1
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Rogoulenko E, Levy Y. Skipping events impose repeated binding attempts: profound kinetic implications of protein-DNA conformational changes. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:6763-6776. [PMID: 38721783 PMCID: PMC11229352 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The kinetics of protein-DNA recognition, along with its thermodynamic properties, including affinity and specificity, play a central role in shaping biological function. Protein-DNA recognition kinetics are characterized by two key elements: the time taken to locate the target site amid various nonspecific alternatives; and the kinetics involved in the recognition process, which may necessitate overcoming an energetic barrier. In this study, we developed a coarse-grained (CG) model to investigate interactions between a transcription factor called the sex-determining region Y (SRY) protein and DNA, in order to probe how DNA conformational changes affect SRY-DNA recognition and binding kinetics. We find that, not only does a requirement for such a conformational DNA transition correspond to a higher energetic barrier for binding and therefore slower kinetics, it may further impede the recognition kinetics by increasing unsuccessful binding events (skipping events) where the protein partially binds its DNA target site but fails to form the specific protein-DNA complex. Such skipping events impose the need for additional cycles protein search of nonspecific DNA sites, thus significantly extending the overall recognition time. Our results highlight a trade-off between the speed with which the protein scans nonspecific DNA and the rate at which the protein recognizes its specific target site. Finally, we examine molecular approaches potentially adopted by natural systems to enhance protein-DNA recognition despite its intrinsically slow kinetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Rogoulenko
- Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Yaakov Levy
- Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
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2
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Castillo SR, Simone BW, Clark KJ, Devaux P, Ekker SC. Unconstrained Precision Mitochondrial Genome Editing with αDdCBEs. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.13.593977. [PMID: 38798498 PMCID: PMC11118498 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.13.593977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
DddA-derived cytosine base editors (DdCBEs) enable the targeted introduction of C•G-to-T•A conversions in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). DdCBEs are often deployed as pairs, with each arm comprised of a transcription activator-like effector (TALE), a split double-stranded DNA deaminase half, and a uracil glycosylase inhibitor. This pioneering technology has helped improve our understanding of cellular processes involving mtDNA and has paved the way for the development of models and therapies for genetic disorders caused by pathogenic mtDNA variants. Nonetheless, given the intrinsic properties of TALE proteins, several target sites in human mtDNA remain out of reach to DdCBEs and other TALE-based technologies. Specifically, due to the conventional requirement for a thymine immediately upstream of the TALE target sequences (i.e., the 5'-T constraint), over 150 loci in the human mitochondrial genome are presumed to be inaccessible to DdCBEs. Previous attempts at circumventing this constraint, either by developing monomeric DdCBEs or utilizing DNA-binding domains alternative to TALEs, have resulted in suboptimal specificity profiles with reduced therapeutic potential. Here, aiming to challenge and elucidate the relevance of the 5'-T constraint in the context of DdCBE-mediated mtDNA editing, and to expand the range of motifs that are editable by this technology, we generated αDdCBEs that contain modified TALE proteins engineered to recognize all 5' bases. Notably, 5'-T-noncompliant, canonical DdCBEs efficiently edited mtDNA at diverse loci. However, DdCBEs were frequently outperformed by αDdCBEs, which consistently displayed significant improvements in activity and specificity, regardless of the 5'-most bases of their TALE binding sites. Furthermore, we showed that αDdCBEs are compatible with DddA tox and its derivatives DddA6, and DddA11, and we validated TALE shifting with αDdCBEs as an effective approach to optimize base editing outcomes at a single target site. Overall, αDdCBEs enable efficient, specific, and unconstrained mitochondrial base editing.
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3
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Sun R, Lv J, Xue X, Yu S, Tan Z. Chemical Sensors using Single-Molecule Electrical Measurements. Chem Asian J 2023; 18:e202300181. [PMID: 37080926 DOI: 10.1002/asia.202300181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Driven by the digitization and informatization of contemporary society, electrical sensors are developing toward minimal structure, intelligent function, and high detection resolution. Single-molecule electrical measurement techniques have been proven to be capable of label-free molecular recognition and detection, which opens a new strategy for the design of efficient single-molecule detection sensors. In this review, we outline the main advances and potentials of single-molecule electronics for qualitative identification and recognition assays at the single-molecule level. Strategies for single-molecule electro-sensing and its main applications are reviewed, mainly in the detection of ions, small molecules, oligomers, genetic materials, and proteins. This review summarizes the remaining challenges in the current development of single-molecule electrical sensing and presents some potential perspectives for this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiqin Sun
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010021, P. R. China
| | - Jieyao Lv
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010021, P. R. China
| | - Xinyi Xue
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010021, P. R. China
| | - Shiyong Yu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010021, P. R. China
| | - Zhibing Tan
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010021, P. R. China
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4
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Talluri S. Engineering and Design of Programmable Genome Editors. J Phys Chem B 2022; 126:5140-5150. [PMID: 35819243 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.2c03761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Programmable genome editors are enzymes that can be targeted to a specific location in the genome for making site-specific alterations or deletions. The engineering, design, and development of sequence-specific editors has resulted in a dramatic increase in the precision of editing for nucleotide sequences. These editors can target specific locations in a genome, in vivo. The genome editors are being deployed for the development of genetically modified organisms for agriculture and industry, and for gene therapy of inherited human genetic disorders, cancer, and immunotherapy. Experimental and computational studies of structure, binding, activity, dynamics, and folding, reviewed here, have provided valuable insights that have the potential for increasing the functional efficiency of these gene/genome editors. Biochemical and biophysical studies of the specificities of natural and engineered genome editors reveal that increased binding affinity can be detrimental because of the increase of off-target effects and that the engineering and design of genome editors with higher specificity may require modulation and control of the conformational dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sekhar Talluri
- Department of Biotechnology, GITAM, Visakhapatnam, India 530045
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5
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Wei J, Brophy B, Cole SA, Moormann J, Boch J, Laible G. Cytoplasmic Injection of Zygotes to Genome Edit Naturally Occurring Sequence Variants Into Bovine Embryos. Front Genet 2022; 13:925913. [PMID: 35899192 PMCID: PMC9310181 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.925913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome editing provides opportunities to improve current cattle breeding strategies through targeted introduction of natural sequence variants, accelerating genetic gain. This can be achieved by harnessing homology-directed repair mechanisms following editor-induced cleavage of the genome in the presence of a repair template. Introducing the genome editors into zygotes and editing in embryos has the advantage of uncompromised development into live animals and alignment with contemporary embryo-based improvement practices. In our study, we investigated the potential to introduce sequence variants, known from the pre-melanosomal protein 17 (PMEL) and prolactin receptor (PRLR) genes, and produce non-mosaic, edited embryos, completely converted into the precision genotype. Injection of gRNA/Cas9 editors into bovine zygotes to introduce a 3 bp deletion variant into the PMEL gene produced up to 11% fully converted embryos. The conversion rate was increased to up to 48% with the use of TALEN but only when delivered by plasmid. Testing three gRNA/Cas9 editors in the context of several known PRLR sequence variants, different repair template designs and delivery as DNA, RNA or ribonucleoprotein achieved full conversion rates up to 8%. Furthermore, we developed a biopsy-based screening strategy for non-mosaic embryos which has the potential for exclusively producing non-mosaic animals with intended precision edits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwei Wei
