In vivo function of the conserved non-catalytic domain of Werner syndrome helicase in DNA replication

Response to Replication Stress and Maintenance of Genome Stability by WRN, the Werner Syndrome Protein

Werner syndrome (WS) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by loss of function of WRN. WS is a segmental progeroid disease and shows early onset or increased frequency of many characteristics of normal aging. WRN possesses helicase, annealing, strand exchange, and exonuclease activities and acts on a variety of DNA substrates, even complex replication and recombination intermediates. Here, we review the genetics, biochemistry, and probably physiological functions of the WRN protein. Although its precise role is unclear, evidence suggests WRN plays a role in pathways that respond to replication stress and maintain genome stability particularly in telomeric regions.

WRN rescues replication forks compromised by a BRCA2 deficiency: Predictions for how inhibition of a helicase that suppresses premature aging tilts the balance to fork demise and chromosomal instability in cancer

Hereditary breast and ovarian cancers are frequently attributed to germline mutations in the tumor suppressor genes BRCA1 and BRCA2. BRCA1/2 act to repair double-strand breaks (DSBs) and suppress the demise of unstable replication forks. Our work elucidated a dynamic interplay between BRCA2 and the WRN DNA helicase/exonuclease defective in the premature aging disorder Werner syndrome. WRN and BRCA2 participate in complementary pathways to stabilize replication forks in cancer cells, allowing them to proliferate. Whether the functional overlap of WRN and BRCA2 is relevant to replication at gaps between newly synthesized DNA fragments, protection of telomeres, and/or metabolism of secondary DNA structures remain to be determined. Advances in understanding the mechanisms elicited during replication stress have prompted the community to reconsider avenues for cancer therapy. Insights from studies of PARP or topoisomerase inhibitors provide working models for the investigation of WRN's mechanism of action. We discuss these topics, focusing on the implications of the WRN-BRCA2 genetic interaction under conditions of replication stress.

History of DNA Helicases

Since the discovery of the DNA double helix, there has been a fascination in understanding the molecular mechanisms and cellular processes that account for: (i) the transmission of genetic information from one generation to the next and (ii) the remarkable stability of the genome. Nucleic acid biologists have endeavored to unravel the mysteries of DNA not only to understand the processes of DNA replication, repair, recombination, and transcription but to also characterize the underlying basis of genetic diseases characterized by chromosomal instability. Perhaps unexpectedly at first, DNA helicases have arisen as a key class of enzymes to study in this latter capacity. From the first discovery of ATP-dependent DNA unwinding enzymes in the mid 1970's to the burgeoning of helicase-dependent pathways found to be prevalent in all kingdoms of life, the story of scientific discovery in helicase research is rich and informative. Over four decades after their discovery, we take this opportunity to provide a history of DNA helicases. No doubt, many chapters are left to be written. Nonetheless, at this juncture we are privileged to share our perspective on the DNA helicase field - where it has been, its current state, and where it is headed.

Mechanistic and biological considerations of oxidatively damaged DNA for helicase-dependent pathways of nucleic acid metabolism

Cells are under constant assault from reactive oxygen species that occur endogenously or arise from environmental agents. An important consequence of such stress is the generation of oxidatively damaged DNA, which is represented by a wide range of non-helix distorting and helix-distorting bulkier lesions that potentially affect a number of pathways including replication and transcription; consequently DNA damage tolerance and repair pathways are elicited to help cells cope with the lesions. The cellular consequences and metabolism of oxidatively damaged DNA can be quite complex with a number of DNA metabolic proteins and pathways involved. Many of the responses to oxidative stress involve a specialized class of enzymes known as helicases, the topic of this review. Helicases are molecular motors that convert the energy of nucleoside triphosphate hydrolysis to unwinding of structured polynucleic acids. Helicases by their very nature play fundamentally important roles in DNA metabolism and are implicated in processes that suppress chromosomal instability, genetic disease, cancer, and aging. We will discuss the roles of helicases in response to nuclear and mitochondrial oxidative stress and how this important class of enzymes help cells cope with oxidatively generated DNA damage through their functions in the replication stress response, DNA repair, and transcriptional regulation.

Nucleolytic processing of aberrant replication intermediates by an Exo1-Dna2-Sae2 axis counteracts fork collapse-driven chromosome instability

Problems during DNA replication underlie genomic instability and drive malignant transformation. The DNA damage checkpoint stabilizes stalled replication forks thus counteracting aberrant fork transitions, DNA breaks and chromosomal rearrangements. We analyzed fork processing in checkpoint deficient cells by coupling psoralen crosslinking with replication intermediate two-dimensional gel analysis. This revealed a novel role for Exo1 nuclease in resecting reversed replication fork structures and counteracting the accumulation of aberrant intermediates resembling fork cleavage products. Genetic analyses demonstrated a functional interplay of Exo1 with Mus81, Dna2 and Sae2 nucleases in promoting cell survival following replication stress, suggestive of concerted nucleolytic processing of stalled forks. While Mus81 and other Structure Specific Endonucleases do not contribute to obvious collapsed fork transitions, Dna2 promotes reversed fork resection likely by facilitating Exo1 access to nascent strands. Instead, Sae2 cooperates with Exo1 in counteracting putative fork cleavage events linked to double strand breaks formation and increased gross chromosomal rearrangement rates. Our data indicate that in checkpoint deficient cells diverse nuclease activities interface to eliminate aberrant replication intermediates and prevent chromosome instability.

