Analysis of the DNA joining repertoire of Chlorella virus DNA ligase and a new crystal structure of the ligase-adenylate intermediate

Uncovering nick DNA binding by LIG1 at the single-molecule level

DNA ligases repair the strand breaks are made continually and naturally throughout the genome, if left unrepaired and allowed to persist, they can lead to genome instability in the forms of lethal double-strand (ds) breaks, deletions, and duplications. DNA ligase 1 (LIG1) joins Okazaki fragments during the replication machinery and seals nicks at the end of most DNA repair pathways. Yet, how LIG1 recognizes its target substrate is entirely missing. Here, we uncover the dynamics of nick DNA binding by LIG1 at the single-molecule level. Our findings reveal that LIG1 binds to dsDNA both specifically and non-specifically and exhibits diffusive behavior to form a stable complex at the nick. Furthermore, by comparing with the LIG1 C-terminal protein, we demonstrate that the N-terminal non-catalytic region promotes binding enriched at nick sites and facilitates an efficient nick search process by promoting 1D diffusion along the DNA. Our findings provide a novel single-molecule insight into the nick binding by LIG1, which is critical to repair broken phosphodiester bonds in the DNA backbone to maintain genome integrity.

Bacteriophage origin of some minimal ATP-dependent DNA ligases: a new structure from Burkholderia pseudomallei with striking similarity to Chlorella virus ligase

DNA ligases, the enzymes responsible for joining breaks in the phosphodiester backbone of DNA during replication and repair, vary considerably in size and structure. The smallest members of this enzyme class carry out their functions with pared-down protein scaffolds comprising only the core catalytic domains. Here we use sequence similarity network analysis of minimal DNA ligases from all biological super kingdoms, to investigate their evolutionary origins, with a particular focus on bacterial variants. This revealed that bacterial Lig C sequences cluster more closely with Eukaryote and Archaeal ligases, while bacterial Lig E sequences cluster most closely with viral sequences. Further refinement of the latter group delineates a cohesive cluster of canonical Lig E sequences that possess a leader peptide, an exclusively bacteriophage group of T7 DNA ligase homologs and a group with high similarity to the Chlorella virus DNA ligase which includes both bacterial and viral enzymes. The structure and function of the bacterially-encoded Chlorella virus homologs were further investigated by recombinantly producing and characterizing, the ATP-dependent DNA ligase from Burkholderia pseudomallei as well as determining its crystal structure in complex with DNA. This revealed that the enzyme has similar activity characteristics to other ATP-dependent DNA ligases, and significant structural similarity to the eukaryotic virus Chlorella virus including the positioning and DNA contacts of the binding latch region. Analysis of the genomic context of the B. pseudomallei ATP-dependent DNA ligase indicates it is part of a lysogenic bacteriophage present in the B. pseudomallei chromosome representing one likely entry point for the horizontal acquisition of ATP-dependent DNA ligases by bacteria.

Rational design of an XNA ligase through docking of unbound nucleic acids to toroidal proteins

Xenobiotic nucleic acids (XNA) are nucleic acid analogues not present in nature that can be used for the storage of genetic information. In vivo XNA applications could be developed into novel biocontainment strategies, but are currently limited by the challenge of developing XNA processing enzymes such as polymerases, ligases and nucleases. Here, we present a structure-guided modelling-based strategy for the rational design of those enzymes essential for the development of XNA molecular biology. Docking of protein domains to unbound double-stranded nucleic acids is used to generate a first approximation of the extensive interaction of nucleic acid processing enzymes with their substrate. Molecular dynamics is used to optimise that prediction allowing, for the first time, the accurate prediction of how proteins that form toroidal complexes with nucleic acids interact with their substrate. Using the Chlorella virus DNA ligase as a proof of principle, we recapitulate the ligase's substrate specificity and successfully predict how to convert it into an XNA-templated XNA ligase.

