1
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Yao YM, Miodownik I, O'Hagan MP, Jbara M, Afek A. Deciphering the dynamic code: DNA recognition by transcription factors in the ever-changing genome. Transcription 2024:1-25. [PMID: 39033307 DOI: 10.1080/21541264.2024.2379161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) intricately navigate the vast genomic landscape to locate and bind specific DNA sequences for the regulation of gene expression programs. These interactions occur within a dynamic cellular environment, where both DNA and TF proteins experience continual chemical and structural perturbations, including epigenetic modifications, DNA damage, mechanical stress, and post-translational modifications (PTMs). While many of these factors impact TF-DNA binding interactions, understanding their effects remains challenging and incomplete. This review explores the existing literature on these dynamic changes and their potential impact on TF-DNA interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumi Minyi Yao
- Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Irina Miodownik
- Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Michael P O'Hagan
- Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Muhammad Jbara
- School of Chemistry, Raymond and Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ariel Afek
- Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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2
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Chua GNL, Liu S. When Force Met Fluorescence: Single-Molecule Manipulation and Visualization of Protein-DNA Interactions. Annu Rev Biophys 2024; 53:169-191. [PMID: 38237015 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-biophys-030822-032904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Myriad DNA-binding proteins undergo dynamic assembly, translocation, and conformational changes while on DNA or alter the physical configuration of the DNA substrate to control its metabolism. It is now possible to directly observe these activities-often central to the protein function-thanks to the advent of single-molecule fluorescence- and force-based techniques. In particular, the integration of fluorescence detection and force manipulation has unlocked multidimensional measurements of protein-DNA interactions and yielded unprecedented mechanistic insights into the biomolecular processes that orchestrate cellular life. In this review, we first introduce the different experimental geometries developed for single-molecule correlative force and fluorescence microscopy, with a focus on optical tweezers as the manipulation technique. We then describe the utility of these integrative platforms for imaging protein dynamics on DNA and chromatin, as well as their unique capabilities in generating complex DNA configurations and uncovering force-dependent protein behaviors. Finally, we give a perspective on the future directions of this emerging research field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella N L Chua
- Laboratory of Nanoscale Biophysics and Biochemistry, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, USA;
- Tri-Institutional PhD Program in Chemical Biology, New York, New York, USA
| | - Shixin Liu
- Laboratory of Nanoscale Biophysics and Biochemistry, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, USA;
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3
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Shepherd JW, Guilbaud S, Zhou Z, Howard JAL, Burman M, Schaefer C, Kerrigan A, Steele-King C, Noy A, Leake MC. Correlating fluorescence microscopy, optical and magnetic tweezers to study single chiral biopolymers such as DNA. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2748. [PMID: 38553446 PMCID: PMC10980717 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47126-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Biopolymer topology is critical for determining interactions inside cell environments, exemplified by DNA where its response to mechanical perturbation is as important as biochemical properties to its cellular roles. The dynamic structures of chiral biopolymers exhibit complex dependence with extension and torsion, however the physical mechanisms underpinning the emergence of structural motifs upon physiological twisting and stretching are poorly understood due to technological limitations in correlating force, torque and spatial localization information. We present COMBI-Tweez (Combined Optical and Magnetic BIomolecule TWEEZers), a transformative tool that overcomes these challenges by integrating optical trapping, time-resolved electromagnetic tweezers, and fluorescence microscopy, demonstrated on single DNA molecules, that can controllably form and visualise higher order structural motifs including plectonemes. This technology combined with cutting-edge MD simulations provides quantitative insight into complex dynamic structures relevant to DNA cellular processes and can be adapted to study a range of filamentous biopolymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack W Shepherd
- School of Physics, Engineering and Technology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, England
- Department of Biology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, England
| | - Sebastien Guilbaud
- School of Physics, Engineering and Technology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, England
| | - Zhaokun Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Robotics and Intelligent System, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jamieson A L Howard
- School of Physics, Engineering and Technology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, England
| | - Matthew Burman
- School of Physics, Engineering and Technology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, England
| | - Charley Schaefer
- School of Physics, Engineering and Technology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, England
| | - Adam Kerrigan
- The York-JEOL Nanocentre, University of York, York, YO10 5BR, England
| | - Clare Steele-King
- Bioscience Technology Facility, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, England
| | - Agnes Noy
- School of Physics, Engineering and Technology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, England
| | - Mark C Leake
- School of Physics, Engineering and Technology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, England.