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

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

DNA binding residues in the RQC domain of Werner protein are critical for its catalytic activities

Werner protein (WRN), member of the RecQ helicase family, is a helicase and exonuclease, and participates in multiple DNA metabolic processes including DNA replication, recombination and DNA repair. Mutations in the WRN gene cause Werner syndrome, associated with premature aging, genome instability and cancer predisposition. The RecQ C-terminal (RQC) domain of WRN, containing α2-α3 loop and β-wing motifs, is important for DNA binding and for many protein interactions. To better understand the critical functions of this domain, we generated recombinant WRN proteins (using a novel purification scheme) with mutations in Arg-993 within the α2-α3 loop of the RQC domain and in Phe-1037 of the -wing motif. We then studied the catalytic activities and DNA binding of these mutant proteins as well as some important functional protein interactions. The mutant proteins were defective in DNA binding and helicase activity, and interestingly, they had deficient exonuclease activity and strand annealing function. The RQC domain of WRN has not previously been implicated in exonuclease or annealing activities. The mutant proteins could not stimulate NEIL1 incision activity as did the wild type. Thus, the Arg-993 and Phe-1037 in the RQC domain play essential roles in catalytic activity, and in functional interactions mediated by WRN.

RECQL5 plays co-operative and complementary roles with WRN syndrome helicase

Humans have five RecQ helicases, whereas simpler organisms have only one. Little is known about whether and how these RecQ helicases co-operate and/or complement each other in response to cellular stress. Here we show that RECQL5 associates longer at laser-induced DNA double-strand breaks in the absence of Werner syndrome (WRN) protein, and that it interacts physically and functionally with WRN both in vivo and in vitro. RECQL5 co-operates with WRN on synthetic stalled replication fork-like structures and stimulates its helicase activity on DNA fork duplexes. Both RECQL5 and WRN re-localize from the nucleolus into the nucleus after replicative stress and significantly associate with each other during S-phase. Further, we show that RECQL5 is essential for cell survival in the absence of WRN. Loss of both RECQL5 and WRN severely compromises DNA replication, accumulates genomic instability and ultimately leads to cell death. Collectively, our results indicate that RECQL5 plays both co-operative and complementary roles with WRN. This is an early demonstration of a significant functional interplay and a novel synthetic lethal interaction among the human RecQ helicases.

Functional analyses of human DNA repair proteins important for aging and genomic stability using yeast genetics

Model systems have been extremely useful for studying various theories of aging. Studies of yeast have been particularly helpful to explore the molecular mechanisms and pathways that affect aging at the cellular level in the simple eukaryote. Although genetic analysis has been useful to interrogate the aging process, there has been both interest and debate over how functionally conserved the mechanisms of aging are between yeast and higher eukaryotes, especially mammalian cells. One area of interest has been the importance of genomic stability for age-related processes, and the potential conservation of proteins and pathways between yeast and human. Translational genetics have been employed to examine the functional roles of mammalian proteins using yeast as a pliable model system. In the current review recent advancements made in this area are discussed, highlighting work which shows that the cellular functions of human proteins in DNA repair and maintenance of genomic stability can be elucidated by genetic rescue experiments performed in yeast.

Non-B DNA Secondary Structures and Their Resolution by RecQ Helicases

In addition to the canonical B-form structure first described by Watson and Crick, DNA can adopt a number of alternative structures. These non-B-form DNA secondary structures form spontaneously on tracts of repeat sequences that are abundant in genomes. In addition, structured forms of DNA with intrastrand pairing may arise on single-stranded DNA produced transiently during various cellular processes. Such secondary structures have a range of biological functions but also induce genetic instability. Increasing evidence suggests that genomic instabilities induced by non-B DNA secondary structures result in predisposition to diseases. Secondary DNA structures also represent a new class of molecular targets for DNA-interactive compounds that might be useful for targeting telomeres and transcriptional control. The equilibrium between the duplex DNA and formation of multistranded non-B-form structures is partly dependent upon the helicases that unwind (resolve) these alternate DNA structures. With special focus on tetraplex, triplex, and cruciform, this paper summarizes the incidence of non-B DNA structures and their association with genomic instability and emphasizes the roles of RecQ-like DNA helicases in genome maintenance by resolution of DNA secondary structures. In future, RecQ helicases are anticipated to be additional molecular targets for cancer chemotherapeutics.

