The RuvC protein dimer resolves Holliday junctions by a dual incision mechanism that involves base-specific contacts

Mycobacterium smegmatis putative Holliday junction resolvases RuvC and RuvX play complementary roles in the processing of branched DNA structures

In eubacteria, Holliday junction (HJ) resolvases (HJRs) are crucial for faithful segregation of newly replicated chromosomes, homologous recombination, and repair of stalled/collapsed DNA replication forks. However, compared with the Escherichia coli HJRs, little is known about their orthologs in mycobacterial species. A genome-wide analysis of Mycobacterium smegmatis identified two genes encoding putative HJRs, namely RuvC (MsRuvC) and RuvX (MsRuvX); but whether they play redundant, overlapping, or distinct roles remains unknown. Here, we reveal that MsRuvC exists as a homodimer while MsRuvX as a monomer in solution, and both showed high-binding affinity for branched DNAs compared with unbranched DNA species. Interestingly, the DNA cleavage specificities of MsRuvC and MsRuvX were found to be mutually exclusive: the former efficiently promotes HJ resolution, in a manner analogous to the Escherichia coli RuvC, but does not cleave other branched DNA species; whereas the latter is a versatile DNase capable of cleaving a variety of branched DNA structures, including 3' and 5' flap DNA, splayed-arm DNA and dsDNA with 3' and 5' overhangs but lacks the HJ resolution activity. Point mutations in the RNase H-like domains of MsRuvC and MsRuvX pinpointed critical residues required for their DNA cleavage activities and also demonstrated uncoupling between DNA-binding and DNA cleavage activities. Unexpectedly, we found robust evidence that MsRuvX possesses a double-strand/single-strand junction-specific endonuclease and ssDNA exonucleolytic activities. Combined, our findings highlight that the RuvC and RuvX DNases play distinct complementary, and not redundant, roles in the processing of branched DNA structures in M. smegmatis.

Prokaryotic DNA Crossroads: Holliday Junction Formation and Resolution

Cells are continually exposed to a multitude of internal and external stressors, which give rise to various types of DNA damage. To protect the integrity of their genetic material, cells are equipped with a repertoire of repair proteins that engage in various repair mechanisms, facilitated by intricate networks of protein-protein and protein-DNA interactions. Among these networks is the homologous recombination (HR) system, a molecular repair mechanism conserved in all three domains of life. On one hand, HR ensures high-fidelity, template-dependent DNA repair, while on the other hand, it results in the generation of combinatorial genetic variations through allelic exchange. Despite substantial progress in understanding this pathway in bacteria, yeast, and humans, several critical questions remain unanswered, including the molecular processes leading to the exchange of DNA segments, the coordination of protein binding, conformational switching during branch migration, and the resolution of Holliday Junctions (HJs). This Review delves into our current understanding of the HR pathway in bacteria, shedding light on the roles played by various proteins or their complexes at different stages of HR. In the first part of this Review, we provide a brief overview of the end resection processes and the strand-exchange reaction, offering a concise depiction of the mechanisms that culminate in the formation of HJs. In the latter half, we expound upon the alternative methods of branch migration and HJ resolution more comprehensively and holistically, considering the historical research timelines. Finally, when we consolidate our knowledge about HR within the broader context of genome replication and the emergence of resistant species, it becomes evident that the HR pathway is indispensable for the survival of bacteria in diverse ecological niches.

RNA polymerase III directly participates in DNA homologous recombination

A recent study showed that RNA transcription is directly involved in DNA homologous recombination (HR). The first step in HR is end resection, which degrades a few kilobases or more from the 5'-end strand at DNA breaks, but the 3'-end strand remains strictly intact. Such protection of the 3'-end strand is achieved by the transient formation of an RNA-DNA hybrid structure. The RNA strand in the hybrid is newly synthesized by RNA polymerase III. The revelation of the existence of an RNA-DNA hybrid intermediate should further help resolve several long-standing questions of HR. In this article, we also put forward our views on some controversial issues related to RNA-DNA hybrids, RNA polymerases, and the protection of 3'-end strands.

Structural and Functional Characterization of the Holliday Junction Resolvase RuvC from Deinococcus radiodurans

Holliday junctions (HJs) are four-way DNA structures, which are an important intermediate in the process of homologous recombination. In most bacteria, HJs are cleaved by specific nucleases called RuvC resolvases at the end of homologous recombination. Deinococcus radiodurans is an extraordinary radiation-resistant bacterium and is known as an ideal model organism for elucidating DNA repair processes. Here, we described the biochemical properties and the crystal structure of RuvC from D. radiodurans (DrRuvC). DrRuvC exhibited an RNase H fold that belonged to the retroviral integrase family. Among many DNA substrates, DrRuvC specifically bound to HJ DNA and cleaved it. In particular, Mn²⁺ was the preferred bivalent metal co-factor for HJ cleavage, whereas high concentrations of Mg²⁺ inhibited the binding of DrRuvC to HJ. In addition, DrRuvC was crystallized and the crystals diffracted to 1.6 Å. The crystal structure of DrRuvC revealed essential amino acid sites for cleavage and binding activities, indicating that DrRuvC was a typical resolvase with a characteristic choice for metal co-factor.

Holliday junction resolution by At-HIGLE: an SLX1 lineage endonuclease from Arabidopsis thaliana with a novel in-built regulatory mechanism

Holliday junction is the key homologous recombination intermediate, resolved by structure-selective endonucleases (SSEs). SLX1 is the most promiscuous SSE of the GIY-YIG nuclease superfamily. In fungi and animals, SLX1 nuclease activity relies on a non-enzymatic partner, SLX4, but no SLX1-SLX4 like complex has ever been characterized in plants. Plants exhibit specialized DNA repair and recombination machinery. Based on sequence similarity with the GIY-YIG nuclease domain of SLX1 proteins from fungi and animals, At-HIGLE was identified to be a possible SLX1 like nuclease from plants. Here, we elucidated the crystal structure of the At-HIGLE nuclease domain from Arabidopsis thaliana, establishing it as a member of the SLX1-lineage of the GIY-YIG superfamily with structural changes in DNA interacting regions. We show that At-HIGLE can process branched-DNA molecules without an SLX4 like protein. Unlike fungal SLX1, At-HIGLE exists as a catalytically active homodimer capable of generating two coordinated nicks during HJ resolution. Truncating the extended C-terminal region of At-HIGLE increases its catalytic activity, changes the nicking pattern, and monomerizes At-HIGLE. Overall, we elucidated the first structure of a plant SLX1-lineage protein, showed its HJ resolving activity independent of any regulatory protein, and identified an in-built novel regulatory mechanism engaging its C-terminal region.