- Animal Biotechnology, Ruakura Research Centre, AgResearch Ltd, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Brigid Brophy
- Animal Biotechnology, Ruakura Research Centre, AgResearch Ltd, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Sally-Ann Cole
- Animal Biotechnology, Ruakura Research Centre, AgResearch Ltd, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Jannis Moormann
- Institute of Plant Genetics, Leibniz Universität Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jens Boch
- Institute of Plant Genetics, Leibniz Universität Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Gӧtz Laible
- Animal Biotechnology, Ruakura Research Centre, AgResearch Ltd, Hamilton, New Zealand
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- *Correspondence: Gӧtz Laible,
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6
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Leben K, Strmšek Ž, Lebar T, Verbič A, Dragovan M, Omersa N, Anderluh G, Jerala R. Binding of the transcription activator-like effector augments transcriptional regulation by another transcription factor. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:6562-6574. [PMID: 35670660 PMCID: PMC9226504 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA transcription is regulated by a range of diverse mechanisms and primarily by transcription factors that recruit the RNA polymerase complex to the promoter region on the DNA. Protein binding to DNA at nearby or distant sites can synergistically affect this process in a variety of ways, but mainly through direct interactions between DNA-binding proteins. Here we show that a Transcription Activator-Like Effector (TALE), which lacks an activation domain, can enhance transcription in mammalian cells when it binds in the vicinity of and without direct interaction with several different dimeric or monomeric transcription factors. This effect was observed for several TALEs regardless of the recognition sequences and their DNA-bound orientation. TALEs can exert an effect over the distance of tens of nucleotides and it also potentiated KRAB-mediated repression. The augmentation of transcriptional regulation of another transcription factor is characteristic of TALEs, as it was not observed for dCas9/gRNA, zinc finger, or Gal4 DNA-binding domains. We propose that this mechanism involves an allosteric effect exerted on DNA structure or dynamics. This mechanism could be used to modulate transcription but may also play a role in the natural context of TALEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Leben
- Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Interdisciplinary Doctoral Programme in Biomedicine, University of Ljubljana, Kongresni trg 12, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Žiga Strmšek
- Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tina Lebar
- Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Anže Verbič
- Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Interdisciplinary Doctoral Programme in Biomedicine, University of Ljubljana, Kongresni trg 12, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Matej Dragovan
- Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Neža Omersa
- Department of Molecular Biology and Nanobiotechnology, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Anderluh
- Department of Molecular Biology and Nanobiotechnology, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Roman Jerala
- Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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7
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Becker S, Mücke S, Grau J, Boch J. OUP accepted manuscript. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:2387-2400. [PMID: 35150566 PMCID: PMC8887545 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs) are bacterial proteins with a programmable DNA-binding domain, which turned them into exceptional tools for biotechnology. TALEs contain a central array of consecutive 34 amino acid long repeats to bind DNA in a simple one-repeat-to-one-nucleotide manner. However, a few naturally occurring aberrant repeat variants break this strict binding mechanism, allowing for the recognition of an additional sequence with a −1 nucleotide frameshift. The limits and implications of this extended TALE binding mode are largely unexplored. Here, we analyse the complete diversity of natural and artificially engineered aberrant repeats for their impact on the DNA binding of TALEs. Surprisingly, TALEs with several aberrant repeats can loop out multiple repeats simultaneously without losing DNA-binding capacity. We also characterized members of the only natural TALE class harbouring two aberrant repeats and confirmed that their target is the major virulence factor OsSWEET13 from rice. In an aberrant TALE repeat, the position and nature of the amino acid sequence strongly influence its function. We explored the tolerance of TALE repeats towards alterations further and demonstrate that inserts as large as GFP can be tolerated without disrupting DNA binding. This illustrates the extraordinary DNA-binding capacity of TALEs and opens new uses in biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Becker
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Institute of Plant Genetics, Leibniz Universität Hannover, 30419 Hannover, Germany
| | - Stefanie Mücke
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Institute of Plant Genetics, Leibniz Universität Hannover, 30419 Hannover, Germany
| | - Jan Grau
- Institute of Computer Science, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Jens Boch
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +49 511 762 4082; Fax: +49 511 762 4088;
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8
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Yang XW, Liu J. Observing Protein One-Dimensional Sliding: Methodology and Biological Significance. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1618. [PMID: 34827616 PMCID: PMC8615959 DOI: 10.3390/biom11111618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
One-dimensional (1D) sliding of DNA-binding proteins has been observed by numerous kinetic studies. It appears that many of these sliding events play important roles in a wide range of biological processes. However, one challenge is to determine the physiological relevance of these motions in the context of the protein's biological function. Here, we discuss methods of measuring protein 1D sliding by highlighting the single-molecule approaches that are capable of visualizing particle movement in real time. We also present recent findings that show how protein sliding contributes to function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jiaquan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China;
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9
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Liu W, Li J, Xu Y, Yin D, Zhu X, Fu H, Su X, Guo X. Complete Mapping of DNA‐Protein Interactions at the Single‐Molecule Level. ADVANCED SCIENCE 2021; 8:2101383. [PMCID: PMC8655176 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202101383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
DNA–protein interaction plays an essential role in the storage, expression, and regulation of genetic information. A 1D/3D facilitated diffusion mechanism has been proposed to explain the extraordinarily rapid rate of DNA‐binding protein (DBP) searching for cognate sequence along DNA and further studied by single‐molecule experiments. However, direct observation of the detailed chronological protein searching image is still a formidable challenge. Here, for the first time, a single‐molecule electrical monitoring technique is utilized to realize label‐free detection of the DBP–DNA interaction process based on high‐gain silicon nanowire field‐effect transistors (SiNW FETs). The whole binding process of WRKY domain and DNA has been visualized with high sensitivity and single‐base resolution. Impressively, the swinging of hydrogen bonds between amino acid residues and bases in DNA induce the dynamic collective motion of DBP–DNA. This in situ, label‐free electrical detection platform provides a practical experimental methodology for dynamic studies of various biomolecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenzhe Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable SpeciesBeijing National Laboratory for Molecular SciencesNational Biomedical Imaging CenterCollege of Chemistry and Molecular EngineeringPeking UniversityBeijing100871P. R. China
| | - Jie Li
- State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable SpeciesBeijing National Laboratory for Molecular SciencesNational Biomedical Imaging CenterCollege of Chemistry and Molecular EngineeringPeking UniversityBeijing100871P. R. China
- Shenzhen Bay LaboratoryShenzhen518132P. R. China
| | - Yongping Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene ResearchBiomedical Pioneering Innovation Center (BIOPIC)Peking UniversityBeijing100871P. R. China
| | - Dongbao Yin
- State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable SpeciesBeijing National Laboratory for Molecular SciencesNational Biomedical Imaging CenterCollege of Chemistry and Molecular EngineeringPeking UniversityBeijing100871P. R. China
| | - Xin Zhu
- Center of Single‐Molecule SciencesFrontiers Science Center for New Organic MatterInstitute of Modern OpticsCollege of Electronic Information and Optical EngineeringNankai University38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan DistrictTianjin300350P. R. China
| | - Huanyan Fu
- Center of Single‐Molecule SciencesFrontiers Science Center for New Organic MatterInstitute of Modern OpticsCollege of Electronic Information and Optical EngineeringNankai University38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan DistrictTianjin300350P. R. China
| | - Xiaodong Su
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene ResearchBiomedical Pioneering Innovation Center (BIOPIC)Peking UniversityBeijing100871P. R. China
