Structural basis for translocation by AddAB helicase-nuclease and its arrest at χ sites

Biochemical characterization and mutational analysis of the NurA protein from the hyperthermophilic euryarchaeon Thermococcus barophilus Ch5

Archaeal NurA protein plays a key role in producing 3'-single stranded DNA used for homologous recombination repair, together with HerA, Mre11, and Rad50. Herein, we describe biochemical characteristics and roles of key amino acid residues of the NurA protein from the hyperthermophilic euryarchaeon Thermococcus barophilus Ch5 (Tba-NurA). Tba-NurA possesses 5'-3' exonuclease activity for degrading DNA, displaying maximum efficiency at 45 °C-65 °C and at pH 8.0 in the presence of Mn2+. The thermostable Tba-NurA also possesses endonuclease activity capable of nicking plasmid DNA and circular ssDNA. Mutational data demonstrate that residue D49 of Tba-NurA is essential for exonuclease activity and is involved in binding ssDNA since the D49A mutant lacked exonuclease activity and reduced ssDNA binding. The R96A and R129A mutants had no detectable dsDNA binding, suggesting that residues R96 and R129 are important for binding dsDNA. The abolished degradation activity and reduced dsDNA binding of the D120A mutant suggest that residue D120 is essential for degradation activity and dsDNA binding. Additionally, residues Y392 and H400 are important for exonuclease activity since these mutations resulted in exonuclease activity loss. To our knowledge, it is the first report on biochemical characterization and mutational analysis of the NurA protein from Thermococcus.

Bacterial-Artificial-Chromosome-Based Genome Editing Methods and the Applications in Herpesvirus Research

Herpesviruses are major pathogens that infect humans and animals. Manipulating the large genome is critical for exploring the function of specific genes and studying the pathogenesis of herpesviruses and developing novel anti-viral vaccines and therapeutics. Bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) technology significantly advanced the capacity of herpesviruses researchers to manipulate the virus genomes. In the past years, advancements in BAC-based genome manipulating and screening strategies of recombinant BACs have been achieved, which has promoted the study of the herpes virus. This review summarizes the advances in BAC-based gene editing technology and selection strategies. The merits and drawbacks of BAC-based herpesvirus genome editing methods and the application of BAC-based genome manipulation in viral research are also discussed. This review provides references relevant for researchers in selecting gene editing methods in herpes virus research. Despite the achievements in the genome manipulation of the herpes viruses, the efficiency of BAC-based genome manipulation is still not satisfactory. This review also highlights the need for developing more efficient genome-manipulating methods for herpes viruses.

Review of DNA repair enzymes in bacteria: With a major focus on AddAB and RecBCD

DNA recombination repair systems are essential for organisms to maintain genomic stability. In recent years, we have improved our understanding of the mechanisms of RecBCD/AddAB family-mediated DNA double-strand break repair. In E. coli, it is RecBCD that plays a central role, and in Firmicute Bacillus subtilis it is the AddAB complex that functions. However, there are open questions about the mechanism of DNA repair in bacteria. For example, how bacteria containing crossover hotspot instigator (Chi) sites regulate the activity of proteins. In addition, we still do not know the exact process by which the RecB nuclease or AddA nuclease structural domains load RecA onto DNA. We also know little about the mechanism of DNA repair in the industrially important production bacterium Corynebacterium glutamicum (C. glutamicum). Therefore, exploring DNA repair mechanisms in bacteria may not only deepen our understanding of the DNA repair process in this species but also guide us in the targeted treatment of diseases associated with recombination defects, such as cancer. In this paper, we firstly review the classical proteins RecBCD and AddAB involved in DNA recombination repair, secondly focus on the novel helical nuclease AdnAB found in the genus Mycobacterium.

Insight into the biochemical mechanism of DNA helicases provided by bulk-phase and single-molecule assays

There are multiple assays available that can provide insight into the biochemical mechanism of DNA helicases. For the first 22 years since their discovery, bulk-phase assays were used. These include gel-based, spectrophotometric, and spectrofluorometric assays that revealed many facets of these enzymes. From 2001, single-molecule studies have contributed additional insight into these DNA nanomachines to reveal details on energy coupling, step size, processivity as well as unique aspects of individual enzyme behavior that were masked in the averaging inherent in ensemble studies. In this review, important aspects of the study of helicases are discussed including beginning with active, nuclease-free enzyme, followed by several bulk-phase approaches that have been developed and still find widespread use today. Finally, two single-molecule approaches are discussed, and the resulting findings are related to the results obtained in bulk-phase studies.

The CRISPR-associated Cas4 protein from Leptospira interrogans demonstrate versatile nuclease activity

The Cas4 protein is one of the core CRISPR-associated (Cas) proteins implicated in the adaptation module in many variants of the CRISPR-Cas system in prokaryotes against the invading genetic elements. Cas4 is recognized as a DNA exonuclease that contains a RecB nuclease domain and a Fe-S cluster-binding module. In Leptospira interrogans serovar Copenhageni strain Fiocruz L1-130, the cas4 gene is functionally transcribed as an active component of the CRISPR-Cas I-B system. Investigation of nuclease activity of Cas4 (LinCas4) of the L. interrogans illustrated divalent-metal cofactor (Mn2+ or Mg2+) dependent endonuclease activity on the DNA substrate. In agreement, mutation of the selective metal interacting residues (Asp74 and Glu87) curtails the DNA cleavage activity in LinCas4. Computational modeling shows metal-ion interacting residues (Asp74 and Glu87) in the LinCas4 to be a part of the RecB motifs II and III, the same as other Cas4 orthologs. The mutation of a potential DNA interacting residue in the LinCas4 (LinCas4Y132A) or one of the four cysteine residues (LinCas4C18A) involved in coordinating the 4Fe-4S cluster did not perturb its DNase activity. Iron chelation assay of the purified LinCas4 demonstrated it in the apostate conformation. Reconstitution of the Fe-S cluster in the LinCas4 under in vitro condition displayed its coordination with four iron atoms per LinCas4 monomer and was confirmed by the UV and CD spectroscopy studies.

