinding DNA at the front of the replication fork. The replicative helicases of the model systems bacteriophages T4 and T7, Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae have been extensively studied and characterized using biochemical methods. While powerful, their averaging over ensembles of molecules and reactions makes it challenging to uncover information related to intermediate states in the unwinding process and the dynamic helicase interactions within the replisome. Here, we describe single-molecule methods that have been developed in the last few decades and discuss the new details that these methods have revealed about replicative helicases. Applying methods such as FRET and optical and magnetic tweezers to individual helicases have made it possible to access the mechanistic aspects of unwinding. It is from these methods that we understand that the replicative helicases studied so far actively translocate and then passively unwind DNA, and that these hexameric enzymes must efficiently coordinate the stepping action of their subunits to achieve unwinding, where the size of each step is prone to variation. Single-molecule fluorescence microscopy methods have made it possible to visualize replicative helicases acting at replication forks and quantify their dynamics using multi-color colocalization, FRAP and FLIP. These fluorescence methods have made it possible to visualize helicases in replication initiation and dissect this intricate protein-assembly process. In a similar manner, single-molecule visualization of fluorescent replicative helicases acting in replication identified that, in contrast to the replicative polymerases, the helicase does not exchange. Instead, the replicative helicase acts as the stable component that serves to anchor the other replication factors to the replisome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard R Spinks
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.,Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Lisanne M Spenkelink
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.,Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Nicholas E Dixon
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.,Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Antoine M van Oijen
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.,Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
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3
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Xie P. Non-tight and tight chemomechanical couplings of biomolecular motors under hindering loads. J Theor Biol 2020; 490:110173. [PMID: 31982418 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2020.110173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Biomolecular motors make use of free energy released from chemical reaction (typically ATP hydrolysis) to perform mechanical motion or work. An important issue is whether a molecular motor exhibits tight or non-tight chemomechanical (CM) coupling. The tight CM coupling refers to that each ATPase activity is coupled with a mechanical step, while the non-tight CM coupling refers to that an ATPase activity is not necessarily coupled with a mechanical step. Here, we take kinesin, monomeric DNA helicase, ring-shaped hexameric DNA helicase and ribosome as examples to study this issue. Our studies indicate that some motors such as kinesin, monomeric helicase and ribosome exhibit non-tight CM coupling under hindering forces, while others such as the ring-shaped hexameric helicase exhibit tight or nearly tight CM coupling under any force. For the former, the reduction of the velocity caused by the hindering force arises mainly from the reduction of the CM coupling efficiency, while the ATPase rate is independent or nearly independent of the force. For the latter, the reduction of the velocity caused by the hindering force arises mainly from the reduction of the ATPase rate, while the CM coupling efficiency is independent or nearly independent of the force.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Xie
- Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China.
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4
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Schlierf M, Wang G, Chen XS, Ha T. Hexameric helicase G40P unwinds DNA in single base pair steps. eLife 2019; 8:42001. [PMID: 30688211 PMCID: PMC6370340 DOI: 10.7554/elife.42001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Most replicative helicases are hexameric, ring-shaped motor proteins that translocate on and unwind DNA. Despite extensive biochemical and structural investigations, how their translocation activity is utilized chemo-mechanically in DNA unwinding is poorly understood. We examined DNA unwinding by G40P, a DnaB-family helicase, using a single-molecule fluorescence assay with a single base pair resolution. The high-resolution assay revealed that G40P by itself is a very weak helicase that stalls at barriers as small as a single GC base pair and unwinds DNA with the step size of a single base pair. Binding of a single ATPγS could stall unwinding, demonstrating highly coordinated ATP hydrolysis between six identical subunits. We observed frequent slippage of the helicase, which is fully suppressed by the primase DnaG. We anticipate that these findings allow a better understanding on the fine balance of thermal fluctuation activation and energy derived from hydrolysis. Living cells store their genetic code written in molecules of DNA, with two strands of DNA twisted together to form the familiar double helix. When a cell prepares to divide, it must unwind its DNA so that the individual strands can be copied. Enzymes known as DNA helicases play a vital role in this unwinding process; yet, it is not completely clear how these enzymes move along the DNA. Schlierf et al. have now developed a new approach to see how an individual DNA helicase called G40P unwinds the DNA double helix. The experiments used a molecular ruler to measure the DNA unwinding and showed that the helicase opened the double helix one letter of genetic code at a time. Also, specific sequence of letters within the DNA molecules could slow down and stop G40P or even cause it to move backwards. DNA helicases work closely with other proteins inside cells to perform their task. DNA primases, for example, are enzymes that create the starting points for making new strands of DNA. Schlierf et al. found that the primase DnaG could also prevent G40P from moving backwards on the DNA, a new and unexpected function of DnaG. These findings contribute to an ongoing debate among researchers with partially contradictory models for how DNA helicases unwind the DNA double helix. Although originally from a virus, G40P is similar to a helicase enzyme found in bacteria. Therefore, a better understanding of this helicase may lead to new ways to stop bacteria copying their DNA, which might one day become new antibiotics to treat bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Schlierf
- Physics Department and Center for the Physics of Living Cells, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, United States.,B CUBE - Center for Molecular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Ganggang Wang
- Molecular and Computational Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Xiaojiang S Chen
- Molecular and Computational Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Taekjip Ha
- Physics Department and Center for the Physics of Living Cells, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, United States.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baltimore, United States.,Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, United States.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, United States.,Department of Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, United States
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5
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Sun B, Wang MD. Single-Molecule Optical-Trapping Techniques to Study Molecular Mechanisms of a Replisome. Methods Enzymol 2016; 582:55-84. [PMID: 28062045 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2016.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The replisome is a multiprotein molecular machinery responsible for the replication of DNA. It is composed of several specialized proteins each with dedicated enzymatic activities, and in particular, helicase unwinds double-stranded DNA and DNA polymerase catalyzes the synthesis of DNA. Understanding how a replisome functions in the process of DNA replication requires methods to dissect the mechanisms of individual proteins and of multiproteins acting in concert. Single-molecule optical-trapping techniques have proved to be a powerful approach, offering the unique ability to observe and manipulate biomolecules at the single-molecule level and providing insights into the mechanisms of molecular motors and their interactions and coordination in a complex. Here, we describe a practical guide to applying these techniques to study the dynamics of individual proteins in the bacteriophage T7 replisome, as well as the coordination among them. We also summarize major findings from these studies, including nucleotide-specific helicase slippage and new lesion bypass pathway in T7 replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Sun
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - M D Wang
- Laboratory of Atomic and Solid State Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States.
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6
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The excluded DNA strand is SEW important for hexameric helicase unwinding. Methods 2016; 108:79-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2016.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Revised: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 04/07/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
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7
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Xie P. Processivity of nucleic acid unwinding and translocation by helicases. Proteins 2016; 84:1590-1605. [PMID: 27410462 DOI: 10.1002/prot.25102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Revised: 06/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Helicases are a class of enzymes that use the chemical energy of NTP hydrolysis to drive mechanical processes such as translocation and nucleic acid (NA) strand separation. Besides the NA unwinding speed, another important factor for the helicase activity is the NA unwinding processivity. Here, we study the NA unwinding processivity with an analytical model that captures the phenomenology of the NA unwinding process. First, we study the processivity of the non-hexameric helicase that can unwind NA efficiently in the form of a monomer and the processivity of the hexameric helicase that can unwind DNA effectively, providing quantitative explanations of the available single-molecule experimental data. Then, we study the processivity of the non-hexameric helicases, in particular UvrD, in the form of a dimer and compare with that in the form of a monomer. The available single-molecule and some biochemical data showing that while UvrD monomer is a highly processive single-stranded DNA translocase it is inactive in DNA unwinding, whereas other biochemical data showing that UvrD is active in both single-stranded DNA translocation and DNA unwinding in the form of a monomer can be explained quantitatively and consistently. In addition, the recent single-molecule data are also explained quantitatively showing that constraining the 2B subdomain in closed conformation by intramolecular cross-linking can convert Rep monomer with a very poor DNA unwinding activity into a superhelicase that can unwind more than thousands of DNA base pairs processively, even against a large opposing force. Proteins 2016; 84:1590-1605. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Xie
- Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Physics and Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China.