- Department of Biology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, England.
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4
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Newton MD, Losito M, Smith QM, Parnandi N, Taylor BJ, Akcakaya P, Maresca M, van Eijk P, Reed SH, Boulton SJ, King GA, Cuomo ME, Rueda DS. Negative DNA supercoiling induces genome-wide Cas9 off-target activity. Mol Cell 2023; 83:3533-3545.e5. [PMID: 37802026 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas9 is a powerful gene-editing technology; however, off-target activity remains an important consideration for therapeutic applications. We have previously shown that force-stretching DNA induces off-target activity and hypothesized that distortions of the DNA topology in vivo, such as negative DNA supercoiling, could reduce Cas9 specificity. Using single-molecule optical-tweezers, we demonstrate that negative supercoiling λ-DNA induces sequence-specific Cas9 off-target binding at multiple sites, even at low forces. Using an adapted CIRCLE-seq approach, we detect over 10,000 negative-supercoiling-induced Cas9 off-target double-strand breaks genome-wide caused by increased mismatch tolerance. We further demonstrate in vivo that directed local DNA distortion increases off-target activity in cells and that induced off-target events can be detected during Cas9 genome editing. These data demonstrate that Cas9 off-target activity is regulated by DNA topology in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that cellular processes, such as transcription and replication, could induce off-target activity at previously overlooked sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Newton
- Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London W12 0HS, UK; Single Molecule Imaging, MRC-London Institute of Medical Sciences, Du Cane Road, London W12 0HS, UK; DSB Repair Metabolism Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Marialucrezia Losito
- Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London W12 0HS, UK; Single Molecule Imaging, MRC-London Institute of Medical Sciences, Du Cane Road, London W12 0HS, UK; Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, UK
| | - Quentin M Smith
- Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London W12 0HS, UK; Single Molecule Imaging, MRC-London Institute of Medical Sciences, Du Cane Road, London W12 0HS, UK
| | - Nishita Parnandi
- DSB Repair Metabolism Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Benjamin J Taylor
- Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, UK
| | - Pinar Akcakaya
- Genome Engineering, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, 43183 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marcello Maresca
- Genome Engineering, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, 43183 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Patrick van Eijk
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4AW, UK
| | - Simon H Reed
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4AW, UK
| | - Simon J Boulton
- DSB Repair Metabolism Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Graeme A King
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | | | - David S Rueda
- Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London W12 0HS, UK; Single Molecule Imaging, MRC-London Institute of Medical Sciences, Du Cane Road, London W12 0HS, UK.
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5
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Aldag P, Rutkauskas M, Madariaga-Marcos J, Songailiene I, Sinkunas T, Kemmerich F, Kauert D, Siksnys V, Seidel R. Dynamic interplay between target search and recognition for a Type I CRISPR-Cas system. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3654. [PMID: 37339984 PMCID: PMC10281945 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38790-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas effector complexes enable the defense against foreign nucleic acids and have recently been exploited as molecular tools for precise genome editing at a target locus. To bind and cleave their target, the CRISPR-Cas effectors have to interrogate the entire genome for the presence of a matching sequence. Here we dissect the target search and recognition process of the Type I CRISPR-Cas complex Cascade by simultaneously monitoring DNA binding and R-loop formation by the complex. We directly quantify the effect of DNA supercoiling on the target recognition probability and demonstrate that Cascade uses facilitated diffusion for its target search. We show that target search and target recognition are tightly linked and that DNA supercoiling and limited 1D diffusion need to be considered when understanding target recognition and target search by CRISPR-Cas enzymes and engineering more efficient and precise variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Aldag
- Peter Debye Institute for Soft Matter Physics, Universität Leipzig, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Marius Rutkauskas
- Peter Debye Institute for Soft Matter Physics, Universität Leipzig, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Inga Songailiene
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Saulėtekis ave. 7, Vilnius, 10257, Lithuania
| | - Tomas Sinkunas
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Saulėtekis ave. 7, Vilnius, 10257, Lithuania
| | - Felix Kemmerich
- Peter Debye Institute for Soft Matter Physics, Universität Leipzig, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Dominik Kauert
- Peter Debye Institute for Soft Matter Physics, Universität Leipzig, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Virginijus Siksnys
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Saulėtekis ave. 7, Vilnius, 10257, Lithuania.