Unwinding of a DNA replication fork by a hexameric viral helicase

Hexameric helicases are motor proteins that unwind double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) during DNA replication but how they are optimised for strand separation is unclear. Here we present the cryo-EM structure of the full-length E1 helicase from papillomavirus, revealing all arms of a bound DNA replication fork and their interactions with the helicase. The replication fork junction is located at the entrance to the helicase collar ring, that sits above the AAA + motor assembly. dsDNA is escorted to and the 5´ single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) away from the unwinding point by the E1 dsDNA origin binding domains. The 3´ ssDNA interacts with six spirally-arranged β-hairpins and their cyclical top-to-bottom movement pulls the ssDNA through the helicase. Pulling of the RF against the collar ring separates the base-pairs, while modelling of the conformational cycle suggest an accompanying movement of the collar ring has an auxiliary role, helping to make efficient use of ATP in duplex unwinding.

Replicative hexameric helicases are fundamental components of replisomes. Here the authors resolve a cryo-EM structure of the E1 helicase from papillomavirus bound to a DNA replication fork, providing insights into the mechanism of DNA unwinding by these hexameric enzymes.

EXO5-DNA structure and BLM interactions direct DNA resection critical for ATR-dependent replication restart

Stalled DNA replication fork restart after stress as orchestrated by ATR kinase, BLM helicase, and structure-specific nucleases enables replication, cell survival, and genome stability. Here we unveil human exonuclease V (EXO5) as an ATR-regulated DNA structure-specific nuclease and BLM partner for replication fork restart. We find that elevated EXO5 in tumors correlates with increased mutation loads and poor patient survival, suggesting that EXO5 upregulation has oncogenic potential. Structural, mechanistic, and mutational analyses of EXO5 and EXO5-DNA complexes reveal a single-stranded DNA binding channel with an adjacent ATR phosphorylation motif (T88Q89) that regulates EXO5 nuclease activity and BLM binding identified by mass spectrometric analysis. EXO5 phospho-mimetic mutant rescues the restart defect from EXO5 depletion that decreases fork progression, DNA damage repair, and cell survival. EXO5 depletion furthermore rescues survival of FANCA-deficient cells and indicates EXO5 functions epistatically with SMARCAL1 and BLM. Thus, an EXO5 axis connects ATR and BLM in directing replication fork restart.

Clutch mechanism of chemomechanical coupling in a DNA resecting motor nuclease

Mycobacterial AdnAB is a heterodimeric helicase-nuclease that initiates homologous recombination by resecting DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). The N-terminal motor domain of the AdnB subunit hydrolyzes ATP to drive rapid and processive 3' to 5' translocation of AdnAB on the tracking DNA strand. ATP hydrolysis is mechanically productive when oscillating protein domain motions synchronized with the ATPase cycle propel the DNA tracking strand forward by a single-nucleotide step, in what is thought to entail a pawl-and-ratchet-like fashion. By gauging the effects of alanine mutations of the 16 amino acids at the AdnB-DNA interface on DNA-dependent ATP hydrolysis, DNA translocation, and DSB resection in ensemble and single-molecule assays, we gained key insights into which DNA contacts couple ATP hydrolysis to motor activity. The results implicate AdnB Trp325, which intercalates into the tracking strand and stacks on a nucleobase, as the singular essential constituent of the ratchet pawl, without which ATP hydrolysis on ssDNA is mechanically futile. Loss of Thr663 and Thr118 contacts with tracking strand phosphates and of His665 with a nucleobase drastically slows the AdnAB motor during DSB resection. Our findings for AdnAB prompt us to analogize its mechanism to that of an automobile clutch.

Targeting the bacterial SOS response for new antimicrobial agents: drug targets, molecular mechanisms and inhibitors

Antimicrobial resistance is a pressing threat to global health, with multidrug-resistant pathogens becoming increasingly prevalent. The bacterial SOS pathway functions in response to DNA damage that occurs during infection, initiating several pro-survival and resistance mechanisms, such as DNA repair and hypermutation. This makes SOS pathway components potential targets that may combat drug-resistant pathogens and decrease resistance emergence. This review discusses the mechanism of the SOS pathway; the structure and function of potential targets AddAB, RecBCD, RecA and LexA; and efforts to develop selective small-molecule inhibitors of these proteins. These inhibitors may serve as valuable tools for target validation and provide the foundations for desperately needed novel antibacterial therapeutics.

A conformational switch in response to Chi converts RecBCD from phage destruction to DNA repair

The RecBCD complex plays key roles in phage DNA degradation, CRISPR array acquisition (adaptation) and host DNA repair. The switch between these roles is regulated by a DNA sequence called Chi. We report cryo-EM structures of the Escherichia coli RecBCD complex bound to several different DNA forks containing a Chi sequence, including one in which Chi is recognised and others in which it is not. The Chi-recognised structure shows conformational changes in regions of the protein that contact Chi and reveals a tortuous path taken by the DNA. Sequence specificity arises from interactions with both the RecC subunit and the sequence itself. These structures provide molecular details for how Chi is recognised and insights into the changes that occur in response to Chi binding that switch RecBCD from bacteriophage destruction and CRISPR spacer acquisition, to constructive host DNA repair.

The torpedo effect in Bacillus subtilis: RNase J1 resolves stalled transcription complexes

RNase J1 is the major 5'-to-3' bacterial exoribonuclease. We demonstrate that in its absence, RNA polymerases (RNAPs) are redistributed on DNA, with increased RNAP occupancy on some genes without a parallel increase in transcriptional output. This suggests that some of these RNAPs represent stalled, non-transcribing complexes. We show that RNase J1 is able to resolve these stalled RNAP complexes by a "torpedo" mechanism, whereby RNase J1 degrades the nascent RNA and causes the transcription complex to disassemble upon collision with RNAP. A heterologous enzyme, yeast Xrn1 (5'-to-3' exonuclease), is less efficient than RNase J1 in resolving stalled Bacillus subtilis RNAP, suggesting that the effect is RNase-specific. Our results thus reveal a novel general principle, whereby an RNase can participate in genome-wide surveillance of stalled RNAP complexes, preventing potentially deleterious transcription-replication collisions.