Canonical and novel non-canonical activities of the Holliday junction resolvase Yen1

Yen1 and GEN1 are members of the Rad2/XPG family of nucleases that were identified as the first canonical nuclear Holliday junction (HJ) resolvases in budding yeast and humans due to their ability to introduce two symmetric, coordinated incisions on opposite strands of the HJ, yielding nicked DNA products that could be readily ligated. While GEN1 has been extensively characterized in vitro, much less is known about the biochemistry of Yen1. Here, we have performed the first in-depth characterization of purified Yen1. We confirmed that Yen1 resembles GEN1 in many aspects, including range of substrates targeted, position of most incisions they produce or the increase in the first incision rate by assembly of a dimer on a HJ, despite minor differences. However, we demonstrate that Yen1 is endowed with additional nuclease activities, like a nick-specific 5′-3′ exonuclease or HJ arm-chopping that could apparently blur its classification as a canonical HJ resolvase. Despite this, we show that Yen1 fulfils the requirements of a canonical HJ resolvase and hypothesize that its wider array of nuclease activities might contribute to its function in the removal of persistent recombination or replication intermediates.

Single-molecule insight into stalled replication fork rescue in Escherichia coli

DNA replication forks stall at least once per cell cycle in Escherichia coli. DNA replication must be restarted if the cell is to survive. Restart is a multi-step process requiring the sequential action of several proteins whose actions are dictated by the nature of the impediment to fork progression. When fork progress is impeded, the sequential actions of SSB, RecG and the RuvABC complex are required for rescue. In contrast, when a template discontinuity results in the forked DNA breaking apart, the actions of the RecBCD pathway enzymes are required to resurrect the fork so that replication can resume. In this review, we focus primarily on the significant insight gained from single-molecule studies of individual proteins, protein complexes, and also, partially reconstituted regression and RecBCD pathways. This insight is related to the bulk-phase biochemical data to provide a comprehensive review of each protein or protein complex as it relates to stalled DNA replication fork rescue.

Single bacterial resolvases first exploit, then constrain intrinsic dynamics of the Holliday junction to direct recombination

Homologous recombination forms and resolves an entangled DNA Holliday Junction (HJ) crucial for achieving genetic reshuffling and genome repair. To maintain genomic integrity, specialized resolvase enzymes cleave the entangled DNA into two discrete DNA molecules. However, it is unclear how two similar stacking isomers are distinguished, and how a cognate sequence is found and recognized to achieve accurate recombination. We here use single-molecule fluorescence observation and cluster analysis to examine how prototypic bacterial resolvase RuvC singles out two of the four HJ strands and achieves sequence-specific cleavage. We find that RuvC first exploits, then constrains the dynamics of intrinsic HJ isomer exchange at a sampled branch position to direct cleavage toward the catalytically competent HJ conformation and sequence, thus controlling recombination output at minimal energetic cost. Our model of rapid DNA scanning followed by ‘snap-locking’ of a cognate sequence is strikingly consistent with the conformational proofreading of other DNA-modifying enzymes.

Replication fork collapse at a protein-DNA roadblock leads to fork reversal, promoted by the RecQ helicase

Proteins that bind DNA are the cause of the majority of impediments to replication fork progression and can lead to subsequent collapse of the replication fork. Failure to deal with fork collapse efficiently leads to mutation or cell death. Several models have been proposed for how a cell processes a stalled or collapsed replication fork; eukaryotes and bacteria are not dissimilar in terms of the general pathways undertaken to deal with these events. This study shows that replication fork regression, the combination of replication fork reversal leading to formation of a Holliday Junction along with exonuclease digestion, is the preferred pathway for dealing with a collapsed fork in Escherichia coli. Direct endo-nuclease activity at the replication fork was not observed. The protein that had the greatest effect on these fork processing events was the RecQ helicase, while RecG and RuvABC, which have previously been implicated in this process, were found to play a lesser role. Eukaryotic RecQ homologues, BLM and WRN, have also been implicated in processing events following replication fork collapse and may reflect a conserved mechanism. Finally, the SOS response was not induced by the protein-DNA roadblock under these conditions, so did not affect fork processing.

Resolution of single and double Holliday junction recombination intermediates by GEN1

Genetic recombination provides an important mechanism for the repair of DNA double-strand breaks. Homologous pairing and strand exchange lead to the formation of DNA intermediates, in which sister chromatids or homologous chromosomes are covalently linked by four-way Holliday junctions (HJs). Depending on the type of recombination reaction that takes place, intermediates may have single or double HJs, and their resolution is essential for proper chromosome segregation. In mitotic cells, double HJs are primarily dissolved by the BLM helicase-TopoisomeraseIIIα-RMI1-RMI2 (BTR) complex, whereas single HJs (and double HJs that have escaped the attention of BTR) are resolved by structure-selective endonucleases known as HJ resolvases. These enzymes are ubiquitous in nature, because they are present in bacteriophage, bacteria, archaea, and simple and complex eukaryotes. The human HJ resolvase GEN1 is a member of the XPG/Rad2 family of 5'-flap endonucleases. Biochemical studies of GEN1 revealed that it cleaves synthetic DNA substrates containing a single HJ by a mechanism similar to that shown by the prototypic HJ resolvase, Escherichia coli RuvC protein, but it is unclear whether these substrates fully recapitulate the properties of recombination intermediates that arise within a physiological context. Here, we show that GEN1 efficiently cleaves both single and double HJs contained within large recombination intermediates. Moreover, we find that GEN1 exhibits a weak sequence preference for incision between two G residues that reside in a T-rich region of DNA. These results contrast with those obtained with RuvC, which exhibits a strict requirement for the consensus sequence 5'-A/TTTG/C-3'.

Bacteriophage T5 gene D10 encodes a branch-migration protein

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

Srs2 and Mus81-Mms4 Prevent Accumulation of Toxic Inter-Homolog Recombination Intermediates

Homologous recombination is an evolutionally conserved mechanism that promotes genome stability through the faithful repair of double-strand breaks and single-strand gaps in DNA, and the recovery of stalled or collapsed replication forks. Saccharomyces cerevisiae ATP-dependent DNA helicase Srs2 (a member of the highly conserved UvrD family of helicases) has multiple roles in regulating homologous recombination. A mutation (srs2^K41A) resulting in a helicase-dead mutant of Srs2 was found to be lethal in diploid, but not in haploid, cells. In diploid cells, Srs2^K41A caused the accumulation of inter-homolog joint molecule intermediates, increased the levels of spontaneous Rad52 foci, and induced gross chromosomal rearrangements. Srs2^K41A lethality and accumulation of joint molecules were suppressed by inactivating Rad51 or deleting the Rad51-interaction domain of Srs2, whereas phosphorylation and sumoylation of Srs2 and its interaction with sumoylated proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were not required for lethality. The structure-specific complex of crossover junction endonucleases Mus81 and Mms4 was also required for viability of diploid, but not haploid, SRS2 deletion mutants (srs2Δ), and diploid srs2Δ mus81Δ mutants accumulated joint molecule intermediates. Our data suggest that Srs2 and Mus81–Mms4 have critical roles in preventing the formation of (or in resolving) toxic inter-homolog joint molecules, which could otherwise interfere with chromosome segregation and lead to genetic instability.