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8
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Nandakumar D, Patel SS. Methods to study the coupling between replicative helicase and leading-strand DNA polymerase at the replication fork. Methods 2016; 108:65-78. [PMID: 27173619 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2016.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Revised: 05/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Replicative helicases work closely with the replicative DNA polymerases to ensure that the genomic DNA is copied in a timely and error free manner. In the replisomes of prokaryotes, mitochondria, and eukaryotes, the helicase and DNA polymerase enzymes are functionally and physically coupled at the leading strand replication fork and rely on each other for optimal DNA strand separation and synthesis activities. In this review, we describe pre-steady state kinetic methods to quantify the base pair unwinding-synthesis rate constant, a fundamental parameter to understand how the helicase and polymerase help each other during leading strand replication. We describe a robust method to measure the chemical step size of the helicase-polymerase complex that determines how the two motors are energetically coupled while tracking along the DNA. The 2-aminopurine fluorescence-based method provide structural information on the leading strand helicase-polymerase complex, such as the distance between the two enzymes, their relative positions at the replication fork, and their roles in fork junction melting. The combined information garnered from these methods informs on the mutual dependencies between the helicase and DNA polymerase enzymes, their stepping mechanism, and their individual functions at the replication fork during leading strand replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Nandakumar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Rutgers, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 683 Hoes Lane West, Piscataway 08854, NJ, USA
| | - Smita S Patel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Rutgers, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 683 Hoes Lane West, Piscataway 08854, NJ, USA.
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9
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Xie P. Dynamics of monomeric and hexameric helicases. Biophys Chem 2016; 211:49-58. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2016.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2015] [Revised: 02/11/2016] [Accepted: 02/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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10
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Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Trakselis
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, 76798, USA
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11
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Sun B, Pandey M, Inman JT, Yang Y, Kashlev M, Patel SS, Wang MD. T7 replisome directly overcomes DNA damage. Nat Commun 2015; 6:10260. [PMID: 26675048 PMCID: PMC4703881 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms10260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2015] [Accepted: 11/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells and viruses possess several known ‘restart' pathways to overcome lesions during DNA replication. However, these ‘bypass' pathways leave a gap in replicated DNA or require recruitment of accessory proteins, resulting in significant delays to fork movement or even cell division arrest. Using single-molecule and ensemble methods, we demonstrate that the bacteriophage T7 replisome is able to directly replicate through a leading-strand cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer (CPD) lesion. We show that when a replisome encounters the lesion, a substantial fraction of DNA polymerase (DNAP) and helicase stay together at the lesion, the replisome does not dissociate and the helicase does not move forward on its own. The DNAP is able to directly replicate through the lesion by working in conjunction with helicase through specific helicase–DNAP interactions. These observations suggest that the T7 replisome is fundamentally permissive of DNA lesions via pathways that do not require fork adjustment or replisome reassembly. Genomic instability can result from stalled or collapsed replication fork at sites of unrepaired DNA lesions. Here the authors uncover a new lesion bypass pathway for the T7 replisome, where leading strand template lesions can be overcome through interaction between the replisome's helicase and polymerase components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Sun
- Department of Physics, Laboratory of Atomic and Solid State Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA.,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Manjula Pandey
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA
| | - James T Inman
- Department of Physics, Laboratory of Atomic and Solid State Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Physics, Laboratory of Atomic and Solid State Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
| | - Mikhail Kashlev
- NCI Center for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702, USA
| | - Smita S Patel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA
| | - Michelle D Wang
- Department of Physics, Laboratory of Atomic and Solid State Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
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12
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Akhmedov AT, Marín-García J. Mitochondrial DNA maintenance: an appraisal. Mol Cell Biochem 2015; 409:283-305. [DOI: 10.1007/s11010-015-2532-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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13
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Bhowmik P, Das Gupta SK. Biochemical Characterization of a Mycobacteriophage Derived DnaB Ortholog Reveals New Insight into the Evolutionary Origin of DnaB Helicases. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0134762. [PMID: 26237048 PMCID: PMC4523182 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0134762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2015] [Accepted: 07/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The bacterial replicative helicases known as DnaB are considered to be members of the RecA superfamily. All members of this superfamily, including DnaB, have a conserved C- terminal domain, known as the RecA core. We unearthed a series of mycobacteriophage encoded proteins in which the RecA core domain alone was present. These proteins were phylogenetically related to each other and formed a distinct clade within the RecA superfamily. A mycobacteriophage encoded protein, Wildcat Gp80 that roots deep in the DnaB family, was found to possess a core domain having significant sequence homology (Expect value < 10-5) with members of this novel cluster. This indicated that Wildcat Gp80, and by extrapolation, other members of the DnaB helicase family, may have evolved from a single domain RecA core polypeptide belonging to this novel group. Biochemical investigations confirmed that Wildcat Gp80 was a helicase. Surprisingly, our investigations also revealed that a thioredoxin tagged truncated version of the protein in which the N-terminal sequences were removed was fully capable of supporting helicase activity, although its ATP dependence properties were different. DnaB helicase activity is thus, primarily a function of the RecA core although additional N-terminal sequences may be necessary for fine tuning its activity and stability. Based on sequence comparison and biochemical studies we propose that DnaB helicases may have evolved from single domain RecA core proteins having helicase activities of their own, through the incorporation of additional N-terminal sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Bhowmik
- Department of Microbiology, Bose Institute, P1/12 C.I.T. Scheme VIIM, Kolkata 700054, West Bengal, India
| | - Sujoy K. Das Gupta
- Department of Microbiology, Bose Institute, P1/12 C.I.T. Scheme VIIM, Kolkata 700054, West Bengal, India
- * E-mail:
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14
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Xie P. A unified model of nucleic acid unwinding by the ribosome and the hexameric and monomeric DNA helicases. J Theor Biol 2015; 380:359-66. [PMID: 26092375 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2015.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Accepted: 06/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
DNA helicases are enzymes that use the chemical energy to separate DNA duplex into their single-stranded forms. The ribosome, which catalyzes the translation of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) into proteins, can also unwind mRNA duplex. According to their structures, the DNA helicases can fall broadly into hexameric and monomeric forms. A puzzling issue for the monomeric helicases is that although they have similar structures, in vitro biochemical data showed convincingly that in the monomeric forms some have very weak DNA unwinding activities, some have relatively high unwinding activities while others have high unwinding activities. However, in the dimeric or oligomeric forms all of them have high unwinding activities. In addition, in the monomeric forms all of them can translocate efficiently along the single-stranded DNA (ssDNA). Here, we propose a model of the translocation along the ssDNA and DNA unwinding by the monomeric helicases, providing a consistent explanation of these in vitro experimental data. Moreover, by comparing the present model for the monomeric helicases with the model for the hexameric helicases and that for the ribosome which were proposed before, a unified model of nucleic acid unwinding by the three enzymes is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Xie
- Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Physics and Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China.