| | - Xuefeng Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable SpeciesBeijing National Laboratory for Molecular SciencesNational Biomedical Imaging CenterCollege of Chemistry and Molecular EngineeringPeking UniversityBeijing100871P. R. China
- Center of Single‐Molecule SciencesFrontiers Science Center for New Organic MatterInstitute of Modern OpticsCollege of Electronic Information and Optical EngineeringNankai University38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan DistrictTianjin300350P. R. China
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10
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Kamagata K, Itoh Y, Tan C, Mano E, Wu Y, Mandali S, Takada S, Johnson RC. Testing mechanisms of DNA sliding by architectural DNA-binding proteins: dynamics of single wild-type and mutant protein molecules in vitro and in vivo. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:8642-8664. [PMID: 34352099 PMCID: PMC8421229 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Architectural DNA-binding proteins (ADBPs) are abundant constituents of eukaryotic or bacterial chromosomes that bind DNA promiscuously and function in diverse DNA reactions. They generate large conformational changes in DNA upon binding yet can slide along DNA when searching for functional binding sites. Here we investigate the mechanism by which ADBPs diffuse on DNA by single-molecule analyses of mutant proteins rationally chosen to distinguish between rotation-coupled diffusion and DNA surface sliding after transient unbinding from the groove(s). The properties of yeast Nhp6A mutant proteins, combined with molecular dynamics simulations, suggest Nhp6A switches between two binding modes: a static state, in which the HMGB domain is bound within the minor groove with the DNA highly bent, and a mobile state, where the protein is traveling along the DNA surface by means of its flexible N-terminal basic arm. The behaviors of Fis mutants, a bacterial nucleoid-associated helix-turn-helix dimer, are best explained by mobile proteins unbinding from the major groove and diffusing along the DNA surface. Nhp6A, Fis, and bacterial HU are all near exclusively associated with the chromosome, as packaged within the bacterial nucleoid, and can be modeled by three diffusion modes where HU exhibits the fastest and Fis the slowest diffusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyoto Kamagata
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, Katahira 2-1-1, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
| | - Yuji Itoh
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, Katahira 2-1-1, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
| | - Cheng Tan
- Department of Biophysics, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Eriko Mano
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, Katahira 2-1-1, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
| | - Yining Wu
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, Katahira 2-1-1, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
| | - Sridhar Mandali
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1737, USA
| | - Shoji Takada
- Department of Biophysics, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Reid C Johnson
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1737, USA.,Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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11
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Ahmadi A, Till K, Backe PH, Blicher P, Diekmann R, Schüttpelz M, Glette K, Tørresen J, Bjørås M, Rowe AD, Dalhus B. Non-flipping DNA glycosylase AlkD scans DNA without formation of a stable interrogation complex. Commun Biol 2021; 4:876. [PMID: 34267321 PMCID: PMC8282808 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02400-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The multi-step base excision repair (BER) pathway is initiated by a set of enzymes, known as DNA glycosylases, able to scan DNA and detect modified bases among a vast number of normal bases. While DNA glycosylases in the BER pathway generally bend the DNA and flip damaged bases into lesion specific pockets, the HEAT-like repeat DNA glycosylase AlkD detects and excises bases without sequestering the base from the DNA helix. We show by single-molecule tracking experiments that AlkD scans DNA without forming a stable interrogation complex. This contrasts with previously studied repair enzymes that need to flip bases into lesion-recognition pockets and form stable interrogation complexes. Moreover, we show by design of a loss-of-function mutant that the bimodality in scanning observed for the structural homologue AlkF is due to a key structural differentiator between AlkD and AlkF; a positively charged β-hairpin able to protrude into the major groove of DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arash Ahmadi
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Institute for Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Katharina Till
- FOM Institute AMOLF, Science Park 104, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Biomolecular Photonics, Department of Physics, University of Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Paul Hoff Backe
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Institute for Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Microbiology, Oslo University Hospital HF, Rikshospitalet and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Pernille Blicher
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Institute for Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Robin Diekmann
- Biomolecular Photonics, Department of Physics, University of Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Mark Schüttpelz
- Biomolecular Photonics, Department of Physics, University of Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Kyrre Glette
- Department of Informatics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jim Tørresen
- Department of Informatics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Magnar Bjørås
- Department of Microbiology, Oslo University Hospital HF, Rikshospitalet and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Alexander D Rowe
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Institute for Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Newborn Screening, Division of Child and Adolescent Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bjørn Dalhus
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Institute for Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway. .,Department of Microbiology, Oslo University Hospital HF, Rikshospitalet and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
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12
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Bigman LS, Greenblatt HM, Levy Y. What Are the Molecular Requirements for Protein Sliding along DNA? J Phys Chem B 2021; 125:3119-3131. [PMID: 33754737 PMCID: PMC8041311 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.1c00757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
![]()
DNA-binding proteins rely on linear
diffusion along the longitudinal
DNA axis, supported by their nonspecific electrostatic affinity for
DNA, to search for their target recognition sites. One may therefore
expect that the ability to engage in linear diffusion along DNA is
universal to all DNA-binding proteins, with the detailed biophysical
characteristics of that diffusion differing between proteins depending
on their structures and functions. One key question is whether the
linear diffusion mechanism is defined by translation coupled with
rotation, a mechanism that is often termed sliding. We conduct coarse-grained
and atomistic molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the minimal
requirements for protein sliding along DNA. We show that coupling,
while widespread, is not universal. DNA-binding proteins that slide
along DNA transition to uncoupled translation–rotation (i.e.,
hopping) at higher salt concentrations. Furthermore, and consistently
with experimental reports, we find that the sliding mechanism is the
less dominant mechanism for some DNA-binding proteins, even at low
salt concentrations. In particular, the toroidal PCNA protein is shown
to follow the hopping rather than the sliding mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavi S Bigman
- Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Harry M Greenblatt
- Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Yaakov Levy
- Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
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13
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TALEN outperforms Cas9 in editing heterochromatin target sites. Nat Commun 2021; 12:606. [PMID: 33504770 PMCID: PMC7840734 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20672-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Genome editing critically relies on selective recognition of target sites. However, despite recent progress, the underlying search mechanism of genome-editing proteins is not fully understood in the context of cellular chromatin environments. Here, we use single-molecule imaging in live cells to directly study the behavior of CRISPR/Cas9 and TALEN. Our single-molecule imaging of genome-editing proteins reveals that Cas9 is less efficient in heterochromatin than TALEN because Cas9 becomes encumbered by local searches on non-specific sites in these regions. We find up to a fivefold increase in editing efficiency for TALEN compared to Cas9 in heterochromatin regions. Overall, our results show that Cas9 and TALEN use a combination of 3-D and local searches to identify target sites, and the nanoscopic granularity of local search determines the editing outcomes of the genome-editing proteins. Taken together, our results suggest that TALEN is a more efficient gene-editing tool than Cas9 for applications in heterochromatin.