Homologous recombination (HR) is a DNA-repair mechanism that is generally considered error free because it uses an intact sister chromatid as a template. However, in diploid cells, HR can also occur between homologous chromosomes, which can lead to genomic instability through loss of heterozygosity. This alteration is often detected in genetic disorders and cancer, suggesting that tight control of this process is required to ensure genome stability. Yeast Srs2, conserved from bacteria to humans, plays multiple roles in the regulation of HR. We show here that a helicase-dead mutant of Srs2, srs2^K41A, is lethal in diploid cells but not in haploid cells. Expression of Srs2^K41A in diploid cells causes inter-homolog joint molecule intermediates to accumulate, and leads to gross chromosomal rearrangements. Moreover, srs2Δ mus81Δ double mutants have a severe diploid-specific growth defect with accumulation of inter-homolog joint molecules. These data demonstrate that Srs2 and Mus81-Mms4 participate in essential pathways preventing accumulation of inter-homolog recombination intermediates, thereby reducing the risk of genome instability.

Human Holliday junction resolvase GEN1 uses a chromodomain for efficient DNA recognition and cleavage

Holliday junctions (HJs) are key DNA intermediates in homologous recombination. They link homologous DNA strands and have to be faithfully removed for proper DNA segregation and genome integrity. Here, we present the crystal structure of human HJ resolvase GEN1 complexed with DNA at 3.0 Å resolution. The GEN1 core is similar to other Rad2/XPG nucleases. However, unlike other members of the superfamily, GEN1 contains a chromodomain as an additional DNA interaction site. Chromodomains are known for their chromatin-targeting function in chromatin remodelers and histone(de)acetylases but they have not previously been found in nucleases. The GEN1 chromodomain directly contacts DNA and its truncation severely hampers GEN1's catalytic activity. Structure-guided mutations in vitro and in vivo in yeast validated our mechanistic findings. Our study provides the missing structure in the Rad2/XPG family and insights how a well-conserved nuclease core acquires versatility in recognizing diverse substrates for DNA repair and maintenance.

GEN1 promotes Holliday junction resolution by a coordinated nick and counter-nick mechanism

Holliday junctions (HJs) that physically link sister chromatids or homologous chromosomes are formed as intermediates during DNA repair by homologous recombination. Persistent recombination intermediates are acted upon by structure-selective endonucleases that are required for proper chromosome segregation at mitosis. Here, we have purified full-length human GEN1 protein and show that it promotes Holliday junction resolution by a mechanism that is analogous to that exhibited by the prototypic HJ resolvase E. coli RuvC. We find that GEN1 cleaves HJs by a nick and counter-nick mechanism involving dual co-ordinated incisions that lead to the formation of ligatable nicked duplex products. As observed with RuvC, cleavage of the first strand is rate limiting, while second strand cleavage is rapid. In contrast to RuvC, however, GEN1 is largely monomeric in solution, but dimerizes on the HJ. Using HJs containing non-cleavable phosphorothioate-containing linkages in one strand, we show that the two incisions can be uncoupled and that the first nick occurs upon GEN1 dimerization at the junction. These results indicate that the mechanism of HJ resolution is largely conserved from bacteria to man, despite a lack of sequence homology between the resolvases.

Holliday junction resolvases

Four-way DNA intermediates, called Holliday junctions (HJs), can form during meiotic and mitotic recombination, and their removal is crucial for chromosome segregation. A group of ubiquitous and highly specialized structure-selective endonucleases catalyze the cleavage of HJs into two disconnected DNA duplexes in a reaction called HJ resolution. These enzymes, called HJ resolvases, have been identified in bacteria and their bacteriophages, archaea, and eukaryotes. In this review, we discuss fundamental aspects of the HJ structure and their interaction with junction-resolving enzymes. This is followed by a brief discussion of the eubacterial RuvABC enzymes, which provide the paradigm for HJ resolvases in other organisms. Finally, we review the biochemical and structural properties of some well-characterized resolvases from archaea, bacteriophage, and eukaryotes.

Functional analysis of the superfamily 1 DNA helicases encoded by Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Mycoplasma genitalium

The DNA recombination and repair machinery of Mycoplasma pneumoniae is composed of a limited set of approximately 11 proteins. Two of these proteins were predicted to be encoded by neighboring open reading frames (ORFs) MPN340 and MPN341. Both ORFs were found to have sequence similarity with genes that encode proteins belonging to the DNA helicase superfamily 1 (SF1). Interestingly, while a homolog of the MPN341 ORF is present in the genome of Mycoplasma genitalium (ORF MG244), MPN340 is an M. pneumoniae-specific ORF that is not found in other mycoplasmas. Moreover, the length of MPN340 (1590 base pairs [bp]) is considerably shorter than that of MPN341 (2148 bp). Examination of the MPN340-encoded amino acid sequence indicated that it may lack a so-called 2B subdomain, which is found in most SF1 DNA helicases. Also, the MPN340-encoded amino acid sequence was found to differ between subtype 1 strain M129 and subtype 2 strain FH at three amino acid positions. Both protein variants, which were termed PcrA^s_M129 and PcrA^s_FH, respectively, as well as the MPN341- and MG244-encoded proteins (PcrA_Mpn and PcrA_Mge, respectively), were purified, and tested for their ability to interact with DNA. While PcrA_Mpn and PcrA_Mge were found to bind preferentially to single-stranded DNA, both PcrA^s_M129 and PcrA^s_FH did not demonstrate significant DNA binding. However, all four proteins were found to have divalent cation- and ATP-dependent DNA helicase activity. The proteins displayed highest activity on partially double-stranded DNA substrates carrying 3′ single-stranded extensions.

Structural asymmetry in the Thermus thermophilus RuvC dimer suggests a basis for sequential strand cleavages during Holliday junction resolution

Holliday junction (HJ) resolvases are structure-specific endonucleases that cleave four-way DNA junctions (HJs) generated during DNA recombination and repair. Bacterial RuvC, a prototypical HJ resolvase, functions as homodimer and nicks DNA strands precisely across the junction point. To gain insights into the mechanisms underlying symmetrical strand cleavages by RuvC, we performed crystallographic and biochemical analyses of RuvC from Thermus thermophilus (T.th. RuvC). The crystal structure of T.th. RuvC shows an overall protein fold similar to that of Escherichia coli RuvC, but T.th. RuvC has a more tightly associated dimer interface possibly reflecting its thermostability. The binding mode of a HJ-DNA substrate can be inferred from the shape/charge complementarity between the T.th. RuvC dimer and HJ-DNA, as well as positions of sulfate ions bound on the protein surface. Unexpectedly, the structure of T.th. RuvC homodimer refined at 1.28 Å resolution shows distinct asymmetry near the dimer interface, in the region harboring catalytically important aromatic residues. The observation suggests that the T.th. RuvC homodimer interconverts between two asymmetric conformations, with alternating subunits switched on for DNA strand cleavage. This model provides a structural basis for the 'nick-counter-nick' mechanism in HJ resolution, a mode of HJ processing shared by prokaryotic and eukaryotic HJ resolvases.