DNA binding with a minimal scaffold: structure-function analysis of Lig E DNA ligases

DNA ligases join breaks in the phosphodiester backbone of DNA by catalysing the formation of bonds between opposing 5′P and 3′OH ends in an adenylation-dependent manner. Catalysis is accompanied by reorientation of two core domains to provide access to the active site for cofactor utilization and enable substrate binding and product release. The general paradigm is that DNA ligases engage their DNA substrate through complete encirclement of the duplex, completed by inter-domain kissing contacts via loops or additional domains. The recent structure of a minimal Lig E-type DNA ligase, however, implies it must use a different mechanism, as it lacks any domains or loops appending the catalytic core which could complete encirclement. In the present study, we have used a structure-guided mutagenesis approach to investigate the role of conserved regions in the Lig E proteins with respect to DNA binding. We report the structure of a Lig-E type DNA ligase bound to the nicked DNA-adenylate reaction intermediate, confirming that complete encirclement is unnecessary for substrate engagement. Biochemical and biophysical measurements of point mutants to residues implicated in binding highlight the importance of basic residues in the OB domain, and inter-domain contacts to the linker.

Comparative analysis of the end-joining activity of several DNA ligases

DNA ligases catalyze the repair of phosphate backbone breaks in DNA, acting with highest activity on breaks in one strand of duplex DNA. Some DNA ligases have also been observed to ligate two DNA fragments with short complementary overhangs or blunt-ended termini. In this study, several wild-type DNA ligases (phage T3, T4, and T7 DNA ligases, Paramecium bursaria chlorella virus 1 (PBCV1) DNA ligase, human DNA ligase 3, and Escherichia coli DNA ligase) were tested for their ability to ligate DNA fragments with several difficult to ligate end structures (blunt-ended termini, 3′- and 5′- single base overhangs, and 5′-two base overhangs). This analysis revealed that T4 DNA ligase, the most common enzyme utilized for in vitro ligation, had its greatest activity on blunt- and 2-base overhangs, and poorest on 5′-single base overhangs. Other ligases had different substrate specificity: T3 DNA ligase ligated only blunt ends well; PBCV1 DNA ligase joined 3′-single base overhangs and 2-base overhangs effectively with little blunt or 5′- single base overhang activity; and human ligase 3 had highest activity on blunt ends and 5′-single base overhangs. There is no correlation of activity among ligases on blunt DNA ends with their activity on single base overhangs. In addition, DNA binding domains (Sso7d, hLig3 zinc finger, and T4 DNA ligase N-terminal domain) were fused to PBCV1 DNA ligase to explore whether modified binding to DNA would lead to greater activity on these difficult to ligate substrates. These engineered ligases showed both an increased binding affinity for DNA and increased activity, but did not alter the relative substrate preferences of PBCV1 DNA ligase, indicating active site structure plays a role in determining substrate preference.

Efficient DNA ligation in DNA-RNA hybrid helices by Chlorella virus DNA ligase

Single-stranded DNA molecules (ssDNA) annealed to an RNA splint are notoriously poor substrates for DNA ligases. Herein we report the unexpectedly efficient ligation of RNA-splinted DNA by Chlorella virus DNA ligase (PBCV-1 DNA ligase). PBCV-1 DNA ligase ligated ssDNA splinted by RNA with kcat ≈ 8 x 10(-3) s(-1) and K(M) < 1 nM at 25 °C under conditions where T4 DNA ligase produced only 5'-adenylylated DNA with a 20-fold lower kcat and a K(M) ≈ 300 nM. The rate of ligation increased with addition of Mn(2+), but was strongly inhibited by concentrations of NaCl >100 mM. Abortive adenylylation was suppressed at low ATP concentrations (<100 µM) and pH >8, leading to increased product yields. The ligation reaction was rapid for a broad range of substrate sequences, but was relatively slower for substrates with a 5'-phosphorylated dC or dG residue on the 3' side of the ligation junction. Nevertheless, PBCV-1 DNA ligase ligated all sequences tested with 10-fold less enzyme and 15-fold shorter incubation times than required when using T4 DNA ligase. Furthermore, this ligase was used in a ligation-based detection assay system to show increased sensitivity over T4 DNA ligase in the specific detection of a target mRNA.