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15
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Nandakumar D, Pandey M, Patel SS. Cooperative base pair melting by helicase and polymerase positioned one nucleotide from each other. eLife 2015; 4. [PMID: 25970034 PMCID: PMC4460406 DOI: 10.7554/elife.06562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2015] [Accepted: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Leading strand DNA synthesis requires functional coupling between replicative helicase and DNA polymerase (DNAP) enzymes, but the structural and mechanistic basis of coupling is poorly understood. This study defines the precise positions of T7 helicase and T7 DNAP at the replication fork junction with single-base resolution to create a structural model that explains the mutual stimulation of activities. Our 2-aminopurine studies show that helicase and polymerase both participate in DNA melting, but each enzyme melts the junction base pair partially. When combined, the junction base pair is melted cooperatively provided the helicase is located one nucleotide ahead of the primer-end. The synergistic shift in equilibrium of junction base pair melting by combined enzymes explains the cooperativity, wherein helicase stimulates the polymerase by promoting dNTP binding (decreasing dNTP Km), polymerase stimulates the helicase by increasing the unwinding rate-constant (kcat), consequently the combined enzymes unwind DNA with kinetic parameters resembling enzymes translocating on single-stranded DNA. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.06562.001 DNA replication is the process whereby a molecule of DNA is copied to form two identical molecules. First, an enzyme called a DNA helicase separates the two strands of the DNA double helix. This forms a structure called a replication fork that has two exposed single strands. Other enzymes called DNA polymerases then use each strand as a template to build a new matching DNA strand. DNA polymerases build the new DNA strands by joining together smaller molecules called nucleotides. One of the new DNA strands—called the ‘leading strand’—is built continuously, while the other—the ‘lagging strand’—is made as a series of short fragments that are later joined together. Building the leading strand requires the helicase and DNA polymerase to work closely together. However, it was not clear how these two enzymes coordinate their activity. Now, Nandakumar et al. have studied the helicase and DNA polymerase from a virus that infects bacteria and have pinpointed the exact positions of the enzymes at a replication fork. The experiments revealed that both the polymerase and helicase contribute to the separating of the DNA strands, and that this process is most efficient when the helicase is only a single nucleotide ahead of the polymerase. Further experiments showed that the helicase stimulates the polymerase by helping it to bind to nucleotides, and that the polymerase stimulates the helicase by helping it to separate the DNA strands at a faster rate. The next challenge is to investigate the molecular setup that allows the helicase and polymerase to increase each other's activities. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.06562.002
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Nandakumar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, United States
| | - Manjula Pandey
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, United States
| | - Smita S Patel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, United States
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16
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Single-molecule fluorescence reveals the unwinding stepping mechanism of replicative helicase. Cell Rep 2014; 6:1037-1045. [PMID: 24630993 PMCID: PMC3988844 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2014.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2013] [Revised: 01/10/2014] [Accepted: 02/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophage T7 gp4 serves as a model protein for replicative helicases that couples deoxythymidine triphosphate (dTTP) hydrolysis to directional movement and DNA strand separation. We employed single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer methods to resolve steps during DNA unwinding by T7 helicase. We confirm that the unwinding rate of T7 helicase decreases with increasing base pair stability. For duplexes containing >35% guanine-cytosine (GC) base pairs, we observed stochastic pauses every 2–3 bp during unwinding. The dwells on each pause were distributed nonexponentially, consistent with two or three rounds of dTTP hydrolysis before each unwinding step. Moreover, we observed backward movements of the enzyme on GC-rich DNAs at low dTTP concentrations. Our data suggest a coupling ratio of 1:1 between base pairs unwound and dTTP hydrolysis, and they further support the concept that nucleic acid motors can have a hierarchy of different-sized steps or can accumulate elastic energy before transitioning to a subsequent phase. Single DNA unwinding assay recapitulates sequence-dependent unwinding High-resolution data reveal an unwinding step size of 2–3 bp Two or three hidden steps precede the unwinding step, suggesting 1:1 chemical coupling 1:1 coupling is maintained at low dNTP, but helicase often slips backward
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17
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Lee AR, Yoon S, Kim DE, Jeong YJ. DNA Binding Analysis of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) Coronavirus Helicase. B KOREAN CHEM SOC 2013. [DOI: 10.5012/bkcs.2013.34.4.1260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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18
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Itsathitphaisarn O, Wing RA, Eliason WK, Wang J, Steitz TA. The hexameric helicase DnaB adopts a nonplanar conformation during translocation. Cell 2012; 151:267-77. [PMID: 23022319 PMCID: PMC3597440 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2012.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 191] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2012] [Revised: 04/24/2012] [Accepted: 09/12/2012] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
DNA polymerases can only synthesize nascent DNA from single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) templates. In bacteria, the unwinding of parental duplex DNA is carried out by the replicative DNA helicase (DnaB) that couples NTP hydrolysis to 5' to 3' translocation. The crystal structure of the DnaB hexamer in complex with GDP-AlF(4) and ssDNA reported here reveals that DnaB adopts a closed spiral staircase quaternary structure around an A-form ssDNA with each C-terminal domain coordinating two nucleotides of ssDNA. The structure not only provides structural insights into the translocation mechanism of superfamily IV helicases but also suggests that members of this superfamily employ a translocation mechanism that is distinct from other helicase superfamilies. We propose a hand-over-hand mechanism in which sequential hydrolysis of NTP causes a sequential 5' to 3' movement of the subunits along the helical axis of the staircase, resulting in the unwinding of two nucleotides per subunit.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Richard A. Wing
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - William K. Eliason
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA,Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Jimin Wang
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Thomas A. Steitz
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA,Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520-8114, USA,To whom correspondence should be addressed.
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19
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Development of chemical inhibitors of the SARS coronavirus: viral helicase as a potential target. Biochem Pharmacol 2012; 84:1351-8. [PMID: 22935448 PMCID: PMC7092843 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2012.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2012] [Revised: 08/14/2012] [Accepted: 08/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) was the first pandemic in the 21st century to claim more than 700 lives worldwide. However, effective anti-SARS vaccines or medications are currently unavailable despite being desperately needed to adequately prepare for a possible SARS outbreak. SARS is caused by a novel coronavirus, and one of its components, a viral helicase, is emerging as a promising target for the development of chemical SARS inhibitors. In the following review, we describe the characterization, family classification, and kinetic movement mechanisms of the SARS coronavirus (SCV) helicase—nsP13. We also discuss the recent progress in the identification of novel chemical inhibitors of nsP13 in the context of our recent discovery of the strong inhibition of the SARS helicase by natural flavonoids, myricetin and scutellarein. These compounds will serve as important resources for the future development of anti-SARS medications.