Helicase-inactivating mutations as a basis for dominant negative phenotypes

There is ample evidence from studies of both unicellular and multicellular organisms that helicase-inactivating mutations lead to cellular dysfunction and disease phenotypes. In this review, we will discuss the mechanisms underlying the basis for abnormal phenotypes linked to mutations in genes encoding DNA helicases. Recent evidence demonstrates that a clinically relevant patient missense mutation in Fanconi Anemia Complementation Group J exerts detrimental effects on the biochemical activities of the FANCJ helicase, and these molecular defects are responsible for aberrant genomic stability and a poor DNA damage response. The ability of FANCJ to use the energy from ATP hydrolysis to produce the force required to unwind duplex or G-quadruplex DNA structures or destabilize protein bound to DNA is required for its DNA repair functions in vivo. Strikingly, helicase-inactivating mutations can exert a spectrum of dominant negative phenotypes, indicating that expression of the mutant helicase protein potentially interferes with normal DNA metabolism and has an effect on basic cellular processes such as DNA replication, the DNA damage response and protein trafficking. This review emphasizes that future studies of clinically relevant mutations in helicase genes will be important to understand the molecular pathologies of the associated diseases and their impact on heterozygote carriers.

Contributions of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to understanding mammalian gene function and therapy

Due to its genetic tractability and ease of manipulation, the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been extensively used as a model organism to understand how eukaryotic cells grow, divide, and respond to environmental changes. In this chapter, we reasoned that functional annotation of novel genes revealed by sequencing should adopt an integrative approach including both bioinformatics and experimental analysis to reveal functional conservation and divergence of complexes and pathways. The techniques and resources generated for systems biology studies in yeast have found a wide range of applications. Here we focused on using these technologies in revealing functions of genes from mammals, in identifying targets of novel and known drugs and in screening drugs targeting specific proteins and/or protein-protein interactions.

Dna2 on the road to Okazaki fragment processing and genome stability in eukaryotes

DNA replication is a primary mechanism for maintaining genome integrity, but it serves this purpose best by cooperating with other proteins involved in DNA repair and recombination. Unlike leading strand synthesis, lagging strand synthesis has a greater risk of faulty replication for several reasons: First, a significant part of DNA is synthesized by polymerase alpha, which lacks a proofreading function. Second, a great number of Okazaki fragments are synthesized, processed and ligated per cell division. Third, the principal mechanism of Okazaki fragment processing is via generation of flaps, which have the potential to form a variety of structures in their sequence context. Finally, many proteins for the lagging strand interact with factors involved in repair and recombination. Thus, lagging strand DNA synthesis could be the best example of a converging place of both replication and repair proteins. To achieve the risky task with extraordinary fidelity, Okazaki fragment processing may depend on multiple layers of redundant, but connected pathways. An essential Dna2 endonuclease/helicase plays a pivotal role in processing common structural intermediates that occur during diverse DNA metabolisms (e.g. lagging strand synthesis and telomere maintenance). Many roles of Dna2 suggest that the preemptive removal of long or structured flaps ultimately contributes to genome maintenance in eukaryotes. In this review, we describe the function of Dna2 in Okazaki fragment processing, and discuss its role in the maintenance of genome integrity with an emphasis on its functional interactions with other factors required for genome maintenance.

Delineation of WRN helicase function with EXO1 in the replicational stress response

The WRN gene defective in the premature aging disorder Werner syndrome encodes a helicase/exonuclease. We examined the ability of WRN to rescue DNA damage sensitivity of a yeast mutant defective in the Rad50 subunit of Mre11-Rad50-Xrs2 nuclease complex implicated in homologous recombination repair. Genetic studies revealed WRN operates in a yEXO1-dependent pathway to rescue rad50 sensitivity to methylmethane sulfonate (MMS). WRN helicase, but not exonuclease, is required for MMS resistance. WRN missense mutations in helicase or RecQ C-terminal domains interfered with the ability of WRN to rescue rad50 MMS sensitivity. WRN does not rescue rad50 ionizing radiation (IR) sensitivity, suggesting that WRN, in collaboration with yEXO1, is tailored to relieve replicational stress imposed by alkylated base damage. WRN and yEXO1 are associated with each other in vivo. Purified WRN stimulates hEXO1 nuclease activity on DNA substrates associated with a stalled or regressed replication fork. We propose WRN helicase operates in an EXO1-dependent pathway to help cells survive replicational stress. In contrast to WRN, BLM helicase defective in Bloom's syndrome failed to rescue rad50 MMS sensitivity, but partially restored IR resistance, suggesting a delineation of function by the human RecQ helicases.