ATP-dependent DNA ligase from Thermococcus sp. 1519 displays a new arrangement of the OB-fold domain

DNA ligases join single-strand breaks in double-stranded DNA by catalyzing the formation of a phosphodiester bond between adjacent 5'-phosphate and 3'-hydroxyl termini. Their function is essential for maintaining genome integrity in the replication, recombination and repair of DNA. High flexibility is important for the function of DNA ligase molecules. Two types of overall conformations of archaeal DNA ligase that depend on the relative position of the OB-fold domain have previously been revealed: closed and open extended conformations. The structure of ATP-dependent DNA ligase from Thermococcus sp. 1519 (LigTh1519) in the crystalline state determined at a resolution of 3.02 Å shows a new relative arrangement of the OB-fold domain which is intermediate between the positions of this domain in the closed and the open extended conformations of previously determined archaeal DNA ligases. However, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) measurements indicate that in solution the LigTh1519 molecule adopts either an open extended conformation or both an intermediate and an open extended conformation with the open extended conformation being dominant.

Kinetic analysis of DNA strand joining by Chlorella virus DNA ligase and the role of nucleotidyltransferase motif VI in ligase adenylylation

Chlorella virus DNA ligase (ChVLig) is an instructive model for mechanistic studies of the ATP-dependent DNA ligase family. ChVLig seals 3'-OH and 5'-PO(4) termini via three chemical steps: 1) ligase attacks the ATP α phosphorus to release PP(i) and form a covalent ligase-adenylate intermediate; 2) AMP is transferred to the nick 5'-phosphate to form DNA-adenylate; 3) the 3'-OH of the nick attacks DNA-adenylate to join the polynucleotides and release AMP. Each chemical step requires Mg(2+). Kinetic analysis of nick sealing by ChVLig-AMP revealed that the rate constant for phosphodiester synthesis (k(step3) = 25 s(-1)) exceeds that for DNA adenylylation (k(step2) = 2.4 s(-1)) and that Mg(2+) binds with similar affinity during step 2 (K(d) = 0.77 mM) and step 3 (K(d) = 0.87 mM). The rates of DNA adenylylation and phosphodiester synthesis respond differently to pH, such that step 3 becomes rate-limiting at pH ≤ 6.5. The pH profiles suggest involvement of one and two protonation-sensitive functional groups in catalysis of steps 2 and 3, respectively. We suggest that the 5'-phosphate of the nick is the relevant protonation-sensitive moiety and that a dianionic 5'-phosphate is necessary for productive step 2 catalysis. Motif VI, located at the C terminus of the OB-fold domain of ChVLig, is a conserved feature of ATP-dependent DNA ligases and GTP-dependent mRNA capping enzymes. Presteady state and burst kinetic analysis of the effects of deletion and missense mutations highlight the catalytic contributions of ChVLig motif VI, especially the Asp-297 carboxylate, exclusively during the ligase adenylylation step.

Kinetic characterization of single strand break ligation in duplex DNA by T4 DNA ligase

T4 DNA ligase catalyzes phosphodiester bond formation between juxtaposed 5'-phosphate and 3'-hydroxyl termini in duplex DNA in three steps: 1) enzyme-adenylylate formation by reaction with ATP; 2) adenylyl transfer to a 5'-phosphorylated polynucleotide to generate adenylylated DNA; and 3) phosphodiester bond formation with release of AMP. This investigation used synthetic, nicked DNA substrates possessing either a 5'-phosphate or a 5'-adenylyl phosphate. Steady state experiments with a nicked substrate containing juxtaposed dC and 5'-phosphorylated dT deoxynucleotides (substrate 1) yielded kcat and kcat/Km values of 0.4±0.1 s(-1) and 150±50 μm(-1) s(-1), respectively. Under identical reaction conditions, turnover of an adenylylated version of this substrate (substrate 1A) yielded kcat and kcat/Km values of 0.64±0.08 s(-1) and 240±40 μm(-1) s(-1). Single turnover experiments utilizing substrate 1 gave fits for the forward rates of Step 2 (k2) and Step 3 (k3) of 5.3 and 38 s(-1), respectively, with the slowest step ∼10-fold faster than the rate of turnover seen under steady state conditions. Single turnover experiments with substrate 1A produced a Step 3 forward rate constant of 4.3 s(-1), also faster than the turnover rate of 1A. Enzyme self-adenylylation was confirmed to also occur on a fast time scale (∼6 s(-1)), indicating that the rate-limiting step for T4 DNA ligase nick sealing is not a chemical step but rather is most likely product release. Pre-steady state reactions displayed a clear burst phase, consistent with this conclusion.