Structures and single-molecule analysis of bacterial motor nuclease AdnAB illuminate the mechanism of DNA double-strand break resection

Mycobacterial AdnAB is a heterodimeric helicase-nuclease that initiates homologous recombination by resecting DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). The AdnA and AdnB subunits are each composed of an N-terminal motor domain and a C-terminal nuclease domain. Here we report cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of AdnAB in three functional states: in the absence of DNA and in complex with forked duplex DNAs before and after cleavage of the 5' single-strand DNA (ssDNA) tail by the AdnA nuclease. The structures reveal the path of the 5' ssDNA through the AdnA nuclease domain and the mechanism of 5' strand cleavage; the path of the 3' tracking strand through the AdnB motor and the DNA contacts that couple ATP hydrolysis to mechanical work; the position of the AdnA iron-sulfur cluster subdomain at the Y junction and its likely role in maintaining the split trajectories of the unwound 5' and 3' strands. Single-molecule DNA curtain analysis of DSB resection reveals that AdnAB is highly processive but prone to spontaneous pausing at random sites on duplex DNA. A striking property of AdnAB is that the velocity of DSB resection slows after the enzyme experiences a spontaneous pause. Our results highlight shared as well as distinctive properties of AdnAB vis-à-vis the RecBCD and AddAB clades of bacterial DSB-resecting motor nucleases.

Structural insights into DNA degradation by human mitochondrial nuclease MGME1

Mitochondrial nucleases play important roles in accurate maintenance and correct metabolism of mtDNA, the own genetic materials of mitochondria that are passed exclusively from mother to child. MGME1 is a highly conserved DNase that was discovered recently. Mutations in MGME1-coding gene lead to severe mitochondrial syndromes characterized by external ophthalmoplegia, emaciation, and respiratory failure in humans. Unlike many other nucleases that are distributed in multiple cellular organelles, human MGME1 is a mitochondria-specific nuclease; therefore, it can serve as an ideal target for treating related syndromes. Here, we report one HsMGME1-Mn2+ complex and three different HsMGME1-DNA complex structures. In combination with in vitro cleavage assays, our structures reveal the detailed molecular basis for substrate DNA binding and/or unwinding by HsMGME1. Besides the conserved two-cation-assisted catalytic mechanism, structural analysis of HsMGME1 and comparison with homologous proteins also clarified substrate binding and cleavage directionalities of the DNA double-strand break repair complexes RecBCD and AddAB.

Structure and mechanism of the Red recombination system of bacteriophage λ

While much of this volume focuses on mammalian DNA repair systems that are directly involved in genome stability and cancer, it is important to still be mindful of model systems from prokaryotes. Herein we review the Red recombination system of bacteriophage λ, which consists of an exonuclease for resecting dsDNA ends, and a single-strand annealing protein (SSAP) for binding the resulting 3'-overhang and annealing it to a complementary strand. The genetics and biochemistry of Red have been studied for over 50 years, in work that has laid much of the foundation for understanding DNA recombination in higher eukaryotes. In fact, the Red exonuclease (λ exo) is homologous to Dna2, a nuclease involved in DNA end-resection in eukaryotes, and the Red annealing protein (Redβ) is homologous to Rad52, the primary SSAP in eukaryotes. While eukaryotic recombination involves an elaborate network of proteins that is still being unraveled, the phage systems are comparatively simple and streamlined, yet still encompass the fundamental features of recombination, namely DNA end-resection, homologous pairing (annealing), and a coupling between them. Moreover, the Red system has been exploited in powerful methods for bacterial genome engineering that are important for functional genomics and systems biology. However, several mechanistic aspects of Red, particularly the action of the annealing protein, remain poorly understood. This review will focus on the proteins of the Red recombination system, with particular attention to structural and mechanistic aspects, and how the lessons learned can be applied to eukaryotic systems.

Gram-Positive Bacteria-Like DNA Binding Machineries Involved in Replication Initiation and Termination Mechanisms of Mimivirus

The detailed mechanisms of replication initiation, termination and segregation events were not yet known in Acanthamoeba polyphaga mimivirus (APMV). Here, we show detailed bioinformatics-based analyses of chromosomal replication in APMV from initiation to termination mediated by proteins bound to specific DNA sequences. Using GC/AT skew and coding sequence skew analysis, we estimated that the replication origin is located at 382 kb in the APMV genome. We performed homology-modeling analysis of the gamma domain of APMV-FtsK (DNA translocase coordinating chromosome segregation) related to FtsK-orienting polar sequences (KOPS) binding, suggesting that there was an insertion in the gamma domain which maintains the structure of the DNA binding motif. Furthermore, UvrD/Rep-like helicase in APMV was homologous to Bacillus subtilis AddA, while the chi-like quartet sequence 5′-CCGC-3′ was frequently found in the estimated ori region, suggesting that chromosomal replication of APMV is initiated via chi-like sequence recognition by UvrD/Rep-like helicase. Therefore, the replication initiation, termination and segregation of APMV are presumably mediated by DNA repair machineries derived from gram-positive bacteria. Moreover, the other frequently observed quartet sequence 5′-CGGC-3′ in the ori region was homologous to the mitochondrial signal sequence of replication initiation, while the comparison of quartet sequence composition in APMV/Rickettsia-genome showed significantly similar values, suggesting that APMV also conserves the mitochondrial replication system acquired from an ancestral genome of mitochondria during eukaryogenesis.

Impact of Homologous Recombination on the Evolution of Prokaryotic Core Genomes

Microbial populations exchange genetic material through a process called homologous recombination. Although this process has been studied in particular organisms, we lack an understanding of its differential impact over the genome and across microbes with different life-styles. We used a common analytical framework to assess this process in a representative set of microorganisms. Our results uncovered important trends. First, microbes with different lifestyles are differentially impacted, with endosymbionts and obligate pathogens being those less prone to undergo this process. Second, certain genetic elements such as restriction-modification systems seem to be associated with higher rates of recombination. Most importantly, recombined genomes show the footprints of natural selection in which recombined regions preferentially contain genes that can be related to specific ecological adaptations. Taken together, our results clarify the relative contributions of factors modulating homologous recombination and show evidence for a clear a role of this process in shaping microbial genomes and driving ecological adaptations.

Homologous recombination (HR) enables the exchange of genetic material between and within species. Recent studies suggest that this process plays a major role in the microevolution of microbial genomes, contributing to core genome homogenization and to the maintenance of cohesive population structures. However, we still have a very poor understanding of the possible adaptive roles of intraspecific HR and of the factors that determine its differential impact across clades and lifestyles. Here we used a unified methodological framework to assess HR in 338 complete genomes from 54 phylogenetically diverse and representative prokaryotic species, encompassing different lifestyles and a broad phylogenetic distribution. Our results indicate that lifestyle and presence of restriction-modification (RM) machineries are among the main factors shaping HR patterns, with symbionts and intracellular pathogens having the lowest HR levels. Similarly, the size of exchanged genomic fragments correlated with the presence of RM and competence machineries. Finally, genes exchanged by HR showed functional enrichments which could be related to adaptations to different environments and ecological strategies. Taken together, our results clarify the factors underlying HR impact and suggest important adaptive roles of genes exchanged through this mechanism. Our results also revealed that the extent of genetic exchange correlated with lifestyle and some genomic features. Moreover, the genes in exchanged regions were enriched for functions that reflected specific adaptations, supporting identification of HR as one of the main evolutionary mechanisms shaping prokaryotic core genomes.