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14
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Pal A, Greenblatt HM, Levy Y. Prerecognition Diffusion Mechanism of Human DNA Mismatch Repair Proteins along DNA: Msh2-Msh3 versus Msh2-Msh6. Biochemistry 2020; 59:4822-4832. [PMID: 33319999 PMCID: PMC7872316 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.0c00669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
![]()
DNA
mismatch repair (MMR) is an important postreplication process
that eliminates mispaired or unpaired nucleotides to ensure genomic
replication fidelity. In humans, Msh2-Msh6 and Msh2-Msh3 are the two
mismatch repair initiation factors that recognize DNA lesions. While
X-ray crystal structures exist for these proteins in complex with
DNA lesions, little is known about their structures during the initial
search along nonspecific double-stranded DNA, because they are short-lived
and difficult to determine experimentally. In this study, various
computational approaches were used to sidestep these difficulties.
All-atom and coarse-grained simulations based on the crystal structures
of Msh2-Msh3 and Msh2-Msh6 showed no translation along the DNA, suggesting
that the initial search conformation differs from the lesion-bound
crystal structure. We modeled probable search-mode structures of MSH
proteins and showed, using coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations,
that they can perform rotation-coupled diffusion on DNA, which is
a suitable and efficient search mechanism for their function and one
predicted earlier by fluorescence resonance energy transfer and fluorescence
microscopy studies. This search mechanism is implemented by electrostatic
interactions among the mismatch-binding domain (MBD), the clamp domains,
and the DNA backbone. During simulations, their diffusion rate did
not change significantly with an increasing salt concentration, which
is consistent with observations from experimental studies. When the
gap between their DNA-binding clamps was increased, Msh2-Msh3 diffused
mostly via the clamp domains while Msh2-Msh6 still diffused using
the MBD, reproducing the experimentally measured lower diffusion coefficient
of Msh2-Msh6. Interestingly, Msh2-Msh3 was capable of dissociating
from the DNA, whereas Msh2-Msh6 always diffused on the DNA duplex.
This is consistent with the experimental observation that Msh2-Msh3,
unlike Msh2-Msh6, can overcome obstacles such as nucleosomes. Our
models provide a molecular picture of the different mismatch search
mechanisms undertaken by Msh2-Msh6 and Msh2-Msh3, despite the similarity
of their structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arumay Pal
- Department of Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Harry M Greenblatt
- Department of Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Yaakov Levy
- Department of Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
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15
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CRISPR FokI Dead Cas9 System: Principles and Applications in Genome Engineering. Cells 2020; 9:cells9112518. [PMID: 33233344 PMCID: PMC7700487 DOI: 10.3390/cells9112518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of the robust clustered regularly interspersed short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) associated endonuclease (Cas9) system gene-editing tool has opened up a wide range of potential therapeutic applications that were restricted by more complex tools, including zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) and transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs). Nevertheless, the high frequency of CRISPR system off-target activity still limits its applications, and, thus, advanced strategies for highly specific CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing are continuously under development including CRISPR–FokI dead Cas9 (fdCas9). fdCas9 system is derived from linking a FokI endonuclease catalytic domain to an inactive Cas9 protein and requires a pair of guide sgRNAs that bind to the sense and antisense strands of the DNA in a protospacer adjacent motif (PAM)-out orientation, with a defined spacer sequence range around the target site. The dimerization of FokI domains generates DNA double-strand breaks, which activates the DNA repair machinery and results in genomic edit. So far, all the engineered fdCas9 variants have shown promising gene-editing activities in human cells when compared to other platforms. Herein, we review the advantages of all published variants of fdCas9 and their current applications in genome engineering.
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16
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Kamagata K, Ouchi K, Tan C, Mano E, Mandali S, Wu Y, Takada S, Takahashi S, Johnson RC. The HMGB chromatin protein Nhp6A can bypass obstacles when traveling on DNA. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:10820-10831. [PMID: 32997109 PMCID: PMC7641734 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA binding proteins rapidly locate their specific DNA targets through a combination of 3D and 1D diffusion mechanisms, with the 1D search involving bidirectional sliding along DNA. However, even in nucleosome-free regions, chromosomes are highly decorated with associated proteins that may block sliding. Here we investigate the ability of the abundant chromatin-associated HMGB protein Nhp6A from Saccharomyces cerevisiae to travel along DNA in the presence of other architectural DNA binding proteins using single-molecule fluorescence microscopy. We observed that 1D diffusion by Nhp6A molecules is retarded by increasing densities of the bacterial proteins Fis and HU and by Nhp6A, indicating these structurally diverse proteins impede Nhp6A mobility on DNA. However, the average travel distances were larger than the average distances between neighboring proteins, implying Nhp6A is able to bypass each of these obstacles. Together with molecular dynamics simulations, our analyses suggest two binding modes: mobile molecules that can bypass barriers as they seek out DNA targets, and near stationary molecules that are associated with neighboring proteins or preferred DNA structures. The ability of mobile Nhp6A molecules to bypass different obstacles on DNA suggests they do not block 1D searches by other DNA binding proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyoto Kamagata
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, Katahira 2-1-1, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577, Japan.,Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Katahira 2-1-1, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577, Japan.,Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Tohoku University, Katahira 2-1-1, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
| | - Kana Ouchi
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, Katahira 2-1-1, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577, Japan.,Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Katahira 2-1-1, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
| | - Cheng Tan
- Computational Biophysics Research Team, RIKEN Center for Computational Science, 7-1-26 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
| | - Eriko Mano
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, Katahira 2-1-1, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
| | - Sridhar Mandali
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1737 USA
| | - Yining Wu
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, Katahira 2-1-1, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577, Japan.,Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Tohoku University, Katahira 2-1-1, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
| | - Shoji Takada
- Department of Biophysics, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Satoshi Takahashi
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, Katahira 2-1-1, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577, Japan.,Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Katahira 2-1-1, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577, Japan.,Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Tohoku University, Katahira 2-1-1, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
| | - Reid C Johnson
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1737 USA.,Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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17
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Does PCNA diffusion on DNA follow a rotation-coupled translation mechanism? Nat Commun 2020; 11:5000. [PMID: 33020481 PMCID: PMC7536400 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-18855-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
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18
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Transient binding and jumping dynamics of p53 along DNA revealed by sub-millisecond resolved single-molecule fluorescence tracking. Sci Rep 2020; 10:13697. [PMID: 32792545 PMCID: PMC7426816 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-70763-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Characterization of the target search dynamics of DNA-binding proteins along DNA has been hampered by the time resolution of a standard single-molecule fluorescence microscopy. Here, we achieved the time resolution of 0.5 ms in the fluorescence microscopy measurements by optimizing the fluorescence excitation based on critical angle illumination and by utilizing the time delay integration mode of the electron-multiplying charge coupled device. We characterized the target search dynamics of the tumor suppressor p53 along nonspecific DNA at physiological salt concentrations. We identified a short-lived encounter intermediate before the formation of the long-lived p53–DNA complex. Both the jumps and the one-dimensional diffusion of p53 along DNA were accelerated at higher salt concentrations, suggesting the rotation-uncoupled movement of p53 along DNA grooves and conformational changes in the p53/DNA complex. This method can be used to clarify the unresolved dynamics of DNA-binding proteins previously hidden by time averaging.