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20
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Sen D, Nandakumar D, Tang GQ, Patel SS. Human mitochondrial DNA helicase TWINKLE is both an unwinding and annealing helicase. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:14545-56. [PMID: 22383523 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.309468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
TWINKLE is a nucleus-encoded human mitochondrial (mt)DNA helicase. Point mutations in TWINKLE are associated with heritable neuromuscular diseases characterized by deletions in the mtDNA. To understand the biochemical basis of these diseases, it is important to define the roles of TWINKLE in mtDNA metabolism by studying its enzymatic activities. To this end, we purified native TWINKLE from Escherichia coli. The recombinant TWINKLE assembles into hexamers and higher oligomers, and addition of MgUTP stabilizes hexamers over higher oligomers. Probing into the DNA unwinding activity, we discovered that the efficiency of unwinding is greatly enhanced in the presence of a heterologous single strand-binding protein or a single-stranded (ss) DNA that is complementary to the unwound strand. We show that TWINKLE, although a helicase, has an antagonistic activity of annealing two complementary ssDNAs that interferes with unwinding in the absence of gp2.5 or ssDNA trap. Furthermore, only ssDNA and not double-stranded (ds)DNA competitively inhibits the annealing activity, although both DNAs bind with high affinities. This implies that dsDNA binds to a site that is distinct from the ssDNA-binding site that promotes annealing. Fluorescence anisotropy competition binding experiments suggest that TWINKLE has more than one ssDNA-binding sites, and we speculate that a surface-exposed ssDNA-specific site is involved in catalyzing DNA annealing. We propose that the strand annealing activity of TWINKLE may play a role in recombination-mediated replication initiation found in the mitochondria of mammalian brain and heart or in replication fork regression during repair of damaged DNA replication forks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doyel Sen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA
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21
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Nitharwal RG, Verma V, Subbarao N, Dasgupta S, Choudhury NR, Dhar SK. DNA binding activity of Helicobacter pylori DnaB helicase: the role of the N-terminal domain in modulating DNA binding activities. FEBS J 2011; 279:234-50. [PMID: 22074440 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2011.08418.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Replicative helicases are major motor proteins essential for chromosomal DNA replication in prokaryotes. Usually hexameric in solution, their DNA binding property must have different roles at stages ranging from the loading onto a branched structure at initiation from the origin to the highly processive translocation during elongation. Here, we have analysed the DNA binding activity of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) replicative helicase, DnaB. The results indicate that while the C-terminal region is important for its DNA binding activity, the N-terminus appears to dampen the protein's affinity for DNA. The masking activity of the N-terminus does not require ATP or hexamerization of HpDnaB and can be overcome by deleting the N-terminus. It can also be neutralized by engaging the N-terminus in an interaction with a partner like the C-terminus of DnaG primase. The inhibitory effect of the N-terminus on DNA binding activity is consistent with the 3D homology model of HpDnaB. Electron microscopy of the HpDnaB-ssDNA complex showed that HpDnaB preferentially bound at the ends of linear ssDNA and translocated along the DNA in the presence of ATP. These results provide an insight into the stimulatory and inhibitory effects of different regions of HpDnaB on DNA binding activities that may be central to the loading and translocation functions of DnaB helicases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ram G Nitharwal
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
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22
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Sun B, Johnson DS, Patel G, Smith BY, Pandey M, Patel SS, Wang MD. ATP-induced helicase slippage reveals highly coordinated subunits. Nature 2011; 478:132-5. [PMID: 21927003 PMCID: PMC3190587 DOI: 10.1038/nature10409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2010] [Accepted: 08/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Helicases are vital enzymes that carry out strand separation of duplex nucleic acids during replication, repair, and recombination1,2. Bacteriophage T7 gene product 4 is a model hexameric helicase which has been observed to utilize dTTP, but not ATP, to unwind dsDNA as it translocates from 5′ to 3′ along ssDNA2–6. Whether and how different subunits of the helicase coordinate their chemo-mechanical activities and DNA binding during translocation is still under debate1,7. Here we address this question using a single molecule approach to monitor helicase unwinding. We discovered that T7 helicase does in fact unwind dsDNA in the presence of ATP and the unwinding rate is even faster than that with dTTP. However unwinding traces showed a remarkable sawtooth pattern where processive unwinding was repeatedly interrupted by sudden slippage events, ultimately preventing unwinding over a substantial distance. This behavior was not observed with dTTP alone and was greatly reduced when ATP solution was supplemented with a small amount of dTTP. These findings presented an opportunity to use nucleotide mixtures to investigate helicase subunit coordination. We found T7 helicase binds and hydrolyzes ATP and dTTP by competitive kinetics such that the unwinding rate is dictated simply by their respective Vmax, KM, and concentrations. In contrast, processivity does not follow a simple competitive behavior and shows a cooperative dependence on nucleotide concentrations. This does not agree with an uncoordinated mechanism where each subunit functions independently, but supports a model where nearly all subunits coordinate their chemo-mechanical activities and DNA binding. Our data indicate that only one subunit at a time can accept a nucleotide while other subunits are nucleotide-ligated and thus interact with the DNA to ensure processivity. Such subunit coordination may be general to many ring-shaped helicases and reveals a potential mechanism for regulation of DNA unwinding during replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Sun
- Department of Physics - Laboratory of Atomic and Solid State Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
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23
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Patel SS, Pandey M, Nandakumar D. Dynamic coupling between the motors of DNA replication: hexameric helicase, DNA polymerase, and primase. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2011; 15:595-605. [PMID: 21865075 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2011.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2011] [Revised: 07/29/2011] [Accepted: 08/02/2011] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Helicases are molecular motor proteins that couple NTP hydrolysis to directional movement along nucleic acids. A class of helicases characterized by their ring-shaped hexameric structures translocate processively and unidirectionally along single-stranded (ss) DNA to separate the strands of double-stranded (ds) DNA, aiding both in the initiation and fork progression during DNA replication. These replicative ring-shaped helicases are found from virus to human. We review recent biochemical and structural studies that have expanded our understanding on how hexameric helicases use the NTPase reaction to translocate on ssDNA, unwind dsDNA, and how their physical and functional interactions with the DNA polymerase and primase enzymes coordinate replication of the two strands of dsDNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smita S Patel
- UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ, USA.
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24
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Longley MJ, Humble MM, Sharief FS, Copeland WC. Disease variants of the human mitochondrial DNA helicase encoded by C10orf2 differentially alter protein stability, nucleotide hydrolysis, and helicase activity. J Biol Chem 2010; 285:29690-702. [PMID: 20659899 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m110.151795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Missense mutations in the human C10orf2 gene, encoding the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) helicase, co-segregate with mitochondrial diseases such as adult-onset progressive external ophthalmoplegia, hepatocerebral syndrome with mtDNA depletion syndrome, and infantile-onset spinocerebellar ataxia. To understand the biochemical consequences of C10orf2 mutations, we overproduced wild type and 20 mutant forms of human mtDNA helicase in Escherichia coli and developed novel schemes to purify the recombinant enzymes to near homogeneity. A combination of molecular crowding, non-ionic detergents, Mg(2+) ions, and elevated ionic strength was required to combat insolubility and intrinsic instability of certain mutant variants. A systematic biochemical assessment of the enzymes included analysis of DNA binding affinity, DNA helicase activity, the kinetics of nucleotide hydrolysis, and estimates of thermal stability. In contrast to other studies, we found that all 20 mutant variants retain helicase function under optimized in vitro conditions despite partial reductions in DNA binding affinity, nucleotide hydrolysis, or thermal stability for some mutants. Such partial defects are consistent with the delayed presentation of mitochondrial diseases associated with mutation of C10orf2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Longley
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, NIEHS, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA
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25
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Wanrooij S, Falkenberg M. The human mitochondrial replication fork in health and disease. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOENERGETICS 2010; 1797:1378-88. [PMID: 20417176 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbabio.2010.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2010] [Revised: 04/13/2010] [Accepted: 04/15/2010] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria are organelles whose main function is to generate power by oxidative phosphorylation. Some of the essential genes required for this energy production are encoded by the mitochondrial genome, a small circular double stranded DNA molecule. Human mtDNA is replicated by a specialized machinery distinct from the nuclear replisome. Defects in the mitochondrial replication machinery can lead to loss of genetic information by deletion and/or depletion of the mtDNA, which subsequently may cause disturbed oxidative phosphorylation and neuromuscular symptoms in patients. We discuss here the different components of the mitochondrial replication machinery and their role in disease. We also review the mode of mammalian mtDNA replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sjoerd Wanrooij
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Gothenburg, P.O. Box 440, SE-40530 Gothenburg, Sweden.