Modeling DNA Unwinding by AddAB Helicase-Nuclease and Modulation by Chi Sequences: Comparison with AdnAB and RecBCD

Introduction

AddAB enzyme is a helicase-nuclease complex that initiates recombinational repair of double-stranded DNA breaks. It catalyzes processive DNA unwinding and concomitant resection of the unwound strands, which are modulated by the recognition of a recombination hotspot called Chi in the 3'-terminated strand. Despite extensive structural, biochemical and single molecule studies, the detailed molecular mechanism of DNA unwinding by the complex and modulation by Chi sequence remains unclear.

Methods

A model of DNA unwinding by the AddAB complex and modulation by Chi recognition was presented, based on which the dynamics of AddAB complex was studied analytically.

Results

The theoretical results explain well the available experimental data on effect of DNA sequence on velocity, effect of Chi recognition on velocity, static disorder peculiar to the AddAB complex, and dynamics of pausing of wild-type and mutant AddAB complexes occurring at Chi or Chi-like sequence. Predictions were provided. Comparisons of AddAB complex with other helicase-nuclease complexes such as RecBCD and AdnAB were made.

Conclusions

The study has strong implications for the molecular mechanism of DNA unwinding by the AddAB complex. The intriguing issues are addressed of why Chi recognition is an inefficient process, how AddAB complex pauses upon recognizing Chi sequence, how the paused state transits to the translocating state, why the mutant AddAB with a stronger affinity to Chi sequence has a shorter pausing lifetime, why the pausing lifetime is sensitive to the solution temperature, and so on.

How Does a Helicase Unwind DNA? Insights from RecBCD Helicase

DNA helicases are a class of molecular motors that catalyze processive unwinding of double stranded DNA. In spite of much study, we know relatively little about the mechanisms by which these enzymes carry out the function for which they are named. Most current views are based on inferences from crystal structures. A prominent view is that the canonical ATPase motor exerts a force on the ssDNA resulting in "pulling" the duplex across a "pin" or "wedge" in the enzyme leading to a mechanical separation of the two DNA strands. In such models, DNA base pair separation is tightly coupled to ssDNA translocation of the motors. However, recent studies of the Escherichia coli RecBCD helicase suggest an alternative model in which DNA base pair melting and ssDNA translocation occur separately. In this view, the enzyme-DNA binding free energy is used to melt multiple DNA base pairs in an ATP-independent manner, followed by ATP-dependent translocation of the canonical motors along the newly formed ssDNA tracks. Repetition of these two steps results in processive DNA unwinding. We summarize recent evidence suggesting this mechanism for RecBCD helicase action.

Phylogenomics of Cas4 family nucleases

Background

The Cas4 family endonuclease is a component of the adaptation module in many variants of CRISPR-Cas adaptive immunity systems. Unlike most of the other Cas proteins, Cas4 is often encoded outside CRISPR-cas loci (solo-Cas4) and is also found in mobile genetic elements (MGE-Cas4).

Results

As part of our ongoing investigation of CRISPR-Cas evolution, we explored the phylogenomics of the Cas4 family. About 90% of the archaeal genomes encode Cas4 compared to only about 20% of the bacterial genomes. Many archaea encode both the CRISPR-associated form (CAS-Cas4) and solo-Cas4, whereas in bacteria, this combination is extremely rare. The solo-cas4 genes are over-represented in environmental bacteria and archaea with small genomes that typically lack CRISPR-Cas, suggesting that Cas4 could perform uncharacterized defense or repair functions in these microbes. Phylogenomic analysis indicates that both the CRISPR-associated cas4 genes are often transferred horizontally but almost exclusively, as part of the adaptation module. The evolutionary integrity of the adaptation module sharply contrasts the rampant shuffling of CRISPR-cas modules whereby a given variant of the adaptation module can combine with virtually any effector module. The solo-cas4 genes evolve primarily via vertical inheritance and are subject only to occasional horizontal transfer. The selection pressure on cas4 genes does not substantially differ between CAS-Cas4 and solo-cas4, and is close to the genomic median. Thus, cas4 genes, similarly to cas1 and cas2, evolve similarly to ‘regular’ microbial genes involved in various cellular functions, showing no evidence of direct involvement in virus-host arms races. A notable feature of the Cas4 family evolution is the frequent recruitment of cas4 genes by various mobile genetic elements (MGE), particularly, archaeal viruses. The functions of Cas4 in these elements are unknown and potentially might involve anti-defense roles.

Conclusions

Unlike most of the other Cas proteins, Cas4 family members are as often encoded by stand-alone genes as they are incorporated in CRISPR-Cas systems. In addition, cas4 genes were repeatedly recruited by MGE, perhaps, for anti-defense functions. Experimental characterization of the solo and MGE-encoded Cas4 nucleases is expected to reveal currently uncharacterized defense and anti-defense systems and their interactions with CRISPR-Cas systems.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12862-017-1081-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Global analysis of double-strand break processing reveals in vivo properties of the helicase-nuclease complex AddAB

In bacteria, double-strand break (DSB) repair via homologous recombination is thought to be initiated through the bi-directional degradation and resection of DNA ends by a helicase-nuclease complex such as AddAB. The activity of AddAB has been well-studied in vitro, with translocation speeds between 400–2000 bp/s on linear DNA suggesting that a large section of DNA around a break site is processed for repair. However, the translocation rate and activity of AddAB in vivo is not known, and how AddAB is regulated to prevent excessive DNA degradation around a break site is unclear. To examine the functions and mechanistic regulation of AddAB inside bacterial cells, we developed a next-generation sequencing-based approach to assay DNA processing after a site-specific DSB was introduced on the chromosome of Caulobacter crescentus. Using this assay we determined the in vivo rates of DSB processing by AddAB and found that putative chi sites attenuate processing in a RecA-dependent manner. This RecA-mediated regulation of AddAB prevents the excessive loss of DNA around a break site, limiting the effects of DSB processing on transcription. In sum, our results, taken together with prior studies, support a mechanism for regulating AddAB that couples two key events of DSB repair–the attenuation of DNA-end processing and the initiation of homology search by RecA–thereby helping to ensure that genomic integrity is maintained during DSB repair.