| | - Ralf Seidel
- Peter Debye Institute for Soft Matter Physics, Universität Leipzig, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
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6
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Xu L, Halma MTJ, Wuite GJL. Unravelling How Single-Stranded DNA Binding Protein Coordinates DNA Metabolism Using Single-Molecule Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032806. [PMID: 36769124 PMCID: PMC9917605 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Single-stranded DNA-binding proteins (SSBs) play vital roles in DNA metabolism. Proteins of the SSB family exclusively and transiently bind to ssDNA, preventing the DNA double helix from re-annealing and maintaining genome integrity. In the meantime, they interact and coordinate with various proteins vital for DNA replication, recombination, and repair. Although SSB is essential for DNA metabolism, proteins of the SSB family have been long described as accessory players, primarily due to their unclear dynamics and mechanistic interaction with DNA and its partners. Recently-developed single-molecule tools, together with biochemical ensemble techniques and structural methods, have enhanced our understanding of the different coordination roles that SSB plays during DNA metabolism. In this review, we discuss how single-molecule assays, such as optical tweezers, magnetic tweezers, Förster resonance energy transfer, and their combinations, have advanced our understanding of the binding dynamics of SSBs to ssDNA and their interaction with other proteins partners. We highlight the central coordination role that the SSB protein plays by directly modulating other proteins' activities, rather than as an accessory player. Many possible modes of SSB interaction with protein partners are discussed, which together provide a bigger picture of the interaction network shaped by SSB.
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7
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Afanasyev AY, Onufriev AV. Stretching of Long Double-Stranded DNA and RNA Described by the Same Approach. J Chem Theory Comput 2022; 18:3911-3920. [PMID: 35544776 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.1c01221] [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
We propose an approach to help interpret polymer force-extension curves that exhibit plateau regimes. When coupled to a bead-spring dynamic model, the approach accurately reproduces a variety of experimental force-extension curves of long double-stranded DNA and RNA, including torsionally constrained and unconstrained DNA and negatively supercoiled DNA. A key feature of the model is a specific nonconvex energy function of the spring. We provide an algorithm to obtain the five required parameters of the model from experimental force-extension curves. The applicability of the approach to the force-extension curves of double-stranded (ds) DNA of variable GC content as well as to a DNA/RNA hybrid structure is explored and confirmed. We use the approach to explain counterintuitive sequence-dependent trends and make predictions. In the plateau region of the force-extension curves, our molecular dynamics simulations show that the polymer separates into a mix of weakly and strongly stretched states without forming macroscopically distinct phases. The distribution of these states is predicted to depend on the sequence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Y Afanasyev
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Alexey V Onufriev
- Departments of Computer Science and Physics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
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8
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Zhang C, Tian F, Lu Y, Yuan B, Tan ZJ, Zhang XH, Dai L. Twist-diameter coupling drives DNA twist changes with salt and temperature. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabn1384. [PMID: 35319990 PMCID: PMC8942373 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abn1384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
DNA deformations upon environmental changes, e.g., salt and temperature, play crucial roles in many biological processes and material applications. Here, our magnetic tweezers experiments observed that the increase in NaCl, KCl, or RbCl concentration leads to substantial DNA overwinding. Our simulations and theoretical calculation quantitatively explain the salt-induced twist change through the mechanism: More salt enhances the screening of interstrand electrostatic repulsion and hence reduces DNA diameter, which is transduced to twist increase through twist-diameter coupling. We determined that the coupling constant is 4.5 ± 0.8 kBT/(degrees∙nm) for one base pair. The coupling comes from the restraint of the contour length of DNA backbone. On the basis of this coupling constant and diameter-dependent DNA conformational entropy, we predict the temperature dependence of DNA twist Δωbp/ΔT ≈ -0.01 degree/°C, which agrees with our and previous experimental results. Our analysis suggests that twist-diameter coupling is a common driving force for salt- and temperature-induced DNA twist changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, The Institute for Advanced Studies, State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Fujia Tian
- Department of Physics, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Ying Lu
- Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Bing Yuan
- Songshan Lake Materials Laboratory, Dongguan, Guangdong 523808, China
| | - Zhi-Jie Tan
- School of Physics and Technology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Xing-Hua Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, The Institute for Advanced Studies, State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Liang Dai
- Department of Physics, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute, City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518057, China
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9