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26
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Yang Y, Dou SX, Xu YN, Bazeille N, Wang PY, Rigolet P, Xu HQ, Xi XG. Kinetic mechanism of DNA unwinding by the BLM helicase core and molecular basis for its low processivity. Biochemistry 2010; 49:656-68. [PMID: 20028084 DOI: 10.1021/bi901459c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Bloom's syndrome (BS) is a rare human autosomal recessive disorder characterized by a strong predisposition to a wide range of cancers commonly affecting the general population. Understanding the functioning mechanism of the BLM protein may provide the opportunity to develop new effective therapy strategies. In this work, we studied the DNA unwinding kinetic mechanism of the helicase core of the BLM protein using various stopped-flow assays. We show that the helicase core of BLM unwinds duplex DNA as monomers even under conditions strongly favoring oligomerization. An unwinding rate of approximately 20 steps per second and a step size of 1 bp have been determined. We have observed that the helicase has a very low processivity. From dissociation and inhibition experiments, we have found that during its ATP hydrolysis cycle in DNA unwinding the helicase tends to dissociate from the DNA substrate in the ADP state. The experimental results imply that the BLM helicase core may unwind duplex DNA in an inchworm manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Yang
- Laboratory of Soft Matter Physics, Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
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27
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Thomsen ND, Berger JM. Running in reverse: the structural basis for translocation polarity in hexameric helicases. Cell 2009; 139:523-34. [PMID: 19879839 PMCID: PMC2772833 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2009.08.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 234] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2009] [Revised: 07/13/2009] [Accepted: 08/18/2009] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Hexameric helicases couple ATP hydrolysis to processive separation of nucleic acid duplexes, a process critical for gene expression, DNA replication, and repair. All hexameric helicases fall into two families with opposing translocation polarities: the 3'-->5' AAA+ and 5'-->3' RecA-like enzymes. To understand how a RecA-like hexameric helicase engages and translocates along substrate, we determined the structure of the E. coli Rho transcription termination factor bound to RNA and nucleotide. Interior nucleic acid-binding elements spiral around six bases of RNA in a manner unexpectedly reminiscent of an AAA+ helicase, the papillomavirus E1 protein. Four distinct ATP-binding states, representing potential catalytic intermediates, are coupled to RNA positioning through a complex allosteric network. Comparative studies with E1 suggest that RecA and AAA+ hexameric helicases use different portions of their chemomechanical cycle for translocating nucleic acid and track in opposite directions by reversing the firing order of ATPase sites around the hexameric ring. For a video summary of this article, see the PaperFlick file with the Supplemental Data available online.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan D. Thomsen
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Quantitative Biosciences Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - James M. Berger
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Quantitative Biosciences Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA,Correspondence:
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28
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Jeong YJ, Park K, Kim DE. Isothermal DNA amplification in vitro: the helicase-dependent amplification system. Cell Mol Life Sci 2009; 66:3325-36. [PMID: 19629390 PMCID: PMC11115679 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-009-0094-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2009] [Revised: 06/26/2009] [Accepted: 07/01/2009] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Since the development of polymerase chain reaction, amplification of nucleic acids has emerged as an elemental tool for molecular biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Amplification methods often use temperature cycling to exponentially amplify nucleic acids; however, isothermal amplification methods have also been developed, which do not require heating the double-stranded nucleic acid to dissociate the synthesized products from templates. Among the several methods used for isothermal DNA amplification, the helicase-dependent amplification (HDA) is discussed in this review with an emphasis on the reconstituted DNA replication system. Since DNA helicase can unwind the double-stranded DNA without the need for heating, the HDA system provides a very useful tool to amplify DNA in vitro under isothermal conditions with a simplified reaction scheme. This review describes components and detailed aspects of current HDA systems using Escherichia coli UvrD helicase and T7 bacteriophage gp4 helicase with consideration of the processivity and efficiency of DNA amplification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Joo Jeong
- Department of Bio and Nanochemistry, Kookmin University, 861-1 Jeongneung-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 136-702 Republic of Korea
| | - Kkothanahreum Park
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Konkuk University, 1 Hwayang-dong, Gwanjin-gu, Seoul, 143-701 Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Eun Kim
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Konkuk University, 1 Hwayang-dong, Gwanjin-gu, Seoul, 143-701 Republic of Korea
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29
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Abstract
Replisomes are the protein assemblies that replicate DNA. They function as molecular motors to catalyze template-mediated polymerization of nucleotides, unwinding of DNA, the synthesis of RNA primers, and the assembly of proteins on DNA. The replisome of bacteriophage T7 contains a minimum of proteins, thus facilitating its study. This review describes the molecular motors and coordination of their activities, with emphasis on the T7 replisome. Nucleotide selection, movement of the polymerase, binding of the processivity factor, unwinding of DNA, and RNA primer synthesis all require conformational changes and protein contacts. Lagging-strand synthesis is mediated via a replication loop whose formation and resolution is dictated by switches to yield Okazaki fragments of discrete size. Both strands are synthesized at identical rates, controlled by a molecular brake that halts leading-strand synthesis during primer synthesis. The helicase serves as a reservoir for polymerases that can initiate DNA synthesis at the replication fork. We comment on the differences in other systems where applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samir M Hamdan
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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30
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Xie P. On chemomechanical coupling of the F(1)-ATPase molecular motor. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOENERGETICS 2009; 1787:955-62. [PMID: 19265667 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbabio.2009.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2008] [Revised: 02/19/2009] [Accepted: 02/19/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
F(1)-ATPase catalyzes ATP hydrolysis to drive the central gamma-shaft rotating inside a hexameric cylinder composed of alternating alpha and beta subunits. Experiments showed that the rotation of gamma-shaft proceeds in steps of 120 degrees and each 120 degrees -rotation is composed of an 80 degrees substep and a 40 degrees substep. Here, based on the previously proposed models, an improved physical model for chemomechanical coupling of F(1)-ATPase is presented, with which the two-substep rotation is well explained. One substep is driven by the power stroke upon ATP binding, while the other one resulted from the passage of gamma-shaft from previous to next adjacent beta subunits via free diffusion. Using the model, the dynamics and kinetics of F(1)-ATPase, such as the rotating time of each substep, the dwell time at each pause and the rotation rate, are analytically studied. The theoretical results obtained with only three adjustable parameters reproduce the available experimental data well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Xie
- Laboratory of Soft Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China.