Structure-function analysis of the OB and latch domains of chlorella virus DNA ligase

Chlorella virus DNA ligase (ChVLig) is a minimized eukaryal ATP-dependent DNA sealing enzyme with an intrinsic nick-sensing function. ChVLig consists of three structural domains, nucleotidyltransferase (NTase), OB-fold, and latch, that envelop the nicked DNA as a C-shaped protein clamp. The OB domain engages the DNA minor groove on the face of the duplex behind the nick, and it makes contacts to amino acids in the NTase domain surrounding the ligase active site. The latch module occupies the DNA major groove flanking the nick. Residues at the tip of the latch contact the NTase domain to close the ligase clamp. Here we performed a structure-guided mutational analysis of the OB and latch domains. Alanine scanning defined seven individual amino acids as essential in vivo (Lys-274, Arg-285, Phe-286, and Val-288 in the OB domain; Asn-214, Phe-215, and Tyr-217 in the latch), after which structure-activity relations were clarified by conservative substitutions. Biochemical tests of the composite nick sealing reaction and of each of the three chemical steps of the ligation pathway highlighted the importance of Arg-285 and Phe-286 in the catalysis of the DNA adenylylation and phosphodiester synthesis reactions. Phe-286 interacts with the nick 5'-phosphate nucleotide and the 3'-OH base pair and distorts the DNA helical conformation at the nick. Arg-285 is a key component of the OB-NTase interface, where it forms a salt bridge to the essential Asp-29 side chain, which is imputed to coordinate divalent metal catalysts during the nick sealing steps.

Functional dissection of the DNA interface of the nucleotidyltransferase domain of chlorella virus DNA ligase

Chlorella virus DNA ligase (ChVLig) has pluripotent biological activity and an intrinsic nick-sensing function. ChVLig consists of three structural modules that envelop nicked DNA as a C-shaped protein clamp: a nucleotidyltransferase (NTase) domain and an OB domain (these two are common to all DNA ligases) as well as a distinctive β-hairpin latch module. The NTase domain, which performs the chemical steps of ligation, binds the major groove flanking the nick and the minor groove on the 3'-OH side of the nick. Here we performed a structure-guided mutational analysis of the NTase domain, surveying the effects of 35 mutations in 19 residues on ChVLig activity in vivo and in vitro, including biochemical tests of the composite nick sealing reaction and of the three component steps of the ligation pathway (ligase adenylylation, DNA adenylylation, and phosphodiester synthesis). The results highlight (i) key contacts by Thr-84 and Lys-173 to the template DNA strand phosphates at the outer margins of the DNA ligase footprint; (ii) essential contacts of Ser-41, Arg-42, Met-83, and Phe-75 with the 3'-OH strand at the nick; (iii) Arg-176 phosphate contacts at the nick and with ATP during ligase adenylylation; (iv) the role of Phe-44 in forming the protein clamp around the nicked DNA substrate; and (v) the importance of adenine-binding residue Phe-98 in all three steps of ligation. Kinetic analysis of single-turnover nick sealing by ChVLig-AMP underscored the importance of Phe-75-mediated distortion of the nick 3'-OH nucleoside in the catalysis of DNA 5'-adenylylation (step 2) and phosphodiester synthesis (step 3). Induced fit of the nicked DNA into a distorted conformation when bound within the ligase clamp may account for the nick-sensing capacity of ChVLig.