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Bi L, Qin Z, Hou XM, Modesti M, Sun B. Simultaneous Mechanical and Fluorescence Detection of Helicase-Catalyzed DNA Unwinding. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2478:329-347. [PMID: 36063326 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2229-2_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Helicases are ubiquitous molecular motor proteins that utilize the energy derived from the hydrolysis of nucleoside triphosphates (NTPs) to transiently convert the duplex form of nucleic acids to single-stranded intermediates for many biological processes. These enzymes play vital roles in nearly all aspects of nucleic acid metabolism, such as DNA repair and RNA splicing. Understanding helicase's functional roles requires methods to dissect the mechanisms of motor proteins at the molecular level. In the past three decades, there has been a large increase in the application of single-molecule approaches to investigate helicases. These techniques, such as optical tweezers and single-molecule fluorescence, offer capabilities to monitor helicase motions with unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution, to apply quantitative forces to probe the chemo-mechanical activities of these motors and to resolve helicase heterogeneity at the single-molecule level. In this chapter, we describe a single-molecule method that combines optical tweezers with confocal fluorescence microscopy to study helicase-catalyzed DNA unwinding. Using Bloom syndrome protein (BLM), a multifunctional helicase that maintains genome stability, as an example, we show that this method allows for the simultaneous detection of displacement, force and fluorescence signals of a single DNA molecule during unwinding in real time, leading to the discovery of a distinct bidirectional unwinding mode of BLM that is activated by a single-stranded DNA binding protein called replication protein A (RPA). We provide detailed instructions on how to prepare two DNA templates to be used in the assays, purify the BLM and RPA proteins, perform single-molecule experiments, and acquire and analyse the data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Bi
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenheng Qin
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi-Miao Hou
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Mauro Modesti
- Cancer Research Center of Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Bo Sun
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.
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10
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King GA, Spakman D, Peterman EJG, Wuite GJL. Generating Negatively Supercoiled DNA Using Dual-Trap Optical Tweezers. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2478:243-272. [PMID: 36063323 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2229-2_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Many genomic processes lead to the formation of underwound (negatively supercoiled) or overwound (positively supercoiled) DNA. These DNA topological changes regulate the interactions of DNA-binding proteins, including transcription factors, architectural proteins and topoisomerases. In order to advance our understanding of the structure and interactions of supercoiled DNA, we recently developed a single-molecule approach called Optical DNA Supercoiling (ODS). This method enables rapid generation of negatively supercoiled DNA (with between <5% and 70% lower helical twist than nonsupercoiled DNA) using a standard dual-trap optical tweezers instrument. ODS is advantageous as it allows for combined force spectroscopy, fluorescence imaging, and spatial control of the supercoiled substrate, which is difficult to achieve with most other approaches. Here, we describe how to generate negatively supercoiled DNA using dual-trap optical tweezers. To this end, we provide detailed instructions on the design and preparation of suitable DNA substrates, as well as a step-by-step guide for how to control and calibrate the supercoiling density produced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graeme A King
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Dian Spakman
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, and LaserLaB Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Erwin J G Peterman
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, and LaserLaB Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Gijs J L Wuite
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, and LaserLaB Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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11
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Aicart-Ramos C, Hormeno S, Wilkinson OJ, Dillingham MS, Moreno-Herrero F. Long DNA constructs to study helicases and nucleic acid translocases using optical tweezers. Methods Enzymol 2022; 673:311-358. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2022.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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12
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Anand R, Buechelmaier E, Belan O, Newton M, Vancevska A, Kaczmarczyk A, Takaki T, Rueda DS, Powell SN, Boulton SJ. HELQ is a dual-function DSB repair enzyme modulated by RPA and RAD51. Nature 2022; 601:268-273. [PMID: 34937945 PMCID: PMC8755542 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-04261-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
DNA double-stranded breaks (DSBs) are deleterious lesions, and their incorrect repair can drive cancer development1. HELQ is a superfamily 2 helicase with 3' to 5' polarity, and its disruption in mice confers germ cells loss, infertility and increased predisposition to ovarian and pituitary tumours2-4. At the cellular level, defects in HELQ result in hypersensitivity to cisplatin and mitomycin C, and persistence of RAD51 foci after DNA damage3,5. Notably, HELQ binds to RPA and the RAD51-paralogue BCDX2 complex, but the relevance of these interactions and how HELQ functions in DSB repair remains unclear3,5,6. Here we show that HELQ helicase activity and a previously unappreciated DNA strand annealing function are differentially regulated by RPA and RAD51. Using biochemistry analyses and single-molecule imaging, we establish that RAD51 forms a complex with and strongly stimulates HELQ as it translocates during DNA unwinding. By contrast, RPA inhibits DNA unwinding by HELQ but strongly stimulates DNA strand annealing. Mechanistically, we show that HELQ possesses an intrinsic ability to capture RPA-bound DNA strands and then displace RPA to facilitate annealing of complementary sequences. Finally, we show that HELQ deficiency in cells compromises single-strand annealing and microhomology-mediated end-joining pathways and leads to bias towards long-tract gene conversion tracts during homologous recombination. Thus, our results implicate HELQ in multiple arms of DSB repair through co-factor-dependent modulation of intrinsic translocase and DNA strand annealing activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roopesh Anand
- DSB Repair Metabolism Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Erika Buechelmaier
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ondrej Belan
- DSB Repair Metabolism Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Matthew Newton
- DSB Repair Metabolism Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | | | - Artur Kaczmarczyk
- Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Single Molecule Imaging Group, MRC-London Institute of Medical Sciences, London, UK
| | - Tohru Takaki
- DSB Repair Metabolism Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - David S Rueda
- Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK.