Double-strand breaks (DSBs) are a threat to genome integrity and are faithfully repaired via homologous recombination. The initial processing of DSB ends that prepares them for recombination has been well-studied in vitro, but is less well characterized in vivo. We describe a deep sequencing-based assay for assessing the early steps of DSB processing in bacterial cells by the helicase-nuclease complex AddAB. We find that a combination of chi site recognition and RecA loading is required to attenuate AddAB activity. In the absence of RecA, the chromosome is excessively degraded with a concomitant loss in transcription. Our results, along with prior studies, support a model for how chi recognition and RecA together regulate AddAB to maintain genome integrity and facilitate recombination.

Bacteriophage T5 gene D10 encodes a branch-migration protein

Helicases catalyze the unwinding of double-stranded nucleic acids where structure and phosphate backbone contacts, rather than nucleobase sequence, usually determines substrate specificity. We have expressed and purified a putative helicase encoded by the D10 gene of bacteriophage T5. Here we report that this hitherto uncharacterized protein possesses branch migration and DNA unwinding activity. The initiation of substrate unwinding showed some sequence dependency, while DNA binding and DNA-dependent ATPase activity did not. DNA footprinting and purine-base interference assays demonstrated that D10 engages these substrates with a defined polarity that may be established by protein-nucleobase contacts. Bioinformatic analysis of the nucleotide databases revealed genes predicted to encode proteins related to D10 in archaebacteria, bacteriophages and in viruses known to infect a range of eukaryotic organisms.

Homologous recombination mediated by the mycobacterial AdnAB helicase without end resection by the AdnAB nucleases

Current models of bacterial homologous recombination (HR) posit that extensive resection of a DNA double-strand break (DSB) by a multisubunit helicase–nuclease machine (e.g. RecBCD, AddAB or AdnAB) generates the requisite 3′ single-strand DNA substrate for RecA-mediated strand invasion. AdnAB, the helicase–nuclease implicated in mycobacterial HR, consists of two subunits, AdnA and AdnB, each composed of an N-terminal ATPase domain and a C-terminal nuclease domain. DSB unwinding by AdnAB in vitro is stringently dependent on the ATPase activity of the ‘lead’ AdnB motor translocating on the 3′ ssDNA strand, but not on the putative ‘lagging’ AdnA ATPase. Here, we queried genetically which activities of AdnAB are pertinent to its role in HR and DNA damage repair in vivo by inactivating each of the four catalytic domains. Complete nuclease-dead AdnAB enzyme can sustain recombination in vivo, as long as its AdnB motor is intact and RecO and RecR are available. We conclude that AdnAB's processive DSB unwinding activity suffices for AdnAB function in HR. Albeit not excluding the agency of a backup nuclease, our findings suggest that mycobacterial HR can proceed via DSB unwinding and protein capture of the displaced 3′-OH single strand, without a need for extensive end-resection.

Mechanism for nuclease regulation in RecBCD

In bacterial cells, processing of double-stranded DNA breaks for repair by homologous recombination is catalysed by AddAB, AdnAB or RecBCD-type helicase-nucleases. These enzyme complexes are highly processive, duplex unwinding and degrading machines that require tight regulation. Here, we report the structure of E.coli RecBCD, determined by cryoEM at 3.8 Å resolution, with a DNA substrate that reveals how the nuclease activity of the complex is activated once unwinding progresses. Extension of the 5’-tail of the unwound duplex induces a large conformational change in the RecD subunit, that is transferred through the RecC subunit to activate the nuclease domain of the RecB subunit. The process involves a SH3 domain that binds to a region of the RecB subunit in a binding mode that is distinct from others observed previously in SH3 domains and, to our knowledge, this is the first example of peptide-binding of an SH3 domain in a bacterial system.

DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.18227.001

Human DNA2 possesses a cryptic DNA unwinding activity that functionally integrates with BLM or WRN helicases

Human DNA2 (hDNA2) contains both a helicase and a nuclease domain within the same polypeptide. The nuclease of hDNA2 is involved in a variety of DNA metabolic processes. Little is known about the role of the hDNA2 helicase. Using bulk and single-molecule approaches, we show that hDNA2 is a processive helicase capable of unwinding kilobases of dsDNA in length. The nuclease activity prevents the engagement of the helicase by competing for the same substrate, hence prominent DNA unwinding by hDNA2 alone can only be observed using the nuclease-deficient variant. We show that the helicase of hDNA2 functionally integrates with BLM or WRN helicases to promote dsDNA degradation by forming a heterodimeric molecular machine. This collectively suggests that the hDNA2 motor promotes the enzyme's capacity to degrade dsDNA in conjunction with BLM or WRN and thus promote the repair of broken DNA.

DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.18574.001

Remodeling and Control of Homologous Recombination by DNA Helicases and Translocases that Target Recombinases and Synapsis

Recombinase enzymes catalyse invasion of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) into homologous duplex DNA forming "Displacement loops" (D-loops), a process called synapsis. This triggers homologous recombination (HR), which can follow several possible paths to underpin DNA repair and restart of blocked and collapsed DNA replication forks. Therefore, synapsis can be a checkpoint for controlling whether or not, how far, and by which pathway, HR proceeds to overcome an obstacle or break in a replication fork. Synapsis can be antagonized by limiting access of a recombinase to ssDNA and by dissociation of D-loops or heteroduplex formed by synapsis. Antagonists include DNA helicases and translocases that are identifiable in eukaryotes, bacteria and archaea, and which target synaptic and pre-synaptic DNA structures thereby controlling HR at early stages. Here we survey these events with emphasis on enabling DNA replication to be resumed from sites of blockage or collapse. We also note how knowledge of anti-recombination activities could be useful to improve efficiency of CRISPR-based genome editing.