Solution NMR studies of Chlorella virus DNA ligase-adenylate

DNA ligases are essential guardians of genome integrity by virtue of their ability to recognize and seal 3'-OH/5'-phosphate nicks in duplex DNA. The substrate binding and three chemical steps of the ligation pathway are coupled to global and local changes in ligase structure, involving both massive protein domain movements and subtle remodeling of atomic contacts in the active site. Here we applied solution NMR spectroscopy to study the conformational dynamics of the Chlorella virus DNA ligase (ChVLig), a minimized eukaryal ATP-dependent ligase consisting of nucleotidyltransferase, OB, and latch domains. Our analysis of backbone (15)N spin relaxation and (15)N,(1)H residual dipolar couplings of the covalent ChVLig-AMP intermediate revealed conformational sampling on fast (picosecond to nanosecond) and slow timescales (microsecond to millisecond), indicative of interdomain and intradomain flexibility. We identified local and global changes in ChVLig-AMP structure and dynamics induced by phosphate. In particular, the chemical shift perturbations elicited by phosphate were clustered in the peptide motifs that comprise the active site. We hypothesize that phosphate anion mimics some of the conformational transitions that occur when ligase-adenylate interacts with the nick 5'-phosphate.

Sequence-specific 1H N, 13C, and 15N backbone resonance assignments of the 34 kDa Paramecium bursaria Chlorella virus 1 (PBCV1) DNA ligase

Chlorella virus DNA ligase (ChVLig) is a minimal (298-amino acid) pluripotent ATP-dependent ligase composed of three structural modules--a nucleotidyltransferase domain, an OB domain, and a beta-hairpin latch--that forms a circumferential clamp around nicked DNA. ChVLig provides an instructive model to understand the chemical and conformational steps of nick repair. Here we report the assignment of backbone (13)C, (15)N, (1)H(N) resonances of this 34.2 kDa protein, the first for a DNA ligase in full-length form.

The Phycodnaviridae: the story of how tiny giants rule the world

The family Phycodnaviridae encompasses a diverse and rapidly expanding collection of large icosahedral, dsDNA viruses that infect algae. These lytic and lysogenic viruses have genomes ranging from 160 to 560 kb. The family consists of six genera based initially on host range and supported by sequence comparisons. The family is monophyletic with branches for each genus, but the phycodnaviruses have evolutionary roots that connect them with several other families of large DNA viruses, referred to as the nucleocytoplasmic large DNA viruses (NCLDV). The phycodnaviruses have diverse genome structures, some with large regions of noncoding sequence and others with regions of ssDNA. The genomes of members in three genera in the Phycodnaviridae have been sequenced. The genome analyses have revealed more than 1000 unique genes, with only 14 homologous genes in common among the three genera of phycodnaviruses sequenced to date. Thus, their gene diversity far exceeds the number of so-called core genes. Not much is known about the replication of these viruses, but the consequences of these infections on phytoplankton have global affects, including influencing geochemical cycling and weather patterns.

Eukaryotic DNA ligases: structural and functional insights

DNA ligases are required for DNA replication, repair, and recombination. In eukaryotes, there are three families of ATP-dependent DNA ligases. Members of the DNA ligase I and IV families are found in all eukaryotes, whereas DNA ligase III family members are restricted to vertebrates. These enzymes share a common catalytic region comprising a DNA-binding domain, a nucleotidyltransferase (NTase) domain, and an oligonucleotide/oligosaccharide binding (OB)-fold domain. The catalytic region encircles nicked DNA with each of the domains contacting the DNA duplex. The unique segments adjacent to the catalytic region of eukaryotic DNA ligases are involved in specific protein-protein interactions with a growing number of DNA replication and repair proteins. These interactions determine the specific cellular functions of the DNA ligase isozymes. In mammals, defects in DNA ligation have been linked with an increased incidence of cancer and neurodegeneration.