Genetic studies of human DNA repair proteins using yeast as a model system

Understanding the roles of human DNA repair proteins in genetic pathways is a formidable challenge to many researchers. Genetic studies in mammalian systems have been limited due to the lack of readily available tools including defined mutant genetic cell lines, regulatory expression systems, and appropriate selectable markers. To circumvent these difficulties, model genetic systems in lower eukaryotes have become an attractive choice for the study of functionally conserved DNA repair proteins and pathways. We have developed a model yeast system to study the poorly defined genetic functions of the Werner syndrome helicase-nuclease (WRN) in nucleic acid metabolism. Cellular phenotypes associated with defined genetic mutant backgrounds can be investigated to clarify the cellular and molecular functions of WRN through its catalytic activities and protein interactions. The human WRN gene and associated variants, cloned into DNA plasmids for expression in yeast, can be placed under the control of a regulatory plasmid element. The expression construct can then be transformed into the appropriate yeast mutant background, and genetic function assayed by a variety of methodologies. Using this approach, we determined that WRN, like its related RecQ family members BLM and Sgs1, operates in a Top3-dependent pathway that is likely to be important for genomic stability. This is described in our recent publication at www.impactaging.com. Detailed methods of specific assays for genetic complementation studies in yeast are provided in this paper.

Roles of Werner syndrome protein in protection of genome integrity

Werner syndrome protein (WRN) is one of a family of five human RecQ helicases implicated in the maintenance of genome stability. The conserved RecQ family also includes RecQ1, Bloom syndrome protein (BLM), RecQ4, and RecQ5 in humans, as well as Sgs1 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Rqh1 in Schizosaccharomyces pombe, and homologs in Caenorhabditis elegans, Xenopus laevis, and Drosophila melanogaster. Defects in three of the RecQ helicases, RecQ4, BLM, and WRN, cause human pathologies linked with cancer predisposition and premature aging. Mutations in the WRN gene are the causative factor of Werner syndrome (WS). WRN is one of the best characterized of the RecQ helicases and is known to have roles in DNA replication and repair, transcription, and telomere maintenance. Studies both in vitro and in vivo indicate that the roles of WRN in a variety of DNA processes are mediated by post-translational modifications, as well as several important protein-protein interactions. In this work, we will summarize some of the early studies on the cellular roles of WRN and highlight the recent findings that shed some light on the link between the protein with its cellular functions and the disease pathology.

Hitting the bull's eye: novel directed cancer therapy through helicase-targeted synthetic lethality

Designing strategies for anti-cancer therapy have posed a significant challenge. One approach has been to inhibit specific DNA repair proteins and their respective pathways to enhance chemotherapy and radiation therapy used to treat cancer patients. Synthetic lethality represents an approach that exploits pre-existing DNA repair deficiencies in certain tumors to develop inhibitors of DNA repair pathways that compensate for the tumor-associated repair deficiency. Since helicases play critical roles in the DNA damage response and DNA repair, particularly in actively dividing and replicating cells, it is proposed that the identification and characterization of synthetic lethal relationships of DNA helicases will be of value in developing improved anti-cancer treatment strategies. In this review, we discuss this hypothesis and current evidence for synthetic lethal interactions of eukaryotic DNA helicases in model systems.

Human replication factor C stimulates flap endonuclease 1

Flap endonuclease 1 (FEN1) is the enzyme responsible for specifically removing the flap structure produced during DNA replication, repair, and recombination. Here we report that the human replication factor C (RFC) complex stimulates the nuclease activity of human FEN1 in an ATP-independent manner. Although proliferating cell nuclear antigen is also known to stimulate FEN1, less RFC was required for comparable FEN1 stimulation. Kinetic analyses indicate that the mechanism by which RFC stimulates FEN1 is distinct from that by proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Heat-denatured RFC or its subunit retained, fully or partially, the ability to stimulate FEN1. Via systematic deletion analyses, we have defined three specific regions of RFC4 capable of stimulating FEN1. The region of RFC4 with the highest activity spans amino acids 170-194 and contains RFC box VII. Four amino acid residues (i.e. Tyr-182, Glu-188, Pro-189, and Ser-192) are especially important for FEN1 stimulatory activity. Thus, RFC, via several stimulatory motifs per molecule, potently activates FEN1. This function makes RFC a critical partner with FEN1 for the processing of eukaryotic Okazaki fragments.