DprB facilitates inter- and intragenomic recombination in Helicobacter pylori

For naturally competent microorganisms, such as Helicobacter pylori, the steps that permit recombination of exogenous DNA are not fully understood. Immediately downstream of an H. pylori gene (dprA) that facilitates high-frequency natural transformation is HP0334 (dprB), annotated to be a putative Holliday junction resolvase (HJR). We showed that the HP0334 (dprB) gene product facilitates high-frequency natural transformation. We determined the physiologic roles of DprB by genetic analyses. DprB controls in vitro growth, survival after exposure to UV or fluoroquinolones, and intragenomic recombination. dprB ruvC double deletion dramatically decreases both homologous and homeologous transformation and survival after exposure to DNA-damaging agents. Moreover, the DprB protein binds to synthetic Holliday junction structures rather than double-stranded or single-stranded DNA. These results demonstrate that the dprB product plays important roles affecting inter- and intragenomic recombination. We provide evidence that the two putative H. pylori HJRs (DprB and RuvC) have overlapping but distinct functions involving intergenomic (primarily DprB) and intragenomic (primarily RuvC) recombination.

The Mycoplasma genitalium MG352-encoded protein is a Holliday junction resolvase that has a non-functional orthologue in Mycoplasma pneumoniae

Recombination between repeated DNA elements in the genomes of Mycoplasma species appears to lie at the basis of antigenic variation of several essential surface proteins. It is therefore imperative that the DNA recombinatorial pathways in mycoplasmas be unravelled. Here, we describe the proteins encoded by the Mycoplasma genitalium MG352 and Mycoplasma pneumoniae MPN528a genes (RecU(Mge) and RecU(Mpn) respectively), which share sequence similarity with RecU Holliday junction (HJ) resolvases. RecU(Mge) was found to: (i) bind HJ substrates and large double-stranded DNA molecules and (ii) cleave HJ substrates at the sequence 5'-(G) /(T) C↓(C) /(T) T(A) /(G) G-3' in the presence of Mn(2+). Interestingly, RecU(Mpn) (from M. pneumoniae subtype 2 strains) did not possess obvious DNA binding or cleavage activities, which was found to be caused by the presence of a glutamic acid residue at position 67 of the protein, which is not conserved in RecU(Mge). Additionally, RecU(Mpn) appears not to be expressed by subtype 1 M. pneumoniae strains, as these possess a TAA translation termination codon at position 181-183 of MPN528a. We conclude that RecU(Mge) is a HJ resolvase that may play a central role in recombination in M. genitalium.

A general and efficient approach for the construction of RNA oligonucleotides containing a 5'-phosphorothiolate linkage

Oligoribonucleotides containing a 5′-phosphorothiolate linkage have provided effective tools to study the mechanisms of RNA catalysis, allowing resolution of kinetic ambiguity associated with mechanistic dissection and providing a strategy to establish linkage between catalysis and specific functional groups. However, challenges associated with their synthesis have limited wider application of these modified nucleic acids. Here, we describe a general semisynthetic strategy to obtain these oligoribonucleotides reliably and relatively efficiently. The approach begins with the chemical synthesis of an RNA dinucleotide containing the 5′-phosphorothiolate linkage, with the adjacent 2′-hydroxyl group protected as the photolabile 2′-O-o-nitrobenzyl or 2′-O-α-methyl-o-nitrobenzyl derivative. Enzymatic ligation of the 2′-protected dinucleotide to transcribed or chemically synthesized 5′ and 3′ flanking RNAs yields the full-length oligoribonucleotide. The photolabile protecting group increases the chemical stability of these highly activated oligoribonucleotides during synthesis and long-term storage but is easily removed with UV irradiation under neutral conditions, allowing immediate use of the modified RNA in biochemical experiments.

Mechanism of Holliday junction resolution by the human GEN1 protein

Holliday junction (HJ) resolution is essential for chromosome segregation at meiosis and the repair of stalled/collapsed replication forks in mitotic cells. All organisms possess nucleases that promote HJ resolution by the introduction of symmetrically related nicks in two strands at, or close to, the junction point. GEN1, a member of the Rad2/XPG nuclease family, was isolated recently from human cells and shown to promote HJ resolution in vitro and in vivo. Here, we provide the first biochemical/structural characterization of GEN1, showing that, like the Escherichia coli HJ resolvase RuvC, it binds specifically to HJs and resolves them by a dual incision mechanism in which nicks are introduced in the pair of continuous (noncrossing) strands within the lifetime of the GEN1-HJ complex. In contrast to RuvC, but like other Rad2/XPG family members such as FEN1, GEN1 is a monomeric 5'-flap endonuclease. However, the unique feature of GEN1 that distinguishes it from other Rad2/XPG nucleases is its ability to dimerize on HJs. This functional adaptation provides the two symmetrically aligned active sites required for HJ resolution.

Reverse-direction (5'-->3') synthesis of oligonucleotides containing a 3'-S-phosphorothiolate linkage and 3'-terminal 3'-thionucleosides

The synthesis of oligodeoxynucleotides containing 3'-thionucleosides has been explored using a reverse-direction (5'-->3') approach, based on nucleoside monomers which contain a trityl- or dimethoxytrityl-protected 3'-thiol and a 5'-O-phosphoramidite. These monomers are relatively simple to prepare as trityl-based protecting groups were introduced selectively at a 3'-thiol in preference to a 5'-hydroxyl group. As an alternative approach, trityl group migration could be induced from the 5'-oxygen to the 3'-thiol function. 5'-->3' Synthesis of oligonucleotides gave relatively poor yields for the internal incorporation of 3'-thionucleosides [to give a 3'-S-phosphorothiolate (3'-SP) linkage] and multiple 3'-SP modifications could not be introduced by this method. However, the reverse direction approach provided an efficient route to oligonucleotides terminating with a 3'-thionucleoside. The direct synthesis of these thio-terminating oligomers has not previously been reported and the methods described are applicable to 2'-deoxy-3'-thionucleosides derived from thymine, cytosine and adenine.