- Single Molecule Imaging Group, MRC-London Institute of Medical Sciences, London, UK.
| | - Simon N Powell
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Simon J Boulton
- DSB Repair Metabolism Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK.
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13
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Lin SN, Dame RT, Wuite GJL. Direct visualization of the effect of DNA structure and ionic conditions on HU-DNA interactions. Sci Rep 2021; 11:18492. [PMID: 34531428 PMCID: PMC8446073 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97763-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Architectural DNA–binding proteins are involved in many important DNA transactions by virtue of their ability to change DNA conformation. Histone-like protein from E. coli strain U93, HU, is one of the most studied bacterial architectural DNA–binding proteins. Nevertheless, there is still a limited understanding of how the interactions between HU and DNA are affected by ionic conditions and the structure of DNA. Here, using optical tweezers in combination with fluorescent confocal imaging, we investigated how ionic conditions affect the interaction between HU and DNA. We directly visualized the binding and the diffusion of fluorescently labelled HU dimers on DNA. HU binds with high affinity and exhibits low mobility on the DNA in the absence of Mg2+; it moves 30-times faster and stays shorter on the DNA with 8 mM Mg2+ in solution. Additionally, we investigated the effect of DNA tension on HU–DNA complexes. On the one hand, our studies show that binding of HU enhances DNA helix stability. On the other hand, we note that the binding affinity of HU for DNA in the presence of Mg2+ increases at tensions above 50 pN, which we attribute to force-induced structural changes in the DNA. The observation that HU diffuses faster along DNA in presence of Mg2+ compared to without Mg2+ suggests that the free energy barrier for rotational diffusion along DNA is reduced, which can be interpreted in terms of reduced electrostatic interaction between HU and DNA, possibly coinciding with reduced DNA bending.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szu-Ning Lin
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Remus T Dame
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands. .,Centre for Microbial Cell Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Gijs J L Wuite
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. .,LaserLaB Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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14
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Backer AS, King GA, Biebricher AS, Shepherd JW, Noy A, Leake MC, Heller I, Wuite GJL, Peterman EJG. Elucidating the Role of Topological Constraint on the Structure of Overstretched DNA Using Fluorescence Polarization Microscopy. J Phys Chem B 2021; 125:8351-8361. [PMID: 34309392 PMCID: PMC8350907 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.1c02708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The combination of DNA force spectroscopy and polarization microscopy of fluorescent DNA intercalator dyes can provide valuable insights into the structure of DNA under tension. These techniques have previously been used to characterize S-DNA-an elongated DNA conformation that forms when DNA overstretches at forces ≥ 65 pN. In this way, it was deduced that the base pairs of S-DNA are highly inclined, relative to those in relaxed (B-form) DNA. However, it is unclear whether and how topological constraints on the DNA may influence the base-pair inclinations under tension. Here, we apply polarization microscopy to investigate the impact of DNA pulling geometry, torsional constraint, and negative supercoiling on the orientations of intercalated dyes during overstretching. In contrast to earlier predictions, the pulling geometry (namely, whether the DNA molecule is stretched via opposite strands or the same strand) is found to have little influence. However, torsional constraint leads to a substantial reduction in intercalator tilting in overstretched DNA, particularly in AT-rich sequences. Surprisingly, the extent of intercalator tilting is similarly reduced when the DNA molecule is negatively supercoiled up to a critical supercoiling density (corresponding to ∼70% reduction in the linking number). We attribute these observations to the presence of P-DNA (an overwound DNA conformation). Our results suggest that intercalated DNA preferentially flanks regions of P-DNA rather than those of S-DNA and also substantiate previous suggestions that P-DNA forms predominantly in AT-rich sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam S. Backer
- Apple Inc, 1 Apple Park Way, Cupertino, California 95014, United States
| | - Graeme A. King
- Institute
of Structural and Molecular Biology, University
College London, Gower Street, London WC1E
6BT, U.K.