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19
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Bigman LS, Levy Y. Protein Diffusion on Charged Biopolymers: DNA versus Microtubule. Biophys J 2020; 118:3008-3018. [PMID: 32492371 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2020.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein diffusion in lower-dimensional spaces is used for various cellular functions. For example, sliding on DNA is essential for proteins searching for their target sites, and protein diffusion on microtubules is important for proper cell division and neuronal development. On the one hand, these linear diffusion processes are mediated by long-range electrostatic interactions between positively charged proteins and negatively charged biopolymers and have similar characteristic diffusion coefficients. On the other hand, DNA and microtubules have different structural properties. Here, using computational approaches, we studied the mechanism of protein diffusion along DNA and microtubules by exploring the diffusion of both protein types on both biopolymers. We found that DNA-binding and microtubule-binding proteins can diffuse on each other's substrates; however, the adopted diffusion mechanism depends on the molecular properties of the diffusing proteins and the biopolymers. On the protein side, only DNA-binding proteins can perform rotation-coupled diffusion along DNA, with this being due to their higher net charge and its spatial organization at the DNA recognition helix. By contrast, the lower net charge on microtubule-binding proteins enables them to diffuse more quickly than DNA-binding proteins on both biopolymers. On the biopolymer side, microtubules possess intrinsically disordered, negatively charged C-terminal tails that interact with microtubule-binding proteins, thus supporting their diffusion. Thus, although both DNA-binding and microtubule-binding proteins can diffuse on the negatively charged biopolymers, the unique molecular features of the biopolymers and of their natural substrates are essential for function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavi S Bigman
- Department of Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yaakov Levy
- Department of Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
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20
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Cuculis L, Zhao C, Abil Z, Zhao H, Shukla D, Schroeder CM. Divalent cations promote TALE DNA-binding specificity. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:1406-1422. [PMID: 31863586 PMCID: PMC7026652 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz1174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in gene editing have been enabled by programmable nucleases such as transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) and CRISPR–Cas9. However, several open questions remain regarding the molecular machinery in these systems, including fundamental search and binding behavior as well as role of off-target binding and specificity. In order to achieve efficient and specific cleavage at target sites, a high degree of target site discrimination must be demonstrated for gene editing applications. In this work, we studied the binding affinity and specificity for a series of TALE proteins under a variety of solution conditions using in vitro fluorescence methods and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Remarkably, we identified that TALEs demonstrate high sequence specificity only upon addition of small amounts of certain divalent cations (Mg2+, Ca2+). However, under purely monovalent salt conditions (K+, Na+), TALEs bind to specific and non-specific DNA with nearly equal affinity. Divalent cations preferentially bind to DNA over monovalent cations, which attenuates non-specific interactions between TALEs and DNA and further stabilizes specific interactions. Overall, these results uncover new mechanistic insights into the binding action of TALEs and further provide potential avenues for engineering and application of TALE- or TALEN-based systems for genome editing and regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chuankai Zhao
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Zhanar Abil
- Department of Biochemistry, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Huimin Zhao
- Department of Chemistry, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.,Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.,Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.,Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Diwakar Shukla
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.,Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.,National Center for Supercomputing Applications, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.,NIH Center for Macromolecular Modeling and Bioinformatics, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.,Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Charles M Schroeder
- Department of Chemistry, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.,Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.,Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.,Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.,Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
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21
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Kamagata K, Itoh Y, Subekti DRG. How p53 Molecules Solve the Target DNA Search Problem: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E1031. [PMID: 32033163 PMCID: PMC7037437 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21031031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 01/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Interactions between DNA and DNA-binding proteins play an important role in many essential cellular processes. A key function of the DNA-binding protein p53 is to search for and bind to target sites incorporated in genomic DNA, which triggers transcriptional regulation. How do p53 molecules achieve "rapid" and "accurate" target search in living cells? The search dynamics of p53 were expected to include 3D diffusion in solution, 1D diffusion along DNA, and intersegmental transfer between two different DNA strands. Single-molecule fluorescence microscopy enabled the tracking of p53 molecules on DNA and the characterization of these dynamics quantitatively. Recent intensive single-molecule studies of p53 succeeded in revealing each of these search dynamics. Here, we review these studies and discuss the target search mechanisms of p53.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyoto Kamagata
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, Katahira 2-1-1, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577, Japan; (Y.I.); (D.R.G.S.)
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - Yuji Itoh
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, Katahira 2-1-1, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577, Japan; (Y.I.); (D.R.G.S.)
- Genome Dynamics Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
| | - Dwiky Rendra Graha Subekti
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, Katahira 2-1-1, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577, Japan; (Y.I.); (D.R.G.S.)
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
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22
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Perez-Quintero AL, Szurek B. A Decade Decoded: Spies and Hackers in the History of TAL Effectors Research. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PHYTOPATHOLOGY 2019; 57:459-481. [PMID: 31387457 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-phyto-082718-100026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs) from the genus Xanthomonas are proteins with the remarkable ability to directly bind the promoters of genes in the plant host to induce their expression, which often helps bacterial colonization. Metaphorically, TALEs act as spies that infiltrate the plant disguised as high-ranking civilians (transcription factors) to trick the plant into activating weak points that allow an invasion. Current knowledge of how TALEs operate allows researchers to predict their activity (counterespionage) and exploit their function, engineering them to do our bidding (a Manchurian agent). This has been possible thanks particularly to the discovery of their DNA binding mechanism, which obeys specific amino acid-DNA correspondences (the TALE code). Here, we review the history of how researchers discovered the way these proteins work and what has changed in the ten years since the discovery of the code. Recommended music for reading this review can be found in the Supplemental Material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvaro L Perez-Quintero
- Department of Bioagricultural Sciences and Pest Management, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523-1177, USA;
- IRD, CIRAD, Université Montpellier, IPME, 34000 Montpellier, France;
| | - Boris Szurek
- IRD, CIRAD, Université Montpellier, IPME, 34000 Montpellier, France;
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23
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Daitchman D, Greenblatt HM, Levy Y. Diffusion of ring-shaped proteins along DNA: case study of sliding clamps. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 46:5935-5949. [PMID: 29860305 PMCID: PMC6158715 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Several DNA-binding proteins, such as topoisomerases, helicases and sliding clamps, have a toroidal (i.e. ring) shape that topologically traps DNA, with this quality being essential to their function. Many DNA-binding proteins that function, for example, as transcription factors or enzymes were shown to be able to diffuse linearly (i.e. slide) along DNA during the search for their target binding sites. The protein's sliding properties and ability to search DNA, which often also involves hopping and dissociation, are expected to be different when it encircles the DNA. In this study, we explored the linear diffusion of four ring-shaped proteins of very similar structure: three sliding clamps (PCNA, β-clamp, and the gp45) and the 9-1-1 protein, with a particular focus on PCNA. Coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations were performed to decipher the sliding mechanism adopted by these ring-shaped proteins and to determine how the molecular properties of the inner and outer ring govern its search speed. We designed in silico variants to dissect the contributions of ring geometry and electrostatics to the sliding speed of ring-shaped proteins along DNA. We found that the toroidal proteins diffuse when they are tilted relative to the DNA axis and able to rotate during translocation, but that coupling between rotation and translocation is quite weak. Their diffusion speed is affected by the shape of the inner ring and, to a lesser extent, by its electrostatic properties. However, breaking the symmetry of the electrostatic potential can result in deviation of the DNA from the center of the ring and cause slower linear diffusion. The findings are discussed in light of earlier computational and experimental studies on the sliding of clamps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina Daitchman