The extent of migration of the Holliday junction is a crucial factor for gene conversion in Rhizobium etli

Gene conversion, defined as the nonreciprocal transfer of DNA, is one result of homologous recombination. Three steps in recombination could give rise to gene conversion: (i) DNA synthesis for repair of the degraded segment, (ii) Holliday junction migration, leading to heteroduplex formation, and (iii) repair of mismatches in the heteroduplex. There are at least three proteins (RuvAB, RecG, and RadA) that participate in the second step. Their roles have been studied for homologous recombination, but evidence of their relative role in gene conversion is lacking. In this work, we showed the effect on gene conversion of mutations in ruvB, recG, and radA in Rhizobium etli, either alone or in combination, using a cointegration strategy previously developed in our laboratory. The results indicate that the RuvAB system is highly efficient for gene conversion, since its absence provokes smaller gene conversion segments than those in the wild type as well as a shift in the preferred position of conversion tracts. The RecG system possesses a dual role for gene conversion. Inactivation of recG leads to longer gene conversion tracts than those in the wild type, indicating that its activity may hinder heteroduplex extension. However, under circumstances where it is the only migration activity present (as in the ruvB radA double mutant), conversion segments can still be seen, indicating that RecG can also promote gene conversion. RadA is the least efficient system in R. etli but is still needed for the production of detectable gene conversion tracts.

Efficient second strand cleavage during Holliday junction resolution by RuvC requires both increased junction flexibility and an exposed 5' phosphate

Background

Holliday junction (HJ) resolution is a critical step during homologous recombination. In Escherichia coli this job is performed by a member of the RNase H/Integrase superfamily called RuvC, whereas in Schizosaccharomyces pombe it has been attributed to the XPF family member Mus81-Eme1. HJ resolution is achieved through the sequential cleavage of two strands of like polarity at or close to the junction crossover point. RuvC functions as a dimer, whereas Mus81-Eme1 is thought to function as a dimer of heterodimers. However, in both cases the multimer contains two catalytic sites, which act independently and sequentially during the resolution reaction. To ensure that both strands are cleaved before the nuclease dissociates from the junction, the rate of second strand cleavage is greatly enhanced compared to that of the first. The enhancement of second strand cleavage has been attributed to the increased flexibility of the nicked HJ, which would facilitate rapid engagement of the second active site and scissile bond. Here we have investigated whether other properties of the nicked HJ are important for enhancing second strand cleavage.

Principal Findings

A comparison of the efficiency of cleavage of nicked HJs with and without a 5′ phosphate at the nick site shows that a 5′ phosphate is required for most of the enhancement of second strand cleavage by RuvC. In contrast Mus81-Eme1 cleaves nicked HJs with and without a 5′ phosphate with equal efficiency, albeit there are differences in cleavage site selection.

Conclusions

Our data show that efficient HJ resolution by RuvC depends on the 5′ phosphate revealed by incision of the first strand. This is a hitherto unappreciated factor in promoting accelerated second strand cleavage. However, a 5′ phosphate is not a universal requirement since efficient cleavage by Mus81-Eme1 appears to depend solely on the increased junction flexibility that is developed by the first incision.

Targeting individual subunits of the FokI restriction endonuclease to specific DNA strands

Many restriction endonucleases are dimers that act symmetrically at palindromic DNA sequences, with each active site cutting one strand. In contrast, FokI acts asymmetrically at a non-palindromic sequence, cutting ‘top’ and ‘bottom’ strands 9 and 13 nucleotides downstream of the site. FokI is a monomeric protein with one active site and a single monomer covers the entire recognition sequence. To cut both strands, the monomer at the site recruits a second monomer from solution, but it is not yet known which DNA strand is cut by the monomer bound to the site and which by the recruited monomer. In this work, mutants of FokI were used to show that the monomer bound to the site made the distal cut in the bottom strand, whilst the recruited monomer made in parallel the proximal cut in the top strand. Procedures were also established to direct FokI activity, either preferentially to the bottom strand or exclusively to the top strand. The latter extends the range of enzymes for nicking specified strands at specific sequences, and may facilitate further applications of FokI in gene targeting.

Single molecule studies of homologous recombination

Single molecule methods offer an unprecedented opportunity to examine complex macromolecular reactions that are obfuscated by ensemble averaging. The application of single molecule techniques to study DNA processing enzymes has revealed new mechanistic details that are unobtainable from bulk biochemical studies. Homologous DNA recombination is a multi-step pathway that is facilitated by numerous enzymes that must precisely and rapidly manipulate diverse DNA substrates to repair potentially lethal breaks in the DNA duplex. In this review, we present an overview of single molecule assays that have been developed to study key aspects of homologous recombination and discuss the unique information gleaned from these experiments.

Synthesis and biochemical application of 2'-O-methyl-3'-thioguanosine as a probe to explore group I intron catalysis

Oligonucleotides containing 3'-S-phosphorothiolate linkages provide valuable analogues for exploring the catalytic mechanisms of enzymes and ribozymes, both to identify catalytic metal ions and to probe hydrogen-bonding interactions. Here, we have synthesized 2'-O-methyl-3'-thioguanosine to test a possible hydrogen-bonding interaction in the Tetrahymena ribozyme reaction. We developed an efficient method for the synthesis of 2'-O-methyl-3'-thioguanosine phosphoramidite in eight steps starting from 2'-O-methyl-N(2)-(isobutyryl) guanosine with 10.4% overall yield. Following incorporation into oligonucleotides using solid-phase synthesis, we used this new analogue to investigate whether the 3'-oxygen of the guanosine cofactor in the Tetrahymena ribozyme reaction serves as an acceptor for the hydrogen bond donated by the adjacent 2'-hydroxyl group. We show that regardless of whether the guanosine cofactor bears a 3'-oxygen or 3'-sulfur leaving group, replacing the adjacent 2'-hydroxyl group with a 2'-methoxy group incurs the same energetic penalty, providing evidence against an interaction. These results indicate that the hydrogen bond donated by the guanosine 2'-hydroxyl group contributes to catalytic function in a manner distinct from the U(-1) 2'-hydroxyl group.

Cleavage mechanism of human Mus81-Eme1 acting on Holliday-junction structures

Recombination-mediated repair plays a central role in maintaining genomic integrity during DNA replication. The human Mus81-Eme1 endonuclease is involved in recombination repair, but the exact structures it acts on in vivo are not known. Using kinetic and enzymatic analysis of highly purified recombinant enzyme, we find that Mus81-Eme1 catalyzes coordinate bilateral cleavage of model Holliday-junction structures. Using a self-limiting, cruciform-containing substrate, we demonstrate that bilateral cleavage occurs sequentially within the lifetime of the enzyme-substrate complex. Coordinate bilateral cleavage is promoted by the highly cooperative nature of the enzyme and results in symmetrical cleavage of a cruciform structure, thus, Mus81-Eme1 can ensure coordinate, bilateral cleavage of Holliday junction-like structures.

Synthesis of the 3'-thio-nucleosides and subsequent automated synthesis of oligodeoxynucleotides containing a 3'-S-phosphorothiolate linkage

Oligodeoxynucleotides containing 3'-S-phosphorothiolate (3'-PS) linkages have become useful tools for probing enzyme-catalyzed cleavage processes in DNA. This protocol describes the synthesis of the phosphorothioamidite monomers derived from thymidine and 2'-deoxycytidine, and their application to a fully automated procedure for synthesising oligodeoxynucleotides containing 3'-PS linkages. The synthesis of the 5'-protected-3'-amidites is achievable in 2 weeks with the DNA synthesis and purification taking another 1 week.