WRN helicase defective in the premature aging disorder Werner syndrome genetically interacts with topoisomerase 3 and restores the top3 slow growth phenotype of sgs1 top3

Werner syndrome (WS) is a premature aging disorder characterized by genomic instability. The WRN gene defective in WS encodes a protein with both helicase and exonuclease activities that interacts with proteins implicated in DNA metabolism. To understand its genetic functions, we examined the ability of human WRN to rescue phenotypes associated with sgs1, the sole RecQ helicase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. WRN failed to rescue sgs1 sensitivity to the DNA damaging agent methylmethane sulfonate or replication inhibitor hydroxyurea, suggesting divergent functions of human and yeast RecQ helicases. However, physiological expression of WRN in sgs1 top3 restored top3 slow growth phenotype, whereas no effect on growth was observed with wild-type or sgs1 strains. Slow growth of WRN-transformed sgs1 top3 correlated with an elevated population of large-budded cells with undivided nuclei, indicating restoration of cell cycle delay in late S/G2 characteristic of top3. WRN helicase but not exonuclease activity was genetically required for restoration of top3 growth phenotype, demonstrating separation of function of WRN catalytic activities. A naturally occurring missense polymorphism in WRN that interferes with helicase activity abolished its ability to restore top3 slow growth phenotype. Proposed roles of WRN in genetic pathways important for the suppression of genomic instability are discussed.

Identification of the Xenopus DNA2 protein as a major nuclease for the 5'->3' strand-specific processing of DNA ends

The first step of homology-dependent DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair is the 5′ strand-specific processing of DNA ends to generate 3′ single-strand tails. Despite extensive effort, the nuclease(s) that is directly responsible for the resection of 5′ strands in eukaryotic cells remains elusive. Using nucleoplasmic extracts (NPE) derived from the eggs of Xenopus laevis as the model system, we have found that DNA processing consists of at least two steps: an ATP-dependent unwinding of ends and an ATP-independent 5′→3′ degradation of single-strand tails. The unwinding step is catalyzed by DNA helicases, the major one of which is the Xenopus Werner syndrome protein (xWRN), a member of the RecQ helicase family. In this study, we report the purification and identification of the Xenopus DNA2 (xDNA2) as one of the nucleases responsible for the 5′→3′ degradation of single-strand tails. Immunodepletion of xDNA2 resulted in a significant reduction in end processing and homology-dependent DSB repair. These results provide strong evidence that xDNA2 is a major nuclease for the resection of DNA ends for homology-dependent DSB repair in eukaryotes.

Roles of the Werner syndrome RecQ helicase in DNA replication

Congenital deficiency in the WRN protein, a member of the human RecQ helicase family, gives rise to Werner syndrome, a genetic instability and cancer predisposition disorder with features of premature aging. Cellular roles of WRN are not fully elucidated. WRN has been implicated in telomere maintenance, homologous recombination, DNA repair, and other processes. Here I review the available data that directly address the role of WRN in preserving DNA integrity during replication and propose that WRN can function in coordinating replication fork progression with replication stress-induced fork remodeling. I further discuss this role of WRN within the contexts of damage tolerance group of regulatory pathways, and redundancy and cooperation with other RecQ helicases.

Processing of G4 DNA by Dna2 helicase/nuclease and replication protein A (RPA) provides insights into the mechanism of Dna2/RPA substrate recognition

The polyguanine-rich DNA sequences commonly found at telomeres and in rDNA arrays have been shown to assemble into structures known as G quadruplexes, or G4 DNA, stabilized by base-stacked G quartets, an arrangement of four hydrogen-bonded guanines. G4 DNA structures are resistant to the many helicases and nucleases that process intermediates arising in the course of DNA replication and repair. The lagging strand DNA replication protein, Dna2, has demonstrated a unique localization to telomeres and a role in de novo telomere biogenesis, prompting us to study the activities of Dna2 on G4 DNA-containing substrates. We find that yeast Dna2 binds with 25-fold higher affinity to G4 DNA formed from yeast telomere repeats than to single-stranded DNA of the same sequence. Human Dna2 also binds G4 DNAs. The helicase activities of both yeast and human Dna2 are effective in unwinding G4 DNAs. On the other hand, the nuclease activities of both yeast and human Dna2 are attenuated by the formation of G4 DNA, with the extent of inhibition depending on the topology of the G4 structure. This inhibition can be overcome by replication protein A. Replication protein A is known to stimulate the 5'- to 3'-nuclease activity of Dna2; however, we go on to show that this same protein inhibits the 3'- to 5'-exo/endonuclease activity of Dna2. These observations are discussed in terms of possible roles for Dna2 in resolving G4 secondary structures that arise during Okazaki fragment processing and telomere lengthening.

Helicases as prospective targets for anti-cancer therapy

It has been proposed that selective inactivation of a DNA repair pathway may enhance anti-cancer therapies that eliminate cancerous cells through the cytotoxic effects of DNA damaging agents or radiation. Given the unique and critically important roles of DNA helicases in the DNA damage response, DNA repair, and maintenance of genomic stability, a number of strategies currently being explored or in use to combat cancer may be either mediated or enhanced through the modulation of helicase function. The focus of this review will be to examine the roles of helicases in DNA repair that might be suitably targeted by cancer therapeutic approaches. Treatment of cancers with anti-cancer drugs such as small molecule compounds that modulate helicase expression or function is a viable approach to selectively kill cancer cells through the inactivation of helicase-dependent DNA repair pathways, particularly those associated with DNA recombination, replication restart, and cell cycle checkpoint.