The associative nature of adenylyl transfer catalyzed by T4 DNA ligase

DNA ligase seals nicks in dsDNA using chemical energy of the phosphoanhydride bond in ATP or NAD(+) and assistance of a divalent metal cofactor Mg(2+). Molecular details of ligase catalysis are essential for understanding the mechanism of metal-promoted phosphoryl transfer reactions in the living cell responsible for a wide range of processes, e.g., DNA replication and transcription, signaling and differentiation, energy coupling and metabolism. Here we report a single-turnover (31)P solid-state NMR study of adenylyl transfer catalyzed by DNA ligase from bacteriophage T4. Formation of a high-energy covalent ligase-nucleotide complex is triggered in situ by the photo release of caged Mg(2+), and sequentially formed intermediates are monitored by NMR. Analyses of reaction kinetics and chemical-shift changes indicate that the pentacoordinated phosphorane intermediate builds up to 35% of the total reacting species after 4-5 h of reaction. This is direct experimental evidence of the associative nature of adenylyl transfer catalyzed by DNA ligase. NMR spectroscopy in rotating solids is introduced as an analytical tool for recording molecular movies of reaction processes. Presented work pioneers a promising direction in structural studies of biochemical transformations.

Dynamics of phosphodiester synthesis by DNA ligase

Ligases are essential actors in DNA replication, recombination, and repair by virtue of their ability to seal breaks in the phosphodiester backbone. Ligation proceeds through a nicked DNA-adenylate intermediate (AppDNA), which must be sealed quickly to avoid creating a potentially toxic lesion. Here, we take advantage of ligase-catalyzed AMP-dependent incision of a single supercoiled DNA molecule to observe the step of phosphodiester synthesis in real time. An exponentially distributed number of supercoils was relaxed per successful incision-resealing event, from which we deduce the torque-dependent ligation probability per DNA swivel. Premature dissociation of ligase from nicked DNA-adenylate accounted for approximately 10% of the observed events. The ability of ligase to form a C-shaped protein clamp around DNA is a key determinant of ligation probability per turn and the stability of the ligase-AppDNA intermediate. The estimated rate of phosphodiester synthesis by DNA ligase (400 s(-1)) is similar to the high rates of phosphodiester synthesis by replicative DNA polymerases.

Mutational analysis of bacterial NAD+-dependent DNA ligase: role of motif IV in ligation catalysis

The bacterial DNA ligase as a multiple domain protein is involved in DNA replication, repair and recombination. Its catalysis of ligation can be divided into three steps. To delineate the roles of amino acid residues in motif IV in ligation catalysis, site-directed mutants were constructed in a bacterial NAD+-dependent DNA ligase from Thermus sp. TAK16D. It was shown that four conserved residues (D286, G287, V289 and K291) in motif IV had significant roles on the overall ligation. Under single turnover conditions, the observed apparent rates of D286E, G287A, V289I and K291R mutants were clearly reduced compared with that of WT ligase on both match and mismatch nicked substrates. The effects of D286E mutation on overall ligation may not only be ascribed to the third step. The G287A mutation has a major effect on the second step. The effects of V289I and K291R mutation on overall ligation are not on the third step, perhaps other aspects, such as conformation change of ligase protein in ligation catalysis, are involved. Moreover, the amino acid substitutions of above four residues were more sensitive on mismatch nicked substrate, indicating an enhanced ligation fidelity.

Structural basis for nick recognition by a minimal pluripotent DNA ligase

Chlorella virus DNA ligase, the smallest eukaryotic ligase known, has pluripotent biological activity and an intrinsic nick-sensing function, despite having none of the accessory domains found in cellular ligases. A 2.3-A crystal structure of the Chlorella virus ligase-AMP intermediate bound to duplex DNA containing a 3'-OH-5'-PO4 nick reveals a new mode of DNA envelopment, in which a short surface loop emanating from the OB domain forms a beta-hairpin 'latch' that inserts into the DNA major groove flanking the nick. A network of interactions with the 3'-OH and 5'-PO4 termini in the active site illuminates the DNA adenylylation mechanism and the crucial roles of AMP in nick sensing and catalysis. Addition of a divalent cation triggered nick sealing in crystallo, establishing that the nick complex is a bona fide intermediate in the DNA repair pathway.