Processive DNA Unwinding by RecBCD Helicase in the Absence of Canonical Motor Translocation

Escherichia coli RecBCD is a DNA helicase/nuclease that functions in double-stranded DNA break repair. RecBCD possesses two motors (RecB, a 3' to 5' translocase, and RecD, a 5' to 3' translocase). Current DNA unwinding models propose that motor translocation is tightly coupled to base pair melting. However, some biochemical evidence suggests that DNA melting of multiple base pairs may occur separately from single-stranded DNA translocation. To test this hypothesis, we designed DNA substrates containing reverse backbone polarity linkages that prevent ssDNA translocation of the canonical RecB and RecD motors. Surprisingly, we find that RecBCD can processively unwind DNA for at least 80bp beyond the reverse polarity linkages. This ability requires an ATPase active RecB motor, the RecB "arm" domain, and also the RecB nuclease domain, but not its nuclease activity. These results indicate that RecBCD can unwind duplex DNA processively in the absence of ssDNA translocation by the canonical motors and that the nuclease domain regulates the helicase activity of RecBCD.

Sequence-dependent nanometer-scale conformational dynamics of individual RecBCD-DNA complexes

RecBCD is a multifunctional enzyme that possesses both helicase and nuclease activities. To gain insight into the mechanism of its helicase function, RecBCD unwinding at low adenosine triphosphate (ATP) (2-4 μM) was measured using an optical-trapping assay featuring 1 base-pair (bp) precision. Instead of uniformly sized steps, we observed forward motion convolved with rapid, large-scale (∼4 bp) variations in DNA length. We interpret this motion as conformational dynamics of the RecBCD-DNA complex in an unwinding-competent state, arising, in part, by an enzyme-induced, back-and-forth motion relative to the dsDNA that opens and closes the duplex. Five observations support this interpretation. First, these dynamics were present in the absence of ATP. Second, the onset of the dynamics was coupled to RecBCD entering into an unwinding-competent state that required a sufficiently long 5' strand to engage the RecD helicase. Third, the dynamics were modulated by the GC-content of the dsDNA. Fourth, the dynamics were suppressed by an engineered interstrand cross-link in the dsDNA that prevented unwinding. Finally, these dynamics were suppressed by binding of a specific non-hydrolyzable ATP analog. Collectively, these observations show that during unwinding, RecBCD binds to DNA in a dynamic mode that is modulated by the nucleotide state of the ATP-binding pocket.

Rapid pairing and resegregation of distant homologous loci enables double-strand break repair in bacteria

Double-strand break repair in Caulobacter is a dynamic process that can take place independent of DNA replication; resegregation of origin-proximal chromosomal regions after repair requires the ParABS system, whereas resegregation of origin-distal regions occurs independently of ParA and likely without dedicated segregation machinery.

Double-strand breaks (DSBs) can lead to the loss of genetic information and cell death. Although DSB repair via homologous recombination has been well characterized, the spatial organization of this process inside cells remains poorly understood, and the mechanisms used for chromosome resegregation after repair are unclear. In this paper, we introduced site-specific DSBs in Caulobacter crescentus and then used time-lapse microscopy to visualize the ensuing chromosome dynamics. Damaged loci rapidly mobilized after a DSB, pairing with their homologous partner to enable repair, before being resegregated to their original cellular locations, independent of DNA replication. Origin-proximal regions were resegregated by the ParABS system with the ParA structure needed for resegregation assembling dynamically in response to the DSB-induced movement of an origin-associated ParB away from one cell pole. Origin-distal regions were resegregated in a ParABS-independent manner and instead likely rely on a physical, spring-like force to segregate repaired loci. Collectively, our results provide a mechanistic basis for the resegregation of chromosomes after a DSB.

DNA Interactions Probed by Hydrogen-Deuterium Exchange (HDX) Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry Confirm External Binding Sites on the Minichromosomal Maintenance (MCM) Helicase

The archaeal minichromosomal maintenance (MCM) helicase from Sulfolobus solfataricus (SsoMCM) is a model for understanding structural and mechanistic aspects of DNA unwinding. Although interactions of the encircled DNA strand within the central channel provide an accepted mode for translocation, interactions with the excluded strand on the exterior surface have mostly been ignored with regard to DNA unwinding. We have previously proposed an extension of the traditional steric exclusion model of unwinding to also include significant contributions with the excluded strand during unwinding, termed steric exclusion and wrapping (SEW). The SEW model hypothesizes that the displaced single strand tracks along paths on the exterior surface of hexameric helicases to protect single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) and stabilize the complex in a forward unwinding mode. Using hydrogen/deuterium exchange monitored by Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance MS, we have probed the binding sites for ssDNA, using multiple substrates targeting both the encircled and excluded strand interactions. In each experiment, we have obtained >98.7% sequence coverage of SsoMCM from >650 peptides (5-30 residues in length) and are able to identify interacting residues on both the interior and exterior of SsoMCM. Based on identified contacts, positively charged residues within the external waist region were mutated and shown to generally lower DNA unwinding without negatively affecting the ATP hydrolysis. The combined data globally identify binding sites for ssDNA during SsoMCM unwinding as well as validating the importance of the SEW model for hexameric helicase unwinding.

Chi hotspots trigger a conformational change in the helicase-like domain of AddAB to activate homologous recombination

In bacteria, the repair of double-stranded DNA breaks is modulated by Chi sequences. These are recognised by helicase-nuclease complexes that process DNA ends for homologous recombination. Chi activates recombination by changing the biochemical properties of the helicase-nuclease, transforming it from a destructive exonuclease into a recombination-promoting repair enzyme. This transition is thought to be controlled by the Chi-dependent opening of a molecular latch, which enables part of the DNA substrate to evade degradation beyond Chi. Here, we show that disruption of the latch improves Chi recognition efficiency and stabilizes the interaction of AddAB with Chi, even in mutants that are impaired for Chi binding. Chi recognition elicits a structural change in AddAB that maps to a region of AddB which resembles a helicase domain, and which harbours both the Chi recognition locus and the latch. Mutation of the latch potentiates the change and moderately reduces the duration of a translocation pause at Chi. However, this mutant displays properties of Chi-modified AddAB even in the complete absence of bona fide hotspot sequences. The results are used to develop a model for AddAB regulation in which allosteric communication between Chi binding and latch opening ensures quality control during recombination hotspot recognition.