- Department of Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Harry M Greenblatt
- Department of Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Yaakov Levy
- Department of Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +972 8 9344587;
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24
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Leven I, Levy Y. Quantifying the two-state facilitated diffusion model of protein-DNA interactions. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 47:5530-5538. [PMID: 31045207 PMCID: PMC6582340 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2019] [Revised: 04/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The current report extends the facilitated diffusion model to account for conflict between the search and recognition binding modes adopted by DNA-binding proteins (DBPs) as they search DNA and subsequently recognize and bind to their specific binding site. The speed of the search dynamics is governed by the energetic ruggedness of the protein-DNA landscape, whereas the rate for the recognition process is mostly dictated by the free energy barrier for the transition between the DBP's search and recognition binding modes. We show that these two modes are negatively coupled, such that fast 1D sliding and rapid target site recognition probabilities are unlikely to coexist. Thus, a tradeoff occurs between optimizing the timescales for finding and binding the target site. We find that these two kinetic properties can be balanced to produce a fast timescale for the total target search and recognition process by optimizing frustration. Quantification of the facilitated diffusion model by including a frustration term enables it to explain several experimental observations concerning search and recognition speeds. The extended model captures experimental estimate of the energetic ruggedness of the protein-DNA landscape and predicts how various molecular properties of protein-DNA binding affect recognition kinetics. Particularly, point mutations may change the frustration and so affect protein association with DNA, thus providing a means to modulate protein-DNA affinity by manipulating the protein's association or dissociation reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itai Leven
- Department of Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Yaakov Levy
- Department of Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
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25
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Piatt SC, Loparo JJ, Price AC. The Role of Noncognate Sites in the 1D Search Mechanism of EcoRI. Biophys J 2019; 116:2367-2377. [PMID: 31113551 PMCID: PMC6588823 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2019.04.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
A one-dimensional (1D) search is an essential step in DNA target recognition. Theoretical studies have suggested that the sequence dependence of 1D diffusion can help resolve the competing demands of a fast search and high target affinity, a conflict known as the speed-selectivity paradox. The resolution requires that the diffusion energy landscape is correlated with the underlying specific binding energies. In this work, we report observations of a 1D search by quantum dot-labeled EcoRI. Our data supports the view that proteins search DNA via rotation-coupled sliding over a corrugated energy landscape. We observed that whereas EcoRI primarily slides along DNA at low salt concentrations, at higher concentrations, its diffusion is a combination of sliding and hopping. We also observed long-lived pauses at genomic star sites, which differ by a single nucleotide from the target sequence. To reconcile these observations with prior biochemical and structural data, we propose a model of search in which the protein slides over a sequence-independent energy landscape during fast search but rapidly interconverts with a "hemispecific" binding mode in which a half site is probed. This half site interaction stabilizes the transition to a fully specific mode of binding, which can then lead to target recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadie C Piatt
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, Emmanuel College, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Joseph J Loparo
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
| | - Allen C Price
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, Emmanuel College, Boston, Massachusetts.
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26
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Rathi P, Maurer S, Summerer D. Selective recognition of N4-methylcytosine in DNA by engineered transcription-activator-like effectors. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2019; 373:rstb.2017.0078. [PMID: 29685980 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2017.0078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The epigenetic DNA nucleobases 5-methylcytosine (5mC) and N4-methylcytosine (4mC) coexist in bacterial genomes and have important functions in host defence and transcription regulation. To better understand the individual biological roles of both methylated nucleobases, analytical strategies for distinguishing unmodified cytosine (C) from 4mC and 5mC are required. Transcription-activator-like effectors (TALEs) are programmable DNA-binding repeat proteins, which can be re-engineered for the direct detection of epigenetic nucleobases in user-defined DNA sequences. We here report the natural, cytosine-binding TALE repeat to not strongly differentiate between 5mC and 4mC. To engineer repeats with selectivity in the context of C, 5mC and 4mC, we developed a homogeneous fluorescence assay and screened a library of size-reduced TALE repeats for binding to all three nucleobases. This provided insights into the requirements of size-reduced TALE repeats for 4mC binding and revealed a single mutant repeat as a selective binder of 4mC. Employment of a TALE with this repeat in affinity enrichment enabled the isolation of a user-defined DNA sequence containing a single 4mC but not C or 5mC from the background of a bacterial genome. Comparative enrichments with TALEs bearing this or the natural C-binding repeat provides an approach for the complete, programmable decoding of all cytosine nucleobases found in bacterial genomes.This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Frontiers in epigenetic chemical biology'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preeti Rathi
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Technical University of Dortmund, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 4a, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Sara Maurer
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Technical University of Dortmund, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 4a, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Daniel Summerer
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Technical University of Dortmund, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 4a, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
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Swank Z, Laohakunakorn N, Maerkl SJ. Cell-free gene-regulatory network engineering with synthetic transcription factors. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:5892-5901. [PMID: 30850530 PMCID: PMC6442555 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1816591116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene-regulatory networks are ubiquitous in nature and critical for bottom-up engineering of synthetic networks. Transcriptional repression is a fundamental function that can be tuned at the level of DNA, protein, and cooperative protein-protein interactions, necessitating high-throughput experimental approaches for in-depth characterization. Here, we used a cell-free system in combination with a high-throughput microfluidic device to comprehensively study the different tuning mechanisms of a synthetic zinc-finger repressor library, whose affinity and cooperativity can be rationally engineered. The device is integrated into a comprehensive workflow that includes determination of transcription-factor binding-energy landscapes and mechanistic modeling, enabling us to generate a library of well-characterized synthetic transcription factors and corresponding promoters, which we then used to build gene-regulatory networks de novo. The well-characterized synthetic parts and insights gained should be useful for rationally engineering gene-regulatory networks and for studying the biophysics of transcriptional regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe Swank
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nadanai Laohakunakorn
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sebastian J Maerkl
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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28
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Breaking the speed limit with multimode fast scanning of DNA by Endonuclease V. Nat Commun 2018; 9:5381. [PMID: 30568191 PMCID: PMC6300609 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07797-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In order to preserve genomic stability, cells rely on various repair pathways for removing DNA damage. The mechanisms how enzymes scan DNA and recognize their target sites are incompletely understood. Here, by using high-localization precision microscopy along with 133 Hz high sampling rate, we have recorded EndoV and OGG1 interacting with 12-kbp elongated λ-DNA in an optical trap. EndoV switches between three distinct scanning modes, each with a clear range of activation energy barriers. These results concur with average diffusion rate and occupancy of states determined by a hidden Markov model, allowing us to infer that EndoV confinement occurs when the intercalating wedge motif is involved in rigorous probing of the DNA, while highly mobile EndoV may disengage from a strictly 1D helical diffusion mode and hop along the DNA. This makes EndoV the first example of a monomeric, single-conformation and single-binding-site protein demonstrating the ability to switch between three scanning modes. How DNA repair proteins locate their target sites on DNA is still a matter of debate. Here the authors characterize by single-molecule fluorescence imaging the modes of scanning adopted by bacterial endonuclease V as it moves along linear DNA tracks.