Crystal structure and nonhomologous end-joining function of the ligase component of Mycobacterium DNA ligase D

DNA ligase D (LigD) is a large polyfunctional enzyme involved in nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) in mycobacteria. LigD consists of a C-terminal ATP-dependent ligase domain fused to upstream polymerase and phosphoesterase modules. Here we report the 2.4 angstroms crystal structure of the ligase domain of Mycobacterium LigD, captured as the covalent ligase-AMP intermediate with a divalent metal in the active site. A chloride anion on the protein surface coordinated by the ribose 3'-OH and caged by arginine and lysine side chains is a putative mimetic of the 5'-phosphate at a DNA nick. Structure-guided mutational analysis revealed distinct requirements for the adenylylation and end-sealing reactions catalyzed by LigD. We found that a mutation of Mycobacterium LigD that ablates only ligase activity results in decreased fidelity of NHEJ in vivo and a strong bias of mutagenic events toward deletions instead of insertions at the sealed DNA ends. This phenotype contrasts with the increased fidelity of double-strand break repair in deltaligD cells or in a strain in which only the polymerase function of LigD is defective. We surmise that the signature error-prone quality of bacterial NHEJ in vivo arises from a dynamic balance between the end-remodeling and end-sealing steps.

Molecular architecture and ligand recognition determinants for T4 RNA ligase

RNA ligase type 1 from bacteriophage T4 (Rnl1) is involved in countering a host defense mechanism by repairing 5'-PO4 and 3'-OH groups in tRNA(Lys). Rnl1 is widely used as a reagent in molecular biology. Although many structures for DNA ligases are available, only fragments of RNA ligases such as Rnl2 are known. We report the first crystal structure of a complete RNA ligase, Rnl1, in complex with adenosine 5'-(alpha,beta-methylenetriphosphate) (AMPcPP). The N-terminal domain is related to the equivalent region of DNA ligases and Rnl2 and binds AMPcPP but with further interactions from the additional N-terminal 70 amino acids in Rnl1 (via Tyr37 and Arg54) and the C-terminal domain (Gly269 and Asp272). The active site contains two metal ions, consistent with the two-magnesium ion catalytic mechanism. The C-terminal domain represents a new all alpha-helical fold and has a charge distribution and architecture for helix-nucleic acid groove interaction compatible with tRNA binding.

Structural rearrangement accompanying NAD+ synthesis within a bacterial DNA ligase crystal

DNA ligase is an enzyme important for DNA repair and replication. Eukaryotic genomes encode ligases requiring ATP as the cofactor; bacterial genomes encode NAD(+)-dependent ligase. This difference in substrate specificities and the essentiality of NAD(+)-dependent ligase for bacterial survival make NAD(+)-dependent ligase a good target for designing highly specific anti-infectives. Any such structure-guided effort would require the knowledge of the precise mechanism of NAD+ recognition by the enzyme. We report the principles of NAD+ recognition by presenting the synthesis of NAD+ from nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) and AMP, catalyzed by Enterococcus faecalis ligase within the crystal lattice. Unprecedented conformational change, required to reorient the two subdomains of the protein for the condensation to occur and to recognize NAD+, is captured in two structures obtained using the same protein crystal. Structural data and sequence analysis presented here confirms and extends prior functional studies of the ligase adenylation reaction.

Structure and mechanism of RNA ligase

T4 RNA ligase 2 (Rnl2) exemplifies an RNA ligase family that includes the RNA editing ligases (RELs) of Trypanosoma and Leishmania. The Rnl2/REL enzymes are defined by essential signature residues and a unique C-terminal domain, which we show is essential for sealing of 3'-OH and 5'-PO4 RNA ends by Rnl2, but not for ligase adenylation or phosphodiester bond formation at a preadenylated AppRNA end. The N-terminal segment Rnl2(1-249) of the 334 aa Rnl2 protein comprises an autonomous adenylyltransferase/AppRNA ligase domain. We report the 1.9 A crystal structure of the ligase domain with AMP bound at the active site, which reveals a shared fold, catalytic mechanism, and evolutionary history for RNA ligases, DNA ligases, and mRNA capping enzymes.