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31
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Rajagopal V, Patel SS. Viral Helicases. VIRAL GENOME REPLICATION 2009. [PMCID: PMC7121818 DOI: 10.1007/b135974_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Helicases are motor proteins that use the free energy of NTP hydrolysis to catalyze the unwinding of duplex nucleic acids. Helicases participate in almost all processes involving nucleic acids. Their action is critical for replication, recombination, repair, transcription, translation, splicing, mRNA editing, chromatin remodeling, transport, and degradation (Matson and Kaiser-Rogers 1990; Matson et al. 1994; Mendonca et al. 1995; Luking et al. 1998).
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32
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Lo YH, Tsai KL, Sun YJ, Chen WT, Huang CY, Hsiao CD. The crystal structure of a replicative hexameric helicase DnaC and its complex with single-stranded DNA. Nucleic Acids Res 2008; 37:804-14. [PMID: 19074952 PMCID: PMC2647316 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkn999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA helicases are motor proteins that play essential roles in DNA replication, repair and recombination. In the replicative hexameric helicase, the fundamental reaction is the unwinding of duplex DNA; however, our understanding of this function remains vague due to insufficient structural information. Here, we report two crystal structures of the DnaB-family replicative helicase from Geobacillus kaustophilus HTA426 (GkDnaC) in the apo-form and bound to single-stranded DNA (ssDNA). The GkDnaC–ssDNA complex structure reveals that three symmetrical basic grooves on the interior surface of the hexamer individually encircle ssDNA. The ssDNA-binding pockets in this structure are directed toward the N-terminal domain collar of the hexameric ring, thus orienting the ssDNA toward the DnaG primase to facilitate the synthesis of short RNA primers. These findings provide insight into the mechanism of ssDNA binding and provide a working model to establish a novel mechanism for DNA translocation at the replication fork.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Hua Lo
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan
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33
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Communication between subunits critical to DNA binding by hexameric helicase of bacteriophage T7. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2008; 105:8908-13. [PMID: 18574147 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0802732105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The DNA helicase encoded by bacteriophage T7 consists of six identical subunits that form a ring through which the DNA passes. Binding of ssDNA is a prior step to translocation and unwinding of DNA by the helicase. Arg-493 is located at a conserved structural motif within the interior cavity of the helicase and plays an important role in DNA binding. Replacement of Arg-493 with lysine or histidine reduces the ability of the helicase to bind DNA, hydrolyze dTTP, and unwind dsDNA. In contrast, replacement of Arg-493 with glutamine abolishes these activities, suggesting that positive charge at the position is essential. Based on the crystallographic structure of the helicase, Asp-468 is in the range to form a hydrogen bonding with Arg-493 on the adjacent subunit. In vivo complementation results indicate that an interaction between Asp-468 and Arg-493 is critical for a functional helicase and those residues can be swapped without losing the helicase activity. This study suggests that hydrogen bonding between Arg-493 and Asp-468 from adjacent subunits is critical for DNA binding ability of the T7 hexameric helicase.
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34
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Rasnik I, Jeong YJ, McKinney SA, Rajagopal V, Patel SS, Ha T. Branch migration enzyme as a Brownian ratchet. EMBO J 2008; 27:1727-35. [PMID: 18511910 PMCID: PMC2435128 DOI: 10.1038/emboj.2008.106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2008] [Accepted: 04/30/2008] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, it has been shown that helicases are able to perform functions beyond their traditional role in unwinding of double-stranded nucleic acids; yet the mechanistic aspects of these different activities are not clear. Our kinetic studies of Holliday junction branch migration catalysed by a ring-shaped helicase, T7 gp4, show that heterology of as little as a single base stalls catalysed branch migration. Using single-molecule analysis, one can locate the stall position to within a few base pairs of the heterology. Our data indicate that the presence of helicase alone promotes junction unfolding, which accelerates spontaneous branch migration, and individual time traces reveal complex trajectories consistent with random excursions of the branch point. Our results suggest that instead of actively unwinding base pairs as previously thought, the helicase exploits the spontaneous random walk of the junction and acts as a Brownian ratchet, which walks along duplex DNA while facilitating and biasing branch migration in a specific direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Rasnik
- Physics Department, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
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35
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Donmez I, Patel SS. Coupling of DNA unwinding to nucleotide hydrolysis in a ring-shaped helicase. EMBO J 2008; 27:1718-26. [PMID: 18497749 DOI: 10.1038/emboj.2008.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2008] [Accepted: 04/25/2008] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The ring-shaped T7 helicase uses the energy of dTTP hydrolysis to perform the mechanical work of translocation and base pair (bp) separation. We have shown that the unwinding rate of T7 helicase decreases with increasing DNA stability. Here, we show that the dTTPase rate also decreases with increasing DNA stability, which indicates close linkage between chemical transition steps and translocation steps of unwinding. We find that the force-producing step during unwinding is not associated with dTTP binding, but dTTP hydrolysis or P(i) release. We determine that T7 helicase extracts approximately 3.7 kcal/mol energy from dTTPase to carry out the work of strand separation. Using this energy, T7 helicase unwinds approximately 4 bp of AT-rich DNA or 1-2 bp of GC-rich DNA. T7 helicase therefore adjusts both its speed and coupling ratio (bp/dTTP) to match the work of DNA unwinding. We discuss the mechanistic implications of the variable bp/dTTP that indicates T7 helicase either undergoes backward movements/futile hydrolysis or unwinds DNA with a variable bp-step size; 'long and fast' steps on AT-rich and 'short and slow' steps on GC-rich DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilker Donmez
- Department of Biochemistry, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ, USA
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36
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Korhonen JA, Pande V, Holmlund T, Farge G, Pham XH, Nilsson L, Falkenberg M. Structure–Function Defects of the TWINKLE Linker Region in Progressive External Ophthalmoplegia. J Mol Biol 2008; 377:691-705. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2008.01.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2007] [Revised: 12/28/2007] [Accepted: 01/15/2008] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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37
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Farge G, Holmlund T, Khvorostova J, Rofougaran R, Hofer A, Falkenberg M. The N-terminal domain of TWINKLE contributes to single-stranded DNA binding and DNA helicase activities. Nucleic Acids Res 2007; 36:393-403. [PMID: 18039713 PMCID: PMC2241861 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkm1025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The TWINKLE protein is a hexameric DNA helicase required for replication of mitochondrial DNA. TWINKLE displays striking sequence similarity to the bacteriophage T7 gene 4 protein (gp4), which is a bi-functional primase-helicase required at the phage DNA replication fork. The N-terminal domain of human TWINKLE contains some of the characteristic sequence motifs found in the N-terminal primase domain of the T7 gp4, but other important motifs are missing. TWINKLE is not an active primase in vitro and the functional role of the N-terminal region has remained elusive. In this report, we demonstrate that the N-terminal part of TWINKLE is required for efficient binding to single-stranded DNA. Truncations of this region reduce DNA helicase activity and mitochondrial DNA replisome processivity. We also find that the gp4 and TWINKLE are functionally distinct. In contrast to the phage protein, TWINKLE binds to double-stranded DNA. Moreover, TWINKLE forms stable hexamers even in the absence of Mg2+ or NTPs, which suggests that an accessory protein, a helicase loader, is needed for loading of TWINKLE onto the circular mtDNA genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Géraldine Farge
- Division of Metabolic Diseases, Karolinska Institutet, Novum, SE-141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
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38
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Single strand binding proteins increase the processivity of DNA unwinding by the hepatitis C virus helicase. J Mol Biol 2007; 376:69-79. [PMID: 18155046 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2007.10.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2007] [Revised: 10/24/2007] [Accepted: 10/26/2007] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The nonstructural NS3 protein of the hepatitis C virus is a multifunctional enzyme with an N-terminal serine protease activity and a C-terminal helicase activity. The helicase is capable of unwinding both DNA and RNA duplexes; however, the overall processivity of the helicase is fairly low. We show here that single-strand binding (SSB) proteins enhance the unwinding processivity of both the NS3 helicase domain (NS3h) and the full-length protease-helicase NS3-4A. The detailed study of the effect of SSB on the DNA unwinding activity of NS3h indicates that the SSB stabilizes the helicase at the unwinding junction and prevents its dissociation. These results suggest a potential role for either cellular or virus-encoded SSB protein in improving the processivity of the NS3 in vivo.