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29
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Bogdanove AJ, Bohm A, Miller JC, Morgan RD, Stoddard BL. Engineering altered protein-DNA recognition specificity. Nucleic Acids Res 2018; 46:4845-4871. [PMID: 29718463 PMCID: PMC6007267 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein engineering is used to generate novel protein folds and assemblages, to impart new properties and functions onto existing proteins, and to enhance our understanding of principles that govern protein structure. While such approaches can be employed to reprogram protein-protein interactions, modifying protein-DNA interactions is more difficult. This may be related to the structural features of protein-DNA interfaces, which display more charged groups, directional hydrogen bonds, ordered solvent molecules and counterions than comparable protein interfaces. Nevertheless, progress has been made in the redesign of protein-DNA specificity, much of it driven by the development of engineered enzymes for genome modification. Here, we summarize the creation of novel DNA specificities for zinc finger proteins, meganucleases, TAL effectors, recombinases and restriction endonucleases. The ease of re-engineering each system is related both to the modularity of the protein and the extent to which the proteins have evolved to be capable of readily modifying their recognition specificities in response to natural selection. The development of engineered DNA binding proteins that display an ideal combination of activity, specificity, deliverability, and outcomes is not a fully solved problem, however each of the current platforms offers unique advantages, offset by behaviors and properties requiring further study and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J Bogdanove
- Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Andrew Bohm
- Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University, 136 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Jeffrey C Miller
- Sangamo Therapeutics Inc. 501 Canal Blvd., Richmond, CA 94804, USA
| | - Richard D Morgan
- New England Biolabs, Inc., 240 County Road, Ipswich, MA 01938, USA
| | - Barry L Stoddard
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98019, USA
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30
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King G, Biebricher AS, Heller I, Peterman EJG, Wuite GJL. Quantifying Local Molecular Tension Using Intercalated DNA Fluorescence. NANO LETTERS 2018; 18:2274-2281. [PMID: 29473755 PMCID: PMC6023266 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.7b04842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Revised: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The ability to measure mechanics and forces in biological nanostructures, such as DNA, proteins and cells, is of great importance as a means to analyze biomolecular systems. However, current force detection methods often require specialized instrumentation. Here, we present a novel and versatile method to quantify tension in molecular systems locally and in real time, using intercalated DNA fluorescence. This approach can report forces over a range of at least ∼0.5-65 pN with a resolution of 1-3 pN, using commercially available intercalating dyes and a general-purpose fluorescence microscope. We demonstrate that the method can be easily implemented to report double-stranded (ds)DNA tension in any single-molecule assay that is compatible with fluorescence microscopy. This is particularly useful for multiplexed techniques, where measuring applied force in parallel is technically challenging. Moreover, tension measurements based on local dye binding offer the unique opportunity to determine how an applied force is distributed locally within biomolecular structures. Exploiting this, we apply our method to quantify the position-dependent force profile along the length of flow-stretched DNA and reveal that stretched and entwined DNA molecules-mimicking catenated DNA structures in vivo-display transient DNA-DNA interactions. The method reported here has obvious and broad applications for the study of DNA and DNA-protein interactions. Additionally, we propose that it could be employed to measure forces in any system to which dsDNA can be tethered, for applications including protein unfolding, chromosome mechanics, cell motility, and DNA nanomachines.
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31
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Singh D, Ha T. Understanding the Molecular Mechanisms of the CRISPR Toolbox Using Single Molecule Approaches. ACS Chem Biol 2018; 13:516-526. [PMID: 29394047 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.7b00905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Adaptive immunity against foreign genetic elements conferred by the CRISPR systems in microbial species has been repurposed as a revolutionary technology for wide-ranging biological applications-chiefly genome engineering. Biochemical, structural, genetic, and genomics studies have revealed important insights into their function and mechanisms, but most ensemble studies cannot observe structural changes of these molecules during their function and are often blind to key reaction intermediates. Here, we review the use of single molecule approaches such as fluorescent particle tracking, FRET, magnetic tweezers, and atomic force microscopy imaging in improving our understanding of the CRISPR toolbox.
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Affiliation(s)
- Digvijay Singh
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Taekjip Ha
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
- Department of Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
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32
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Kamagata K, Mano E, Ouchi K, Kanbayashi S, Johnson RC. High Free-Energy Barrier of 1D Diffusion Along DNA by Architectural DNA-Binding Proteins. J Mol Biol 2018; 430:655-667. [PMID: 29307468 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2018.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Revised: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Architectural DNA-binding proteins function to regulate diverse DNA reactions and have the defining property of significantly changing DNA conformation. Although the 1D movement along DNA by other types of DNA-binding proteins has been visualized, the mobility of architectural DNA-binding proteins on DNA remains unknown. Here, we applied single-molecule fluorescence imaging on arrays of extended DNA molecules to probe the binding dynamics of three structurally distinct architectural DNA-binding proteins: Nhp6A, HU, and Fis. Each of these proteins was observed to move along DNA, and the salt concentration independence of the 1D diffusion implies sliding with continuous contact to DNA. Nhp6A and HU exhibit a single sliding mode, whereas Fis exhibits two sliding modes. Based on comparison of the diffusion coefficients and sizes of many DNA binding proteins, the architectural proteins are categorized into a new group distinguished by an unusually high free-energy barrier for 1D diffusion. The higher free-energy barrier for 1D diffusion by architectural proteins can be attributed to the large DNA conformational changes that accompany binding and impede rotation-coupled movement along the DNA grooves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyoto Kamagata
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, Katahira 2-1-1, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577, Japan; Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Katahira 2-1-1, Aoba-ku, Aoba-ku, Sendai980-8577, Japan.