| | - Andreas S. Biebricher
- Department
of Physics and Astronomy, LaserLaB Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1081, Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands
| | - Jack W. Shepherd
- Department
of Physics, University of York, York YO10 5DD, U.K.
- Department
of Biology, University of York, York YO10 5DD, U.K.
| | - Agnes Noy
- Department
of Physics, University of York, York YO10 5DD, U.K.
| | - Mark C. Leake
- Department
of Physics, University of York, York YO10 5DD, U.K.
- Department
of Biology, University of York, York YO10 5DD, U.K.
| | - Iddo Heller
- Department
of Physics and Astronomy, LaserLaB Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1081, Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands
| | - Gijs J. L. Wuite
- Department
of Physics and Astronomy, LaserLaB Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1081, Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands
| | - Erwin J. G. Peterman
- Department
of Physics and Astronomy, LaserLaB Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1081, Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands
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15
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Qian J, Xu W, Dunlap D, Finzi L. Single-molecule insights into torsion and roadblocks in bacterial transcript elongation. Transcription 2021; 12:219-231. [PMID: 34719335 PMCID: PMC8632135 DOI: 10.1080/21541264.2021.1997315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
During transcription, RNA polymerase (RNAP) translocates along the helical template DNA while maintaining high transcriptional fidelity. However, all genomes are dynamically twisted, writhed, and decorated by bound proteins and motor enzymes. In prokaryotes, proteins bound to DNA, specifically or not, frequently compact DNA into conformations that may silence genes by obstructing RNAP. Collision of RNAPs with these architectural proteins, may result in RNAP stalling and/or displacement of the protein roadblock. It is important to understand how rapidly transcribing RNAPs operate under different levels of supercoiling or in the presence of roadblocks. Given the broad range of asynchronous dynamics exhibited by transcriptional complexes, single-molecule assays, such as atomic force microscopy, fluorescence detection, optical and magnetic tweezers, etc. are well suited for detecting and quantifying activity with adequate spatial and temporal resolution. Here, we summarize current understanding of the effects of torsion and roadblocks on prokaryotic transcription, with a focus on single-molecule assays that provide real-time detection and readout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Qian
- Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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16
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Spakman D, Bakx JAM, Biebricher AS, Peterman EJG, Wuite GJL, King GA. Unravelling the mechanisms of Type 1A topoisomerases using single-molecule approaches. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:5470-5492. [PMID: 33963870 PMCID: PMC8191776 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Topoisomerases are essential enzymes that regulate DNA topology. Type 1A family topoisomerases are found in nearly all living organisms and are unique in that they require single-stranded (ss)DNA for activity. These enzymes are vital for maintaining supercoiling homeostasis and resolving DNA entanglements generated during DNA replication and repair. While the catalytic cycle of Type 1A topoisomerases has been long-known to involve an enzyme-bridged ssDNA gate that allows strand passage, a deeper mechanistic understanding of these enzymes has only recently begun to emerge. This knowledge has been greatly enhanced through the combination of biochemical studies and increasingly sophisticated single-molecule assays based on magnetic tweezers, optical tweezers, atomic force microscopy and Förster resonance energy transfer. In this review, we discuss how single-molecule assays have advanced our understanding of the gate opening dynamics and strand-passage mechanisms of Type 1A topoisomerases, as well as the interplay of Type 1A topoisomerases with partner proteins, such as RecQ-family helicases. We also highlight how these assays have shed new light on the likely functional roles of Type 1A topoisomerases in vivo and discuss recent developments in single-molecule technologies that could be applied to further enhance our understanding of these essential enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dian Spakman
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, and LaserLaB Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1081, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Julia A M Bakx
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, and LaserLaB Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1081, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Andreas S Biebricher
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, and LaserLaB Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1081, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Erwin J G Peterman
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, and LaserLaB Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1081, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gijs J L Wuite