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39
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Farbman ME, Gershenson A, Licht S. Single-molecule analysis of nucleotide-dependent substrate binding by the protein unfoldase ClpA. J Am Chem Soc 2007; 129:12378-9. [PMID: 17887675 DOI: 10.1021/ja074168x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mary E Farbman
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
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40
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Model for RuvAB-mediated branch migration of Holliday junctions. J Theor Biol 2007; 249:566-73. [PMID: 17919660 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2007.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2007] [Revised: 08/27/2007] [Accepted: 08/27/2007] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
During RuvAB-mediated Holliday-junction migration two opposite arms of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) are driven to translocate unidirectional by two respective ring-like hexameric RuvB proteins. However, how the RuvB protein, powered by ATP hydrolysis, drives unidirectional translocation of dsDNA is not clear. Here a model is presented for this mechanochemical-coupling mechanism. In the model, the unidirectional translocation is resulted from both the ATP hydrolysis-induced rotation (power stroke) of the RuvB subunits and the passage of the strong DNA binding from the previous to next RuvB subunits during the sequential ATPase activities around the ring. Using the model, the relationship between the power-stroke size, the step size of DNA translocation and the ratio of the rotational rate of DNA over that of RuvB relative to RuvA is predicted.
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41
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Xie P. On translocation mechanism of ring-shaped helicase along single-stranded DNA. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2007; 1774:737-48. [PMID: 17499029 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2007.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2007] [Revised: 03/16/2007] [Accepted: 04/05/2007] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The ring-shaped helicases represent one important group of helicases that can translocate along single-stranded (ss) DNA and unwinding double-stranded (ds) DNA by using the energy derived from NTP binding and hydrolysis. Despite intensive studies, the mechanism by which the ring-shaped helicase translocates along ssDNA and unwinds dsDNA remains undetermined. In order to understand their chemomechanical-coupling mechanism, two models on NTPase activities of the hexamers in the presence of DNA have been studied here. One model is assumed that, of the six nucleotide-binding sites, three are noncatalytic and three are catalytic. The other model is assumed that all the six nucleotide-binding sites are catalytic. In terms of the sequential NTPase activity around the ring and the previous determined crystal structure of bacteriophage T7 helicase it is shown that the obtained mechanical behaviors such as the ssDNA-translocation size and DNA-unwinding size per dTTPase cycle using the former model are in good quantitative agreement with the previous experimental results for T7 helicase. Moreover, the acceleration of DNA unwinding rate with the stimulation of DNA synthesis by DNA polymerase can also be well explained by using the former model. In contrast, the ssDNA-translocation size and DNA-unwinding size per dTTPase cycle obtained by using the latter model are not consistent with the experimental results for T7 helicase. Thus it is preferred that the former model is the appropriate one for the T7 helicase. Furthermore, using the former model some dynamic behaviors such as the rotational speeds of DNA relative to the T7 helicase when translocation along ssDNA and when unwinding dsDNA have been predicted, which are expected to test in order to further verify the model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Xie
- Department of Physics, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, China.
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42
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Skordalakes E, Berger JM. Structural insights into RNA-dependent ring closure and ATPase activation by the Rho termination factor. Cell 2006; 127:553-64. [PMID: 17081977 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2006.08.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2006] [Revised: 07/25/2006] [Accepted: 08/25/2006] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Hexameric helicases and translocases are required for numerous essential nucleic-acid transactions. To better understand the mechanisms by which these enzymes recognize target substrates and use nucleotide hydrolysis to power molecular movement, we have determined the structure of the Rho transcription termination factor, a hexameric RNA/DNA helicase, with single-stranded RNA bound to the motor domains of the protein. The structure reveals a closed-ring "trimer of dimers" conformation for the hexamer that contains an unanticipated arrangement of conserved loops required for nucleic-acid translocation. RNA extends across a shallow intersubunit channel formed by conserved amino acids required for RNA-stimulated ATP hydrolysis and translocation and directly contacts a conserved lysine, just upstream of the catalytic GKT triad, in the phosphate-binding (P loop) motif of the ATP-binding pocket. The structure explains the molecular effects of numerous mutations and provides new insights into the links between substrate recognition, ATP turnover, and coordinated strand movement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Skordalakes
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, 327B Hildebrand Hall #3206, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
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43
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Single-stranded DNA Enhances the Rate of Product Release During Nucleotide Hydrolysis Reaction by T7 DNA Helicase. B KOREAN CHEM SOC 2006. [DOI: 10.5012/bkcs.2006.27.10.1618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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44
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Anand VS, Patel SS. Transient state kinetics of transcription elongation by T7 RNA polymerase. J Biol Chem 2006; 281:35677-85. [PMID: 17005565 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m608180200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The single subunit DNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RNAP) from bacteriophage T7 catalyzes both promoter-dependent transcription initiation and promoter-independent elongation. Using a promoter-free substrate, we have dissected the kinetic pathway of single nucleotide incorporation during elongation. We show that T7 RNAP undergoes a slow conformational change (0.01-0.03 s(-1)) to form an elongation competent complex with the promoter-free substrate (dissociation constant (Kd) of 96 nM). The complex binds to a correct NTP (Kd of 80 microM) and incorporates the nucleoside monophosphate (NMP) into RNA primer very efficiently (220 s(-1) at 25 degrees C). An overall free energy change (-5.5 kcal/mol) and internal free energy change (-3.7 kcal/mol) of single NMP incorporation was calculated from the measured equilibrium constants. In the presence of inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi), the elongation complex catalyzes the reverse pyrophosphorolysis reaction at a maximum rate of 0.8 s(-1) with PPi Kd of 1.2 mM. Several experiments were designed to investigate the rate-limiting step in the pathway of single nucleotide addition. Acid-quench and pulse-chase kinetics indicated that an isomerization step before chemistry is rate-limiting. The very similar rate constants of sequential incorporation of two nucleotides indicated that the steps after chemistry are fast. Based on available data, we propose that the preinsertion to insertion isomerization of NTP observed in the crystallographic studies of T7 RNAP is a likely candidate for the rate-limiting step. The studies here provide a kinetic framework to investigate structure-function and fidelity of RNA synthesis and to further explore the role of the conformational change in nucleotide selection during RNA synthesis.