Multiple functions of Drosophila BLM helicase in maintenance of genome stability

Bloom Syndrome, a rare human disorder characterized by genomic instability and predisposition to cancer, is caused by mutation of BLM, which encodes a RecQ-family DNA helicase. The Drosophila melanogaster ortholog of BLM, DmBlm, is encoded by mus309. Mutations in mus309 cause hypersensitivity to DNA-damaging agents, female sterility, and defects in repairing double-strand breaks (DSBs). To better understand these phenotypes, we isolated novel mus309 alleles. Mutations that delete the N terminus of DmBlm, but not the helicase domain, have DSB repair defects as severe as those caused by null mutations. We found that female sterility is due to a requirement for DmBlm in early embryonic cell cycles; embryos lacking maternally derived DmBlm have anaphase bridges and other mitotic defects. These defects were less severe for the N-terminal deletion alleles, so we used one of these mutations to assay meiotic recombination. Crossovers were decreased to about half the normal rate, and the remaining crossovers were evenly distributed along the chromosome. We also found that spontaneous mitotic crossovers are increased by several orders of magnitude in mus309 mutants. These results demonstrate that DmBlm functions in multiple cellular contexts to promote genome stability.

RuvABC is required to resolve holliday junctions that accumulate following replication on damaged templates in Escherichia coli

RuvABC is a complex that promotes branch migration and resolution of Holliday junctions. Although ruv mutants are hypersensitive to UV irradiation, the molecular event(s) that necessitate RuvABC processing in vivo are not known. Here, we used a combination of two-dimensional gel analysis and electron microscopy to reveal that although ruvAB and ruvC mutants are able to resume replication following arrest at UV-induced lesions, molecules that replicate in the presence of DNA damage accumulate unresolved Holliday junctions. The failure to resolve the Holliday junctions on the fully replicated molecules correlates with a delayed loss of genomic integrity that is likely to account for the loss of viability in these cells. The strand exchange intermediates that accumulate in ruv mutants are distinct from those observed at arrested replication forks and are not subject to resolution by RecG. These results indicate that the Holliday junctions observed in ruv mutants are intermediates of a repair pathway that is distinct from that of the recovery of arrested replication forks. A model is proposed in which RuvABC is required to resolve junctions that arise during the repair of a subset of nonarresting lesions after replication has passed through the template.

Quaternary structure and cleavage specificity of a poxvirus holliday junction resolvase

Recently, poxviruses were found to encode a protein with signature motifs present in the RuvC family of Holliday junction (HJ) resolvases, which have a key role in homologous recombination in bacteria. The vaccinia virus homolog A22 specifically cleaved synthetic HJ DNA in vitro and was required for the in vivo resolution of viral DNA concatemers into unit-length genomes with hairpin telomeres. It was of interest to further characterize a poxvirus resolvase in view of the low sequence similarity with RuvC, the absence of virus-encoded RuvA and RuvB to interact with, and the different functions of the viral and bacterial resolvases. Because purified A22 aggregated severely, studies were carried out with maltose-binding protein fused to A22 as well as to RuvC. Using gel filtration, chemical cross-linking, analytical ultracentrifugation, and light scattering, we demonstrated that A22 and RuvC are homodimers in solution. Furthermore, the dimeric form of the resolvase associated with HJ DNA, presumably facilitating the symmetrical cleavage of such structures. Like RuvC, A22 symmetrically cleaved fixed HJ junctions as well as junctions allowing strand mobility. Unlike RuvC and other members of the family, however, the poxvirus enzyme exhibited little cleavage sequence specificity. Structural and enzymatic similarities of poxvirus, bacterial, and fungal mitochondrial HJ resolvases are consistent with their predicted evolutionary relationship based on sequence analysis. The absence of a homologous resolvase in mammalian cells makes these microbial enzymes excellent potential therapeutic targets.

Identification of RecQL1 as a Holliday junction processing enzyme in human cell lines

Homologous recombination provides an effective way to repair DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and is required for genetic recombination. During the process of homologous recombination, a heteroduplex DNA structure, or a 'Holliday junction' (HJ), is formed. The movement, or branch migration, of this junction is necessary for recombination to proceed correctly. In prokaryotes, the RecQ protein or the RuvA/RuvB protein complex can promote ATP-dependent branch migration of Holliday junctions. Much less is known about the processing of Holliday junctions in eukaryotes. Here, we identify RecQL1 as a predominant ATP-dependent, HJ branch migrator present in human nuclear extracts. A reduction in the level of RecQL1 induced by RNA interference in HeLa cells leads to an increase in sister chromatid exchange. We propose that RecQL1 is involved in the processing of Holliday junctions in human cells.

Synthesis of phosphorothioamidites derived from 3'-thio-3'-deoxythymidine and 3'-thio-2',3'-dideoxycytidine and the automated synthesis of oligodeoxynucleotides containing a 3'-S-phosphorothiolate linkage

The synthesis of N4-benzoyl-5'-O-dimethoxytrityl-2',3'-dideoxy-3'-thiocytidine and its phosphorothioamidite is described for the first time, together with a shortened procedure for the preparation of 5'-O-dimethoxytrityl-3'-deoxy-3'-thiothymidine and its corresponding phosphorothioamidite. The first fully automated coupling procedure for the incorporation of a phosphorothioamidite into a synthetic oligodeoxynucleotide has been developed, which conveniently uses routine activators and reagents. Coupling yields using this protocol were in the range of 85-90% and good yields of singularly modified oligonucleotides were obtained. Coupling yields were also equally good when performed on either a 0.2 or 1 micro mol reaction column, thus facilitating large scale syntheses required for mechanistic studies.

NMR and UV studies of 3'-S-phosphorothiolate modified DNA in a DNA : RNA hybrid dodecamer duplex; implications for antisense drug design

High-resolution NMR spectroscopy has been used to establish the conformational consequences of the introduction of a single 3[prime or minute]-S-phosphorothiolate link in the DNA strand of a DNA : RNA hybrid. These systems are of interest as potential antisense therapeutic agents. Previous studies on similarly modified dinucleotides have shown that the conformation of the sugar to which the sulfur is attached shifts to the north (C(3[prime or minute])-endo/C(2[prime or minute])-exo). Comparisons made between NOESY cross-peak intensities, and coupling constants from PE-COSY spectra, for both non-modified and modified duplexes confirm that this conformational shift is also present in the double helical oligonucleotide system. In addition it is noted that in both the dinucleotides and the modified duplex, the conformation of the sugar ring 3[prime or minute] to the site of modification is also shifted to the north. That this pattern is observed in the small monomeric system as well as the larger double helix is suggestive of some pre-ordering of the sequences. The conclusion is supported by consideration of the (1)H chemical shifts of the heterocyclic bases near the site of the modification. The enhanced stability that these conformational changes should bring was confirmed by UV thermal melting studies. Subsequently a series of singly and doubly 3[prime or minute]-S-phosphorothiolate-modified duplexes were investigated by UV. The results are indicative of an additive effect of the modification with thermodynamic benefit being derived from alternate spacing of two modified linkers.