Dna2 nuclease-helicase structure, mechanism and regulation by Rpa

The Dna2 nuclease-helicase maintains genomic integrity by processing DNA double-strand breaks, Okazaki fragments and stalled replication forks. Dna2 requires ssDNA ends, and is dependent on the ssDNA-binding protein Rpa, which controls cleavage polarity. Here we present the 2.3 Å structure of intact mouse Dna2 bound to a 15-nucleotide ssDNA. The nuclease active site is embedded in a long, narrow tunnel through which the DNA has to thread. The helicase domain is required for DNA binding but not threading. We also present the structure of a flexibly-tethered Dna2-Rpa interaction that recruits Dna2 to Rpa-coated DNA. We establish that a second Dna2-Rpa interaction is mutually exclusive with Rpa-DNA interactions and mediates the displacement of Rpa from ssDNA. This interaction occurs at the nuclease tunnel entrance and the 5’ end of the Rpa-DNA complex. Hence, it only displaces Rpa from the 5’ but not 3’ end, explaining how Rpa regulates cleavage polarity.

DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.09832.001

DNA carries the genetic information that is essential for organisms to survive and reproduce. It is made of two strands that twist together to form a double helix. However, these strands can be damaged when the DNA is copied before a cell divides, or by exposure to radiation or hazardous chemicals. To prevent this damage from causing serious harm to an organism, cells activate processes that rapidly repair the damaged DNA.

“Homologous recombination” is one way in which cells can repair damage that has caused both strands of the DNA to break in a particular place. In the first step, several enzymes trim one of the two DNA strands at each broken end to leave single stranded “tails”. Dna2 is one enzyme that is involved in making these tails, but it can only bind to single-stranded DNA so it only acts after another enzyme has made some initial cuts. The exposed single stranded DNA then searches for an intact copy of itself elsewhere in the genome, which promotes its repair. It is important that only one of the two DNA strands is trimmed at each end otherwise the repair will fail. A protein called Rpa is bound to the DNA and is required for Dna2 to correctly trim the DNA. However, it is not clear exactly how Rpa2 regulates Dna2.

Zhou et al. used a technique called X-ray crystallography to analyze the three-dimensional structures of Dna2 when it is bound to single stranded DNA and when it is bound to Rpa. The experiments show that Dna2 adopts a cylindrical shape with a tunnel through which the single-stranded DNA passes through. The region of Dna2 that is capable of trimming DNA – which is called the nuclease domain – is embedded within the tunnel. The entrance to the tunnel is too narrow to allow double-stranded DNA to enter, so this explains why Dna2 can only act on double-stranded DNA that already has a small single-stranded section at the end.

Inside the tunnel, Dna2 displaces Rpa from one of the strands, which allows Dna2 to trim the DNA. However, other molecules of Rpa remain firmly bound to the other strand to protect it from Dna2. These enzymes also act in a similar way to trim DNA before it is copied in preparation for cell division. Zhou et al.’s findings provide an explanation for how Rpa determines which strand of DNA is trimmed by Dna2. Further work is needed to understand how Dna2 and Rpa work with other enzymes to trim DNA.

DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.09832.002

An Overview of the Molecular Mechanisms of Recombinational DNA Repair

Recombinational DNA repair is a universal aspect of DNA metabolism and is essential for genomic integrity. It is a template-directed process that uses a second chromosomal copy (sister, daughter, or homolog) to ensure proper repair of broken chromosomes. The key steps of recombination are conserved from phage through human, and an overview of those steps is provided in this review. The first step is resection by helicases and nucleases to produce single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) that defines the homologous locus. The ssDNA is a scaffold for assembly of the RecA/RAD51 filament, which promotes the homology search. On finding homology, the nucleoprotein filament catalyzes exchange of DNA strands to form a joint molecule. Recombination is controlled by regulating the fate of both RecA/RAD51 filaments and DNA pairing intermediates. Finally, intermediates that mature into Holliday structures are disjoined by either nucleolytic resolution or topological dissolution.

Structural features of Chi recognition in AddAB with implications for RecBCD

AddAB and RecBCD-type helicase-nuclease complexes control the first stage of bacterial homologous recombination (HR) – the resection of double strand DNA breaks. A switch in the activities of the complexes to initiate repair by HR is regulated by a short, species-specific DNA sequence known as a Crossover Hotspot Instigator (Chi) site. It has been shown that, upon encountering Chi, AddAB and RecBCD pause translocation before resuming at a reduced rate. Recently, the structure of B.subtilis AddAB in complex with its regulatory Chi sequence revealed the nature of Chi binding and the paused translocation state. Here the structural features associated with Chi binding are described in greater detail and discussed in relation to the related E.coli RecBCD system.

Emerging critical roles of Fe-S clusters in DNA replication and repair

Fe-S clusters are partners in the origin of life that predate cells, acetyl-CoA metabolism, DNA, and the RNA world. The double helix solved the mystery of DNA replication by base pairing for accurate copying. Yet, for genome stability necessary to life, the double helix has equally important implications for damage repair. Here we examine striking advances that uncover Fe-S cluster roles both in copying the genetic sequence by DNA polymerases and in crucial repair processes for genome maintenance, as mutational defects cause cancer and degenerative disease. Moreover, we examine an exciting, controversial role for Fe-S clusters in a third element required for life - the long-range coordination and regulation of replication and repair events. By their ability to delocalize electrons over both Fe and S centers, Fe-S clusters have unbeatable features for protein conformational control and charge transfer via double-stranded DNA that may fundamentally transform our understanding of life, replication, and repair. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Fe/S proteins: Analysis, structure, function, biogenesis and diseases.

Bacillus subtilis RecO and SsbA are crucial for RecA-mediated recombinational DNA repair

Genetic data have revealed that the absence of Bacillus subtilis RecO and one of the end-processing avenues (AddAB or RecJ) renders cells as sensitive to DNA damaging agents as the null recA, suggesting that both end-resection pathways require RecO for recombination. RecA, in the rATP·Mg(2+) bound form (RecA·ATP), is inactive to catalyze DNA recombination between linear double-stranded (ds) DNA and naked complementary circular single-stranded (ss) DNA. We showed that RecA·ATP could not nucleate and/or polymerize on SsbA·ssDNA or SsbB·ssDNA complexes. RecA·ATP nucleates and polymerizes on RecO·ssDNA·SsbA complexes more efficiently than on RecO·ssDNA·SsbB complexes. Limiting SsbA concentrations were sufficient to stimulate RecA·ATP assembly on the RecO·ssDNA·SsbB complexes. RecO and SsbA are necessary and sufficient to 'activate' RecA·ATP to catalyze DNA strand exchange, whereas the AddAB complex, RecO alone or in concert with SsbB was not sufficient. In presence of AddAB, RecO and SsbA are still necessary for efficient RecA·ATP-mediated three-strand exchange recombination. Based on genetic and biochemical data, we proposed that SsbA and RecO (or SsbA, RecO and RecR in vivo) are crucial for RecA activation for both, AddAB and RecJ-RecQ (RecS) recombinational repair pathways.