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45
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Enemark EJ, Joshua-Tor L. Mechanism of DNA translocation in a replicative hexameric helicase. Nature 2006; 442:270-5. [PMID: 16855583 DOI: 10.1038/nature04943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 408] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2006] [Accepted: 06/01/2006] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The E1 protein of papillomavirus is a hexameric ring helicase belonging to the AAA + family. The mechanism that couples the ATP cycle to DNA translocation has been unclear. Here we present the crystal structure of the E1 hexamer with single-stranded DNA discretely bound within the hexamer channel and nucleotides at the subunit interfaces. This structure demonstrates that only one strand of DNA passes through the hexamer channel and that the DNA-binding hairpins of each subunit form a spiral 'staircase' that sequentially tracks the oligonucleotide backbone. Consecutively grouped ATP, ADP and apo configurations correlate with the height of the hairpin, suggesting a straightforward DNA translocation mechanism. Each subunit sequentially progresses through ATP, ADP and apo states while the associated DNA-binding hairpin travels from the top staircase position to the bottom, escorting one nucleotide of single-stranded DNA through the channel. These events permute sequentially around the ring from one subunit to the next.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric J Enemark
- W. M. Keck Structural Biology Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, New York 11724, USA
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46
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Castella S, Burgin D, Sanders CM. Role of ATP hydrolysis in the DNA translocase activity of the bovine papillomavirus (BPV-1) E1 helicase. Nucleic Acids Res 2006; 34:3731-41. [PMID: 16893956 PMCID: PMC1557793 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkl554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The E1 protein of bovine papillomavirus type-1 is the viral replication initiator protein and replicative helicase. Here we show that the C-terminal approximately 300 amino acids of E1, that share homology with members of helicase superfamily 3 (SF3), can act as an autonomous helicase. E1 is monomeric in the absence of ATP but assembles into hexamers in the presence of ATP, single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) or both. A 16 base sequence is the minimum for efficient hexamerization, although the complex protects approximately 30 bases from nuclease digestion, supporting the notion that the DNA is bound within the protein complex. In the absence of ATP, or in the presence of ADP or the non-hydrolysable ATP analogue AMP-PNP, the interaction with short ssDNA oligonucleotides is exceptionally tight (T(1/2) > 6 h). However, in the presence of ATP, the interaction with DNA is destabilized (T(1/2) approximately 60 s). These results suggest that during the ATP hydrolysis cycle an internal DNA-binding site oscillates from a high to a low-affinity state, while protein-protein interactions switch from low to high affinity. This reciprocal change in protein-protein and protein-DNA affinities could be part of a mechanism for tethering the protein to its substrate while unidirectional movement along DNA proceeds.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Cyril M. Sanders
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +44 114 2712482; Fax: +44 114 2713892;
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47
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Crampton DJ, Ohi M, Qimron U, Walz T, Richardson CC. Oligomeric states of bacteriophage T7 gene 4 primase/helicase. J Mol Biol 2006; 360:667-77. [PMID: 16777142 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2006.05.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2006] [Revised: 05/08/2006] [Accepted: 05/15/2006] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Electron microscopic and crystallographic data have shown that the gene 4 primase/helicase encoded by bacteriophage T7 can form both hexamers and heptamers. After cross-linking with glutaraldehyde to stabilize the oligomeric protein, hexamers and heptamers can be distinguished either by negative stain electron microscopy or electrophoretic analysis using polyacrylamide gels. We find that hexamers predominate in the presence of either dTTP or beta,gamma-methylene dTTP whereas the ratio between hexamers and heptamers is nearly the converse in the presence of dTDP. When formed, heptamers are unable to efficiently bind either single-stranded DNA or double-stranded DNA. We postulate that a switch between heptamer to hexamer may provide a ring-opening mechanism for the single-stranded DNA binding pathway. Accordingly, we observe that in the presence of both nucleoside di- and triphosphates the gene 4 protein exists as a hexamer when bound to single-stranded DNA and as a mixture of heptamer and hexamer when not bound to single-stranded DNA. Furthermore, altering regions of the gene 4 protein postulated to be conformational switches for dTTP-dependent helicase activity leads to modulation of the heptamer to hexamer ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald J Crampton
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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48
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Crampton DJ, Mukherjee S, Richardson CC. DNA-induced switch from independent to sequential dTTP hydrolysis in the bacteriophage T7 DNA helicase. Mol Cell 2006; 21:165-74. [PMID: 16427007 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2005.11.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2005] [Revised: 10/11/2005] [Accepted: 11/23/2005] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
We show that the mechanisms of DNA-dependent and -independent dTTP hydrolysis by the gene 4 protein of bacteriophage T7 differ in the pathways by which these reactions are catalyzed. In the presence of dTTP, gene 4 protein monomers assemble as a ring that binds single-stranded DNA and couples the hydrolysis of dTTP to unidirectional translocation and the unwinding of duplex DNA. When mixing wild-type monomers with monomers lacking the catalytic base for the dTTPase reaction, we observe that each wild-type subunit hydrolyzes dTTP independently in the absence of single-stranded DNA. Conversely, when either these catalytically inactive monomers or altered monomers incapable of binding single-stranded DNA are mixed with wild-type monomers, a small fraction of altered to wild-type monomers causes a sharp decline in DNA-dependent dTTP hydrolysis. We propose that sequential hydrolysis of dTTP is coupled to the transfer of single-stranded DNA from subunit to adjacent subunit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald J Crampton
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
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49
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Liao JC, Jeong YJ, Kim DE, Patel SS, Oster G. Mechanochemistry of t7 DNA helicase. J Mol Biol 2005; 350:452-75. [PMID: 15950239 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2005.04.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2005] [Revised: 04/22/2005] [Accepted: 04/22/2005] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The bacteriophage T7 helicase is a ring-shaped hexameric motor protein that unwinds double-stranded DNA during DNA replication and recombination. To accomplish this it couples energy from the nucleotide hydrolysis cycle to translocate along one of the DNA strands. Here, we combine computational biology with new biochemical measurements to infer the following properties of the T7 helicase: (1) all hexameric subunits are catalytic; (2) the mechanical movement along the DNA strand is driven by the binding transition of nucleotide into the catalytic site; (3) hydrolysis is coordinated between adjacent subunits that bind DNA; (4) the hydrolysis step changes the affinity of a subunit for DNA allowing passage of DNA from one subunit to the next. We construct a numerical optimization scheme to analyze transient and steady-state biochemical measurements to determine the rate constants for the hydrolysis cycle and determine the flux distribution through the reaction network. We find that, under physiological and experimental conditions, there is no dominant pathway; rather there is a distribution of pathways that varies with the ambient conditions. Our analysis methods provide a systematic procedure to study kinetic pathways of multi-subunit, multi-state cooperative enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Chi Liao
- Departments of Molecular and Cell Biology and ESPM, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720-3112, USA
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50
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Levin MK, Gurjar M, Patel SS. A Brownian motor mechanism of translocation and strand separation by hepatitis C virus helicase. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2005; 12:429-35. [PMID: 15806107 DOI: 10.1038/nsmb920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2004] [Accepted: 03/10/2005] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Helicases translocate along their nucleic acid substrates using the energy of ATP hydrolysis and by changing conformations of their nucleic acid-binding sites. Our goal is to characterize the conformational changes of hepatitis C virus (HCV) helicase at different stages of ATPase cycle and to determine how they lead to translocation. We have reported that ATP binding reduces HCV helicase affinity for nucleic acid. Now we identify the stage of the ATPase cycle responsible for translocation and unwinding. We show that a rapid directional movement occurs upon helicase binding to DNA in the absence of ATP, resulting in opening of several base pairs. We propose that HCV helicase translocates as a Brownian motor with a simple two-stroke cycle. The directional movement step is fueled by single-stranded DNA binding energy while ATP binding allows for a brief period of random movement that prepares the helicase for the next cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikhail K Levin
- UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Department of Biochemistry, 675 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA
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