The endogenous Mus81-Eme1 complex resolves Holliday junctions by a nick and counternick mechanism

Functional studies strongly suggest that the Mus81-Eme1 complex resolves Holliday junctions (HJs) in fission yeast, but in vitro it preferentially cleaves flexible three-way branched structures that model replication forks or 3' flaps. Here we report that a nicked HJ is the preferred substrate of endogenous and recombinant Mus81-Eme1. Cleavage occurs specifically on the strand that opposes the nick, resulting in resolution of the structure into linear duplex products. Resolving cuts made by the endogenous Mus81-Eme1 complex on an intact HJ are quasi-simultaneous, indicating that Mus81-Eme1 resolves HJs by a nick and counternick mechanism, with a large rate enhancement of the second cut arising from the flexible nature of the nicked HJ intermediate. Recombinant Mus81-Eme1 is ineffective at making the first cut. We also report that HJs accumulate in a DNA polymerase alpha mutant that lacks Mus81, providing further evidence that the Mus81-Eme1 complex targets HJs in vivo.

The RuvABC resolvasome

The RuvABC resolvasome of Escherichia coli catalyses the resolution of Holliday junctions that arise during genetic recombination and DNA repair. This process involves two key steps: branch migration, catalysed by the RuvB protein that is targeted to the Holliday junction by the structure specific RuvA protein, and resolution, which is catalysed by the RuvC endonuclease. We have quantified the interaction of the RuvA protein with synthetic Holliday junctions and have shown that the binding of the protein is highly structure-specific, and leads to the formation of a complex containing two tetramers of RuvA per Holliday junction. Our data are consistent with two tetramers of RuvA binding to the DNA recombination intermediate in a co-operative manner. Once formed this complex prevents the binding of RuvC to the Holliday junction. However, the formation of a RuvAC complex can be observed following sequential addition of the RuvC and RuvA proteins. Moreover, by examining the DNA recognition properties of a mutant RuvA protein (E55R, D56K) we show that the charge on the central pin is critical for directing the structure-specific binding by RuvA.

High affinity of endonuclease VII for the Holliday structure containing one nick ensures productive resolution

During homologous recombination, genetic information is physically exchanged between parental DNAs via crossing single strands of the same polarity within a four-way DNA junction called a Holliday structure. This process is terminated by the endonucleolytic activity of resolvases, which convert the four-way DNA back to two double strands. To achieve productive resolution, the two subunits of the dimeric enzymes introduce two single-strand cuts positioned symmetrically in opposite strands across the DNA junction. Covalently linked dimers of endonuclease VII from phage T4, whether a homodimer with two or a heterodimer with only one functional catalytic centre, reacted with a synthetic cruciform DNA to form a DNA-enzyme complex immediately after addition of the enzyme. Analysis of the complexes from both reactions revealed that the bound junction contained one nick. While the active homodimer processed this nicked junction consecutively to duplex DNAs by making the second cut, the complex with the heterodimer stayed stable for the whole reaction time. Thus the high affinity of endonuclease VII for the junction containing one nick is part of the mechanism to ensure productive resolution of Holliday structures, by giving the enzyme time to make the second cut, whereupon the complex dissociates into the two duplex DNAs and the free enzyme.

Substrate specificity of RusA resolvase reveals the DNA structures targeted by RuvAB and RecG in vivo

RusA endonuclease cleaves Holliday junctions by introducing paired strand incisions 5' to CC dinucleotides. Coordinated catalysis is achieved when both subunits of the homodimer interact simultaneously with cleavage sites located symmetrically. This requirement confers Holliday junction specificity. Uncoupled catalysis occurs when binding interactions are disturbed. Genetic studies indicate that uncoupling occurs rarely in vivo, and DNA cleavage is therefore restricted to Holliday junctions. We exploited the specificity of RusA to identify the DNA substrates targeted by the RuvAB and RecG branch-migration proteins in vivo. We present evidence that replication restart in UV-irradiated cells relies on the processing of stalled replication forks by RecG helicase and of Holliday junctions by the RuvABC resolvasome, and that RuvAB alone may not promote repair.

RusA proteins from the extreme thermophile Aquifex aeolicus and lactococcal phage r1t resolve Holliday junctions

The RusA protein of Escherichia coli is a DNA structure-specific endonuclease that resolves Holliday junction intermediates formed during DNA replication, recombination and repair by introducing symmetrically paired incisions 5' to CC dinucleotides. It is encoded by the defective prophage DLP12, which raises the possibility that it may be of bacteriophage origin. We show that rusA-like sequences are indeed often associated with prophage sequences in the genomes of several bacterial species. They are also found in many bacteriophages, including Lactococcus lactis phage r1t. However, rusA is also present in the chromosome of the hyperthermophilic bacterium Aquifex aeolicus. In this case, there is no obvious association of rusA with prophage-like sequences. Given the ancient lineage of Aquifex aeolicus, this observation provides the first indication that RusA may be of bacterial origin. The RusA proteins of A. aeolicus and bacteriophage r1t were purified and shown to resolve Holliday junctions. The r1t enzyme also promotes DNA repair in strains lacking the RuvABC resolvase. Both enzymes cleave junctions in a sequence-dependent manner, but the A. aeolicus RusA shows a different sequence preference (3' to TG) from the E. coli protein (5' to CC), and the r1t RusA has relaxed sequence dependence, requiring only a single cytosine.

Inverted repeats as genetic elements for promoting DNA inverted duplication: implications in gene amplification

Inverted repeats are important genetic elements for genome instability. In the current study we have investigated the role of inverted repeats in a DNA rearrangement reaction using a linear DNA substrate. We show that linear DNA substrates with terminal inverted repeats can efficiently transform Escherichia coli. The transformation products contain circular inverted dimers in which the DNA sequences between terminal inverted repeats are duplicated. In contrast to the recombination/rearrangement product of circular DNA substrates, which is exclusively one particular form of the inverted dimer, the rearrangement products of the linear DNA substrate consist of two isomeric forms of the inverted dimer. Escherichia coli mutants defective in RecBCD exhibit much reduced transformation efficiency, suggesting a role for RecBCD in the protection rather than destruction of these linear DNA substrates. These results suggest a model in which inverted repeats near the ends of a double-strand break can be processed by a helicase/exonuclease to form hairpin caps. Processing of hairpin capped DNA intermediates can then yield inverted duplications. Linear DNA substrates containing terminal inverted repeats can also be converted into inverted dimers in COS cells, suggesting conservation of this type of genome instability from bacteria to mammalian cells.