Biochemical and Functional Characterization of the NurA-HerA Complex from Deinococcus radiodurans

In archaea, the NurA nuclease and HerA ATPase/helicase, together with the Mre11-Rad50 complex, function in 3' single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) end processing during homologous recombination (HR). However, bacterial homologs of NurA and HerA have not been characterized. From Deinococcus radiodurans, we identified the manganese-dependent 5'-to-3' ssDNA/double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) exonuclease/endonuclease NurA (DrNurA) and the ATPase HerA (DrHerA). These two proteins stimulated each other's activity through direct protein-protein interactions. The N-terminal HAS domain of DrHerA was the key domain for this interaction. Several critical residues of DrNurA and DrHerA were verified by site-directed mutational analysis. Temperature-dependent activity assays confirmed that the two proteins had mesophilic features, with optimum activity temperatures 10 °C to 15 °C higher than their optimum growth temperatures. Knocking out either nurA or herA affected cell proliferation by shortening the growth phase, especially for growth at a high temperature (37 °C). In addition, both mutant strains displayed almost 10-fold-reduced intermolecular recombination efficiency, indicating that DrNurA and DrHerA might be involved in homologous recombination in vivo. However, single- and double-gene deletions did not show significantly decreased radioresistance. Our results confirmed that the biochemical activities of bacterial NurA and HerA proteins were conserved with archaea. Our phenotypical results suggested that these proteins might have different functions in bacteria.

IMPORTANCE

Deinococcus radiodurans NurA (DrNurA) was identified as a manganese-dependent 5'-to-3' ssDNA/dsDNA exonuclease/endonuclease, and Deinococcus radiodurans HerA (DrHerA) was identified as an ATPase. Physical interactions between DrNurA and DrHerA explained mutual stimulation of their activities. The N-terminal HAS domain on DrHerA was identified as the interaction domain. Several essential functional sites on DrNurA and DrHerA were characterized. Both DrHerA and DrNurA showed mesophilic biochemical features, with their optimum activity temperatures 10 °C to 15 °C higher than their optimum growth temperatures in vitro. Knockout of nurA or herA led to abnormal cell proliferation and reduced intermolecular recombination efficiency but no obvious effect on radioresistence.

Crystal structure of λ exonuclease in complex with DNA and Ca(2+)

Bacteriophage λ exonuclease (λexo) is a ring-shaped homotrimer that resects double-stranded DNA ends in the 5'-3' direction to generate a long 3'-overhang that is a substrate for recombination. λexo is a member of the type II restriction endonuclease-like superfamily of proteins that use a Mg(2+)-dependent mechanism for nucleotide cleavage. A previous structure of λexo in complex with DNA and Mg(2+) was determined using a nuclease defective K131A variant to trap a stable complex. This structure revealed the detailed coordination of the two active site Mg(2+) ions but did not show the interactions involving the side chain of the conserved active site Lys-131 residue. Here, we have determined the crystal structure of wild-type (WT) λexo in complex with the same DNA substrate, but in the presence of Ca(2+) instead of Mg(2+). Surprisingly, there is only one Ca(2+) bound in the active site, near the position of Mg(A) in the structure with Mg(2+). The scissile phosphate is displaced by 2.2 Å relative to its position in the structure with Mg(2+), and the network of interactions involving the attacking water molecule is broken. Thus, the structure does not represent a catalytic configuration. However, the crystal structure does show clear electron density for the side chain of Lys-131, which is held in place by interactions with Gln-157 and Glu-129. By combining the K131A-Mg(2+) and WT-Ca(2+) structures, we constructed a composite model to show the likely interactions of Lys-131 during catalysis. The implications with regard to the catalytic mechanism are discussed.

Grip it and rip it: structural mechanisms of DNA helicase substrate binding and unwinding

Maintenance and faithful transmission of genomic information depends on the efficient execution of numerous DNA replication, recombination, and repair pathways. Many of the enzymes that catalyze steps within these pathways require access to sequence information that is buried in the interior of the DNA double helix, which makes DNA unwinding an essential cellular reaction. The unwinding process is mediated by specialized molecular motors called DNA helicases that couple the chemical energy derived from nucleoside triphosphate hydrolysis to the otherwise non-spontaneous unwinding reaction. An impressive number of high-resolution helicase structures are now available that, together with equally important mechanistic studies, have begun to define the features that allow this class of enzymes to function as molecular motors. In this review, we explore the structural features within DNA helicases that are used to bind and unwind DNA. We focus in particular on "aromatic-rich loops" that allow some helicases to couple single-stranded DNA binding to ATP hydrolysis and "wedge/pin" elements that provide mechanical tools for DNA strand separation when connected to translocating motor domains.

Control of RecBCD enzyme activity by DNA binding- and Chi hotspot-dependent conformational changes

Faithful repair of DNA double-strand breaks by homologous recombination is crucial to maintain functional genomes. The major Escherichia coli pathway of DNA break repair requires RecBCD enzyme, a complex protein machine with multiple activities. Upon encountering a Chi recombination hotspot (5' GCTGGTGG 3') during DNA unwinding, RecBCD's unwinding, nuclease, and RecA-loading activities change dramatically, but the physical basis for these changes is unknown. Here, we identify, during RecBCD's DNA unwinding, two Chi-stimulated conformational changes involving RecC. One produced a marked, long-lasting, Chi-dependent increase in protease sensitivity of a small patch, near the Chi recognition domain, on the solvent-exposed RecC surface. The other change was identified by crosslinking of an artificial amino acid inserted in this RecC patch to RecB. Small-angle X-ray scattering analysis confirmed a major conformational change upon binding of DNA to the enzyme and is consistent with these two changes. We propose that, upon DNA binding, the RecB nuclease domain swings from one side of RecC to the other; when RecBCD encounters Chi, the nuclease domain returns to its initial position determined by crystallography, where it nicks DNA exiting from RecC and loads RecA onto the newly generated 3'-ended single-stranded DNA during continued unwinding; a crevice between RecB and RecC increasingly narrows during these steps. This model provides a physical basis for the intramolecular "signal transduction" from Chi to RecC to RecD to RecB inferred previously from genetic and enzymatic analyses, and it accounts for the enzymatic changes that accompany Chi's stimulation of recombination.