Human premature aging, DNA repair and RecQ helicases

Genomic instability leads to mutations, cellular dysfunction and aberrant phenotypes at the tissue and organism levels. A number of mechanisms have evolved to cope with endogenous or exogenous stress to prevent chromosomal instability and maintain cellular homeostasis. DNA helicases play important roles in the DNA damage response. The RecQ family of DNA helicases is of particular interest since several human RecQ helicases are defective in diseases associated with premature aging and cancer. In this review, we will provide an update on our understanding of the specific roles of human RecQ helicases in the maintenance of genomic stability through their catalytic activities and protein interactions in various pathways of cellular nucleic acid metabolism with an emphasis on DNA replication and repair. We will also discuss the clinical features of the premature aging disorders associated with RecQ helicase deficiencies and how they relate to the molecular defects.

DNA helicases required for homologous recombination and repair of damaged replication forks

DNA helicases are found in all kingdoms of life and function in all DNA metabolic processes where the two strands of duplex DNA require to be separated. Here, we review recent developments in our understanding of the roles that helicases play in the intimately linked processes of replication fork repair and homologous recombination, and highlight how the cell has evolved many distinct, and sometimes antagonistic, uses for these enzymes.

The Werner syndrome protein is required for recruitment of chromatin assembly factor 1 following DNA damage

The Werner syndrome protein (WRN) and chromatin assembly factor 1 (CAF-1) are both involved in the maintenance of genome stability. In response to DNA-damaging signals, both of these proteins relocate to sites where DNA synthesis occurs. However, the interaction between WRN and CAF-1 has not yet been investigated. In this report, we show that WRN interacts physically with the largest subunit of CAF-1, hp150, in vitro and in vivo. Although hp150 does not alter WRN catalytic activities in vitro, and the chromatin assembly activity of CAF-1 is not affected in the absence of WRN in vivo, this interaction may have an important role during the cellular response to DNA replication fork blockage and/or DNA damage signals. In hp150 RNA-mediated interference (RNAi) knockdown cells, WRN partially formed foci following hydroxyurea (HU) treatment. However, in the absence of WRN, hp150 did not relocate to form foci following exposure to HU and ultraviolet light. Thus, our results demonstrate that WRN responds to DNA damage before CAF-1 and suggest that WRN may recruit CAF-1, via interaction with hp150, to DNA damage sites during DNA synthesis.

Mechanisms of RecQ helicases in pathways of DNA metabolism and maintenance of genomic stability

Helicases are molecular motor proteins that couple the hydrolysis of NTP to nucleic acid unwinding. The growing number of DNA helicases implicated in human disease suggests that their vital specialized roles in cellular pathways are important for the maintenance of genome stability. In particular, mutations in genes of the RecQ family of DNA helicases result in chromosomal instability diseases of premature aging and/or cancer predisposition. We will discuss the mechanisms of RecQ helicases in pathways of DNA metabolism. A review of RecQ helicases from bacteria to human reveals their importance in genomic stability by their participation with other proteins to resolve DNA replication and recombination intermediates. In the light of their known catalytic activities and protein interactions, proposed models for RecQ function will be summarized with an emphasis on how this distinct class of enzymes functions in chromosomal stability maintenance and prevention of human disease and cancer.

Isolation of human Dna2 endonuclease and characterization of its enzymatic properties

In eukaryotes, the creation of ligatable nicks in DNA from flap structures generated by DNA polymerase δ-catalyzed displacement DNA synthesis during Okazaki fragment processing depends on the combined action of Fen1 and Dna2. These two enzymes contain partially overlapping but distinct endonuclease activities. Dna2 is well-suited to process long flaps, which are converted to nicks by the subsequent action of Fen1. In this report, we purified human Dna2 as a recombinant protein from human cells transfected with the cDNA of the human homologue of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Dna2. We demonstrated that the purified human Dna2 enzyme contains intrinsic endonuclease and DNA-dependent ATPase activities, but is devoid of detectable DNA helicase activity. We determined a number of enzymatic properties of human Dna2 including its substrate specificity. When both 5′ and 3′ tailed ssDNAs were present in a substrate, such as a forked-structured one, both single-stranded regions were cleaved by human Dna2 (hDna2) with equal efficiency. Based on this and other properties of hDna2, it is likely that this enzyme facilitates the removal of 5′ and 3′ regions in equilibrating flaps that are likely to arise during the processing of Okazaki fragments in human cells.