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, and LaserLaB Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1081, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Graeme A King
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
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17
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Abstract
DNA dynamics can only be understood by taking into account its complex mechanical behavior at different length scales. At the micrometer level, the mechanical properties of single DNA molecules have been well-characterized by polymer models and are commonly quantified by a persistence length of 50 nm (~150 bp). However, at the base pair level (~3.4 Å), the dynamics of DNA involves complex molecular mechanisms that are still being deciphered. Here, we review recent single-molecule experiments and molecular dynamics simulations that are providing novel insights into DNA mechanics from such a molecular perspective. We first discuss recent findings on sequence-dependent DNA mechanical properties, including sequences that resist mechanical stress and sequences that can accommodate strong deformations. We then comment on the intricate effects of cytosine methylation and DNA mismatches on DNA mechanics. Finally, we review recently reported differences in the mechanical properties of DNA and double-stranded RNA, the other double-helical carrier of genetic information. A thorough examination of the recent single-molecule literature permits establishing a set of general 'rules' that reasonably explain the mechanics of nucleic acids at the base pair level. These simple rules offer an improved description of certain biological systems and might serve as valuable guidelines for future design of DNA and RNA nanostructures.
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18
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Belan O, Moore G, Kaczmarczyk A, Newton MD, Anand R, Boulton SJ, Rueda DS. Generation of versatile ss-dsDNA hybrid substrates for single-molecule analysis. STAR Protoc 2021; 2:100588. [PMID: 34169285 PMCID: PMC8209646 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2021.100588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, we describe a rapid and versatile protocol to generate gapped DNA substrates for single-molecule (SM) analysis using optical tweezers via site-specific Cas9 nicking and force-induced melting. We provide examples of single-stranded (ss) DNA gaps of different length and position. We outline protocols to visualize these substrates by replication protein A-enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein (RPA-eGFP) and SYTOX Orange staining using commercially available optical tweezers (C-TRAP). Finally, we demonstrate the utility of these substrates for SM analysis of bidirectional growth of RAD-51-ssDNA filaments. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Belan et al. (2021).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ondrej Belan
- DSB Repair Metabolism Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - George Moore
- Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
- Single Molecule Imaging Group, MRC-London Institute of Medical Sciences, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Artur Kaczmarczyk
- Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
- Single Molecule Imaging Group, MRC-London Institute of Medical Sciences, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Matthew D. Newton
- Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
- Single Molecule Imaging Group, MRC-London Institute of Medical Sciences, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Roopesh Anand
- DSB Repair Metabolism Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Simon J. Boulton
- DSB Repair Metabolism Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - David S. Rueda
- Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
- Single Molecule Imaging Group, MRC-London Institute of Medical Sciences, London W12 0NN, UK
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19
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Single-molecule analysis reveals cooperative stimulation of Rad51 filament nucleation and growth by mediator proteins. Mol Cell 2021; 81:1058-1073.e7. [PMID: 33421363 PMCID: PMC7941204 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2020.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Homologous recombination (HR) is an essential DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair mechanism, which is frequently inactivated in cancer. During HR, RAD51 forms nucleoprotein filaments on RPA-coated, resected DNA and catalyzes strand invasion into homologous duplex DNA. How RAD51 displaces RPA and assembles into long HR-proficient filaments remains uncertain. Here, we employed single-molecule imaging to investigate the mechanism of nematode RAD-51 filament growth in the presence of BRC-2 (BRCA2) and RAD-51 paralogs, RFS-1/RIP-1. BRC-2 nucleates RAD-51 on RPA-coated DNA, whereas RFS-1/RIP-1 acts as a "chaperone" to promote 3' to 5' filament growth via highly dynamic engagement with 5' filament ends. Inhibiting ATPase or mutation in the RFS-1 Walker box leads to RFS-1/RIP-1 retention on RAD-51 filaments and hinders growth. The rfs-1 Walker box mutants display sensitivity to DNA damage and accumulate RAD-51 complexes non-functional for HR in vivo. Our work reveals the mechanism of RAD-51 nucleation and filament growth in the presence of recombination mediators.
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