The junction-resolving enzymes

Junction-resolving enzymes are ubiquitous nucleases that are important for DNA repair and recombination and act on DNA molecules containing branch points, especially four-way junctions. They show a pronounced selectivity for the structure of the DNA substrate but, despite its importance, the structural selectivity is not well understood. This poses an intriguing challenge in molecular recognition on a relatively large scale.

Conformational flexibility in T4 endonuclease VII revealed by crystallography: implications for substrate binding and cleavage

The structure of the N62D mutant of the junction-resolving endonuclease VII (EndoVII) from phage T4 has been refined at 1.3 A, and a second wild-type crystal form solved and refined at 2.8 A resolution. Comparison of the mutant with the wild-type protein structure in two different crystal environments reveals considerable conformational flexibility at the dimer level affecting the substrate-binding cleft, the dimerization interface and the orientation of the C-terminal domains. The opening of the DNA-binding cleft, the orientation of the C-terminal domains relative to the central dimerization domain as well as the relative positioning of helices in the dimerization interface appear to be sensitive to the crystal packing environment. The highly unexpected rearrangement within the extended hydrophobic interface does change the contact surface area but keeps the number of hydrophobic contacts about the same and will therefore not require significant energy input. The conformational flexibility most likely is of functional significance for the broad substrate specificity of EndoVII. Binding of sulphate ions in the mutant structure and their positions relative to the active-site metal ions and residues known to be essential for catalysis allows us to propose a possible catalytic mechanism. A comparison with the active-site geometries of other magnesium-dependent nucleases, among them the homing endonuclease I-PpoI and Serratia endonuclease, shows common features, suggesting related catalytic mechanisms.

The ruv proteins of Thermotoga maritima: branch migration and resolution of Holliday junctions

In homologous recombination in bacteria, the RuvAB Holliday junction-specific helicase catalyzes Holliday junction branch migration, and the RuvC Holliday junction resolvase catalyzes formation of spliced or patched structures. RuvAB and RuvC from the hyperthermophile Thermotoga maritima were expressed in Escherichia coli and purified to homogeneity. An inverted repeat sequence with unique termini was produced by PCR, restriction endonuclease cleavage, and head-to-tail ligation. A second inverted repeat sequence was derived by amplification of a second template containing a three-nucleotide insertion. Reassociation products from a mixture of these two sequences were homoduplex linear molecules and heteroduplex heat-stable Holliday junctions, which acted as substrates for both T. maritima RuvAB and RuvC. The T. maritima RuvAB helicase catalyzed energy-dependent Holliday junction branch migration at 70 degrees C, leading to heteroduplex linear duplex molecules with two three-nucleotide loops. Either ATP or ATP gamma S hydrolysis served as the energy source. T. maritima RuvC resolved Holliday junctions at 70 degrees C. Remarkably, the cleavage site was identical to the preferred cleavage site for E. coli RuvC [(A/T)TT(downward arrow)(G/C)]. The conservation of function and the ease of purification of wild-type and mutant thermophilic proteins argues for the use of T. maritima proteins for additional biochemical and structural studies.

Biochemical characterization of the hjc holliday junction resolvase of Pyrococcus furiosus

The Hjc protein of Pyrococcus furiosus is an endonuclease that resolves Holliday junctions, the intermediates in homologous recombination. The amino acid sequence of Hjc is conserved in Archaea, however, it is not similar to any of the well-characterized Holliday junction resolvases. In order to investigate the similarity and diversity of the enzymatic properties of Hjc as a Holliday junction resolvase, highly purified Hjc produced in recombinant Escherichia coli was used for detailed biochemical characterizations. Hjc has specific binding activity to the Holliday-structured DNA, with an apparent dissociation constant (K:(d)) of 60 nM. The dimeric form of Hjc binds to the substrate DNA. The optimal reaction conditions were determined using a synthetic Holliday junction as substrate. Hjc required a divalent cation for cleavage activity and Mg(2+) at 5-10 mM was optimal. Mn(2+) could substitute for Mg(2+), but it was much less efficient than Mg(2+) as the cofactor. The cleavage reaction was stimulated by alkaline pH and KCl at approximately 200 mM. In addition to the high specific activity, Hjc was found to be extremely heat stable. In contrast to the case of SULFOLOBUS:, the Holliday junction resolving activity detected in P. furiosus cell extract thus far is only derived from Hjc.

Cleavage of holliday junctions by the Escherichia coli RuvABC complex

The Escherichia coli RuvABC proteins process recombination intermediates during genetic recombination and recombinational repair. Although early biochemical studies indicated distinct RuvAB-mediated branch migration and RuvC-mediated Holliday junction resolution reactions, more recent studies have shown that the three proteins act together as a "resolvasome" complex. In this work we have used recombination intermediates made by RecA to determine whether the RuvAB proteins affect the sequence specificity of the RuvC resolvase. We find that RuvAB proteins do not alter significantly the site specificity of RuvC-dependent cleavage, although under certain conditions, they do affect the efficiency of cleavage at particular sites. The presence of RecA also influences cleavage at some sites. We also show that the RuvAB proteins act upon transient strand exchange intermediates made using substrates that have the opposite polarity of those preferred by RecA. Together, our results allow us to develop further a model for the recombinational repair of DNA lesions that lead to the formation of post-replication gaps during DNA replication. The novel features of this model are as follows: (i) the RuvABC resolvasome recognizes joints made by RecA; (ii) resolution by RuvABC occurs at specific sites containing the RuvC consensus cleavage sequence 5'-(A/T)TT downward arrow(G/C)-3'; and (iii) Holliday junction resolution often occurs close to the initiating gap without significant heteroduplex DNA formation.

Assembly of the Escherichia coli RuvABC resolvasome directs the orientation of holliday junction resolution

Genetic recombination can lead to the formation of intermediates in which DNA molecules are linked by Holliday junctions. Movement of a junction along DNA, by a process known as branch migration, leads to heteroduplex formation, whereas resolution of a junction completes the recombination process. Holliday junctions can be resolved in either of two ways, yielding products in which there has, or has not, been an exchange of flanking markers. The ratio of these products is thought to be determined by the frequency with which the two isomeric forms (conformers) of the Holliday junction are cleaved. Recent studies with enzymes that process Holliday junctions in Escherichia coli, the RuvABC proteins, however, indicate that protein binding causes the junction to adopt an open square-planar configuration. Within such a structure, DNA isomerization can have little role in determining the orientation of resolution. To determine the role that junction-specific protein assembly has in determining resolution bias, a defined in vitro system was developed in which we were able to direct the assembly of the RuvABC resolvasome. We found that the bias toward resolution in one orientation or the other was determined simply by the way in which the Ruv proteins were positioned on the junction. Additionally, we provide evidence that supports current models on RuvABC action in which Holliday junction resolution occurs as the resolvasome promotes branch migration.