Biochemical analysis of human Dna2

Yeast Dna2 helicase/nuclease is essential for DNA replication and assists FEN1 nuclease in processing a subset of Okazaki fragments that have long single-stranded 5′ flaps. It is also involved in the maintenance of telomeres. DNA2 is a gene conserved in eukaryotes, and a putative human ortholog of yeast DNA2 (ScDNA2) has been identified. Little is known about the role of human DNA2 (hDNA2), although complementation experiments have shown that it can function in yeast to replace ScDNA2. We have now characterized the biochemical properties of hDna2. Recombinant hDna2 has single-stranded DNA-dependent ATPase and DNA helicase activity. It also has 5′–3′ nuclease activity with preference for single-stranded 5′ flaps adjacent to a duplex DNA region. The nuclease activity is stimulated by RPA and suppressed by steric hindrance at the 5′ end. Moreover, hDna2 shows strong 3′–5′ nuclease activity. This activity cleaves single-stranded DNA in a fork structure and, like the 5′–3′ activity, is suppressed by steric hindrance at the 3′-end, suggesting that the 3′–5′ nuclease requires a 3′ single-stranded end for activation. These biochemical specificities are very similar to those of the ScDna2 protein, but suggest that the 3′–5′ nuclease activity may be more important than previously thought.

The DNA-protein interaction modes of FEN-1 with gap substrates and their implication in preventing duplication mutations

Flap endonuclease-1 (FEN-1) is a structure-specific nuclease best known for its involvement in RNA primer removal and long-patch base excision repair. This enzyme is known to possess 5'-flap endo- (FEN) and 5'-3' exo- (EXO) nuclease activities. Recently, FEN-1 has been reported to also possess a gap endonuclease (GEN) activity, which is possibly involved in apoptotic DNA fragmentation and the resolution of stalled DNA replication forks. In the current study, we compare the kinetics of these activities to shed light on the aspects of DNA structure and FEN-1 DNA-binding elements that affect substrate cleavage. By using DNA binding deficient mutants of FEN-1, we determine that the GEN activity is analogous to FEN activity in that the single-stranded DNA region of DNA substrates interacts with the clamp region of FEN-1. In addition, we show that the C-terminal extension of human FEN-1 likely interacts with the downstream duplex portion of all substrates. Taken together, a substrate-binding model that explains how FEN-1, which has a single active center, can have seemingly different activities is proposed. Furthermore, based on the evidence that GEN activity in complex with WRN protein cleaves hairpin and internal loop substrates, we suggest that the GEN activity may prevent repeat expansions and duplication mutations.

A network of multi-tasking proteins at the DNA replication fork preserves genome stability

To elucidate the network that maintains high fidelity genome replication, we have introduced two conditional mutant alleles of DNA2, an essential DNA replication gene, into each of the approximately 4,700 viable yeast deletion mutants and determined the fitness of the double mutants. Fifty-six DNA2-interacting genes were identified. Clustering analysis of genomic synthetic lethality profiles of each of 43 of the DNA2-interacting genes defines a network (consisting of 322 genes and 876 interactions) whose topology provides clues as to how replication proteins coordinate regulation and repair to protect genome integrity. The results also shed new light on the functions of the query gene DNA2, which, despite many years of study, remain controversial, especially its proposed role in Okazaki fragment processing and the nature of its in vivo substrates. Because of the multifunctional nature of virtually all proteins at the replication fork, the meaning of any single genetic interaction is inherently ambiguous. The multiplexing nature of the current studies, however, combined with follow-up supporting experiments, reveals most if not all of the unique pathways requiring Dna2p. These include not only Okazaki fragment processing and DNA repair but also chromatin dynamics.

The interaction site of Flap Endonuclease-1 with WRN helicase suggests a coordination of WRN and PCNA

Werner and Bloom syndromes are genetic RecQ helicase disorders characterized by genomic instability. Biochemical and genetic data indicate that an important protein interaction of WRN and Bloom syndrome (BLM) helicases is with the structure-specific nuclease Flap Endonuclease 1 (FEN-1), an enzyme that is implicated in the processing of DNA intermediates that arise during cellular DNA replication, repair and recombination. To acquire a better understanding of the interaction of WRN and BLM with FEN-1, we have mapped the FEN-1 binding site on the two RecQ helicases. Both WRN and BLM bind to the extreme C-terminal 18 amino acid tail of FEN-1 that is adjacent to the PCNA binding site of FEN-1. The importance of the WRN/BLM physical interaction with the FEN-1 C-terminal tail was confirmed by functional interaction studies with catalytically active purified recombinant FEN-1 deletion mutant proteins that lack either the WRN/BLM binding site or the PCNA interaction site. The distinct binding sites of WRN and PCNA and their combined effect on FEN-1 nuclease activity suggest that they may coordinately act with FEN-1. WRN was shown to facilitate FEN-1 binding to its preferred double-flap substrate through its protein interaction with the FEN-1 C-terminal binding site. WRN retained its ability to physically bind and stimulate acetylated FEN-1 cleavage activity to the same extent as unacetylated FEN-1. These studies provide new insights to the interaction of WRN and BLM helicases with FEN-1, and how these interactions might be regulated with the PCNA–FEN-1 interaction during DNA replication and repair.