| | - Eriko Mano
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, Katahira 2-1-1, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
| | - Kana Ouchi
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, Katahira 2-1-1, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577, Japan; Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Katahira 2-1-1, Aoba-ku, Aoba-ku, Sendai980-8577, Japan
| | - Saori Kanbayashi
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, Katahira 2-1-1, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
| | - Reid C Johnson
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA90095-1737, USA; Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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33
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Esadze A, Rodriguez G, Weiser BP, Cole PA, Stivers JT. Measurement of nanoscale DNA translocation by uracil DNA glycosylase in human cells. Nucleic Acids Res 2017; 45:12413-12424. [PMID: 29036472 PMCID: PMC5716149 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkx848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA ‘sliding’ by human repair enzymes is considered to be important for DNA damage detection. Here, we transfected uracil-containing DNA duplexes into human cells and measured the probability that nuclear human uracil DNA glycosylase (hUNG2) excised two uracil lesions spaced 10–80 bp apart in a single encounter without escaping the micro-volume containing the target sites. The two-site transfer probabilities were 100% and 54% at a 10 and 40 bp spacing, but dropped to only 10% at 80 bp. Enzyme trapping experiments suggested that site transfers over 40 bp followed a DNA ‘hopping’ pathway in human cells, indicating that authentic sliding does not occur even over this short distance. The transfer probabilities were much greater than observed in aqueous buffers, but similar to in vitro measurements in the presence of polymer crowding agents. The findings reveal a new role for the crowded nuclear environment in facilitating DNA damage detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Esadze
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 725 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205-2185, USA
| | - Gaddiel Rodriguez
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 725 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205-2185, USA
| | - Brian P Weiser
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 725 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205-2185, USA
| | - Philip A Cole
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 725 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205-2185, USA
| | - James T Stivers
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 725 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205-2185, USA
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34
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Rathi P, Witte A, Summerer D. Engineering DNA Backbone Interactions Results in TALE Scaffolds with Enhanced 5-Methylcytosine Selectivity. Sci Rep 2017; 7:15067. [PMID: 29118409 PMCID: PMC5678105 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-15361-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs) are DNA major-groove binding proteins widely used for genome targeting. TALEs contain an N-terminal region (NTR) and a central repeat domain (CRD). Repeats of the CRD selectively recognize each one DNA nucleobase, offering programmability. Moreover, repeats with selectivity for 5-methylcytosine (5mC) and its oxidized derivatives can be designed for analytical applications. However, both TALE domains also nonspecifically interact with DNA phosphates via basic amino acids. To enhance the 5mC selectivity of TALEs, we aimed to decrease the nonselective binding energy of TALEs. We substituted basic amino acids with alanine in the NTR and identified TALE mutants with increased selectivity. We then analysed conserved, DNA phosphate-binding KQ diresidues in CRD repeats and identified further improved mutants. Combination of mutations in the NTR and CRD was highly synergetic and resulted in TALE scaffolds with up to 4.3-fold increased selectivity in genomic 5mC analysis via affinity enrichment. Moreover, transcriptional activation in HEK293T cells by a TALE-VP64 construct based on this scaffold design exhibited a 3.5-fold increased 5mC selectivity. This provides perspectives for improved 5mC analysis and for the 5mC-conditional control of TALE-based editing constructs in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preeti Rathi
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Technical University of Dortmund, Otto-Hahn-Str. 4a, 44227, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Anna Witte
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Technical University of Dortmund, Otto-Hahn-Str. 4a, 44227, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Daniel Summerer
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Technical University of Dortmund, Otto-Hahn-Str. 4a, 44227, Dortmund, Germany.
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35
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Rinaldi FC, Doyle LA, Stoddard BL, Bogdanove AJ. The effect of increasing numbers of repeats on TAL effector DNA binding specificity. Nucleic Acids Res 2017; 45:6960-6970. [PMID: 28460076 PMCID: PMC5499867 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkx342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs) recognize their DNA targets via tandem repeats, each specifying a single nucleotide base in a one-to-one sequential arrangement. Due to this modularity and their ability to bind long DNA sequences with high specificity, TALEs have been used in many applications. Contributions of individual repeat-nucleotide associations to affinity and specificity have been characterized. Here, using in vitro binding assays, we examined the relationship between the number of repeats in a TALE and its affinity, for both target and non-target DNA. Each additional repeat provides extra binding energy for the target DNA, with the gain decaying exponentially such that binding energy saturates. Affinity for non-target DNA also increases non-linearly with the number of repeats, but with a slower decay of gain. The difference between the effect of length on affinity for target versus non-target DNA manifests in specificity increasing then diminishing with increasing TALE length, peaking between 15 and 19 repeats. Modeling across different hypothetical saturation levels and rates of gain decay, reflecting different repeat compositions, yielded a similar range of specificity optima. This range encompasses the mean and median length of native TALEs, suggesting that these proteins as a group have evolved for maximum specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio C Rinaldi
- Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Lindsey A Doyle
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research, Seattle, WA 98019, USA
| | - Barry L Stoddard
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research, Seattle, WA 98019, USA
| | - Adam J Bogdanove
- Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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36
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Xiong K, Blainey PC. A Simple, Robust, and High Throughput Single Molecule Flow Stretching Assay Implementation for Studying Transport of Molecules Along DNA. J Vis Exp 2017. [PMID: 28994817 PMCID: PMC5752354 DOI: 10.3791/55923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
We describe a simple, robust and high throughput single molecule flow-stretching assay for studying 1D diffusion of molecules along DNA. In this assay, glass coverslips are functionalized in a one-step reaction with silane-PEG-biotin. Flow cells are constructed by sandwiching an adhesive tape with pre-cut channels between a functionalized coverslip and a PDMS slab containing inlet and outlet holes. Multiple channels are integrated into one flow cell and the flow of reagents into each channel can be fully automated, which significantly increases the assay throughput and reduces hands-on time per assay. Inside each channel, biotin-λ-DNAs are immobilized on the surface and a laminar flow is applied to flow-stretch the DNAs. The DNA molecules are stretched to >80% of their contour length and serve as spatially extended templates for studying the binding and transport activity of fluorescently labeled molecules. The trajectories of single molecules are tracked by time-lapse Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence (TIRF) imaging. Raw images are analyzed using streamlined custom single particle tracking software to automatically identify trajectories of single molecules diffusing along DNA and estimate their 1D diffusion constants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kan Xiong
- Broad Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard Medical School; Dept. of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
| | - Paul C Blainey
- Broad Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard Medical School; Dept. of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology;
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37
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Cuculis L, Schroeder CM. A Single-Molecule View of Genome Editing Proteins: Biophysical Mechanisms for TALEs and CRISPR/Cas9. Annu Rev Chem Biomol Eng 2017; 8:577-597. [PMID: 28489428 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-chembioeng-060816-101603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Exciting new advances in genome engineering have unlocked the potential to radically alter the treatment of human disease. In this review, we discuss the application of single-molecule techniques to uncover the mechanisms behind two premier classes of genome editing proteins: transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) and the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated system (Cas). These technologies have facilitated a striking number of gene editing applications in a variety of organisms; however, we are only beginning to understand the molecular mechanisms governing the DNA editing properties of these systems. Here, we discuss the DNA search and recognition process for TALEs and Cas9 that have been revealed by recent single-molecule experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Cuculis
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801;
| | - Charles M Schroeder
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801; .,Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801
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38
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Kamagata K, Murata A, Itoh Y, Takahashi S. Characterization of facilitated diffusion of tumor suppressor p53 along DNA using single-molecule fluorescence imaging. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY C-PHOTOCHEMISTRY REVIEWS 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotochemrev.2017.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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39
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Becker S, Boch J. Single-molecule biophysics: TALEs spin along, but not around. Nat Chem Biol 2016; 12:766-8. [PMID: 27649054 DOI: 10.1038/nchembio.2182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Becker
- Institute of Plant Genetics, Leibniz University Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jens Boch
- Institute of Plant Genetics, Leibniz University Hannover, Hannover, Germany
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