Current advances in unraveling the function of the Werner syndrome protein

Werner syndrome (WS) is an autosomal recessive premature aging disease manifested by the mimicry of age-related phenotypes such as atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis, cataracts, osteoporosis, soft tissue calcification, premature thinning, graying, and loss of hair, as well as a high incidence of some types of cancers. The gene product defective in WS, WRN, is a member of the RecQ family of DNA helicases that are widely distributed in nature and believed to play central roles in genomic stability of organisms ranging from prokaryotes to mammals. Interestingly, WRN is a bifunctional protein that is exceptional among RecQ helicases in that it also harbors an exonuclease activity. Furthermore, it preferentially operates on aberrant DNA structures believed to exist in vivo as intermediates in specific DNA transactions such as replication (forked DNA), recombination (Holliday junction, triplex and tetraplex DNA), and repair (partial duplex with single stranded bubble). In addition, WRN has been shown to physically and functionally interact with a variety of DNA-processing proteins, including those that are involved in resolving alternative DNA structures, repair DNA damage, and provide checkpoints for genomic stability. Despite significant research activity and considerable progress in understanding the biochemical and molecular genetic function of WRN, the in vivo molecular pathway(s) of WRN remain elusive. The following review focuses on the recent advances in the biochemistry of WRN and considers the putative in vivo functions of WRN in light of its many protein partners.

Multiple but dissectible functions of FEN-1 nucleases in nucleic acid processing, genome stability and diseases

Flap EndoNuclease-1 (FEN-1) is a multifunctional and structure-specific nuclease involved in nucleic acid processing pathways. It plays a critical role in maintaining human genome stability through RNA primer removal, long-patch base excision repair and resolution of dinucleotide and trinucleotide repeat secondary structures. In addition to its flap endonuclease (FEN) and nick exonuclease (EXO) activities, a new gap endonuclease (GEN) activity has been characterized. This activity may be important in apoptotic DNA fragmentation and in resolving stalled DNA replication forks. The multiple functions of FEN-1 are regulated via several means, including formation of complexes with different protein partners, nuclear localization in response to cell cycle or DNA damage and post-translational modifications. Its functional deficiency is predicted to cause genetic diseases, including Huntington's disease, myotonic dystrophy and cancers. This review summarizes the knowledge gained through efforts in the past decade to define its structural elements for specific activities and possible pathological consequences of altered functions of this multirole player.

Genetic Modulation of Senescent Phenotypes in Homo sapiens

Single-gene mutations can produce human progeroid syndromes--phenotypes that mimic usual or "normative" aging. These can be divided into two classes--those that have their impacts upon multiple organs and tissues (segmental progeroid syndromes) and those that have their major impacts upon a single organ or tissue (unimodal progeroid syndromes). The prototypic example of the former is the Werner syndrome, a condition caused by mutations of the RecQ family of DNA helicases. Research on the Werner syndrome and a surprising number of other progeroid syndromes support the importance of the maintenance of genomic stability as a partial antidote to aging. The prototypic examples of the latter are Alzheimer type dementias. The three gene products that cause rare autosomal-dominant early-onset varieties of these disorders all participate in the modulation of the beta amyloid precursor protein. They thus support the importance of the maintenance of proper protein processing and folding as a partial antidote to aging.

Human Bloom protein stimulates flap endonuclease 1 activity by resolving DNA secondary structure

Flap endonuclease 1 (FEN1) participates in removal of RNA primers of Okazaki fragments, several DNA repair pathways, and genome stability maintenance. Defects in yeast FEN1 produce chromosomal instability, hyper-recombination, and sequence duplication. These occur because flaps produced during replication are not promptly removed. Long-lived flaps sustain breaks and form misaligned bubble structures that produce duplications. Flaps that can form secondary structure inhibit even wild-type FEN1 and are more likely to form bubbles. Although proliferating cell nuclear antigen stimulates FEN1, it cannot resolve secondary structures. Bloom protein (BLM) is a 3'-5' helicase, mutated in Bloom syndrome. BLM has been reported to interact with and stimulate FEN1 independent of helicase function. We found activation of the helicase by ATP did not alter BLM stimulation of cleavage of unstructured flaps. However, BLM stimulation of FEN1 cleavage of foldback flaps, bubbles, or triplet repeats was increased by an additional increment when ATP was added. Helicase-dependent stimulation of FEN1 cleavage was robust over a range of sizes of the single-stranded part of bubbles. However, increasing the length of the 5' annealed region of the bubble ultimately counteracted the stimulatory capacity of the BLM helicase. Moderate helicase-dependent stimulation was observed with both fixed and equilibrating CTG flaps. Our results suggest that BLM suppresses genome instability by aiding FEN1 cleavage of structure-containing flaps.