DNA ligases ensure fidelity by interrogating minor groove contacts

DNA ligases, found in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, covalently link the 3'-hydroxyl and 5'-phosphate ends of duplex DNA segments. This reaction represents a completion step for DNA replication, repair and recombination. It is well established that ligases are sensitive to mispairs present on the 3' side of the ligase junction, but tolerant of mispairs on the 5' side. While such discrimination would increase the overall accuracy of DNA replication and repair, the mechanisms by which this fidelity is accomplished are as yet unknown. In this paper, we present the results of experiments with Tth ligase from Thermus thermophilus HB8 and a series of nucleoside analogs in which the mechanism of discrimination has been probed. Using a series of purine analogs substituted in the 2 and 6 positions, we establish that the apparent base pair geometry is much more important than relative base pair stability and that major groove contacts are of little importance. This result is further confirmed using 5-fluorouracil (FU) mispaired with guanine. At neutral pH, the FU:G mispair on the 3' side of a ligase junction is predominantly in a neutral wobble configuration and is poorly ligated. Increasing the solution pH increases the proportion of an ionized base pair approximating Watson-Crick geometry, substantially increasing the relative ligation efficiency. These results suggest that the ligase could distinguish Watson-Crick from mispaired geometry by probing the hydrogen bond acceptors present in the minor groove as has been proposed for DNA polymerases. The significance of minor groove hydrogen bonding interactions is confirmed with both Tth and T4 DNA ligases upon examination of base pairs containing the pyrimidine shape analog, difluorotoluene (DFT). Although DFT paired with adenine approximates Watson-Crick geometry, a minor groove hydrogen bond acceptor is lost. Consistent with this hypothesis, we observe that DFT-containing base pairs inhibit ligation when on the 3' side of the ligase junction. The NAD+-dependent ligase, Tth, is more sensitive to the DFT analog on the unligated strand whereas the ATP-dependent T4 ligase is more sensitive to substitutions in the template strand. Electrophoretic gel mobility-shift assays demonstrate that the Tth ligase binds poorly to oligonucleotide substrates containing analogs with altered minor groove contacts.

Protein-DNA footprinting by endcapped duplex oligodeoxyribonucleotides

Oligodeoxyribonucleotides (5'-phosphorylated) of varying lengths were capped using a polyamide linker to form thermodynamically stable, endcapped DNA duplexes containing 8-14 bp. We have employed these endcapped DNA duplexes as tools to determine the DNA footprint of T4 DNA ligase. By high-performance liquid chromatography and PAGE analysis of the ligation mixtures of the endcapped DNA duplexes, we have found that by varying the lengths and the position of the nick, we can determine the minimal DNA-binding site as well as the mode of binding (symmetrical or asymmetrical binding) by the enzyme. The results of the study revealed that a 11 bp endcapped duplex was the shortest duplex effectively ligated. Dependence of ligation efficiency on nick position demonstrates that T4 DNA ligase bound asymmetrically to its DNA substrate. The use of a set of thermodynamically stable endcapped deoxyribonucleoside duplexes as a tool to elucidate the DNA footprint provides an efficient strategy for footprinting, which avoids ambiguities associated with chemical and biochemical footprinting methods.

Biochemical and genetic analysis of the four DNA ligases of mycobacteria

Mycobacterium tuberculosis encodes an NAD(+)-dependent DNA ligase (LigA) plus three distinct ATP-dependent ligase homologs (LigB, LigC, and LigD). Here we purify and characterize the multiple DNA ligase enzymes of mycobacteria and probe genetically whether the ATP-dependent ligases are required for growth of M. tuberculosis. We find significant differences in the reactivity of mycobacterial ligases with a nicked DNA substrate, whereby LigA and LigB display vigorous nick sealing activity in the presence of NAD(+) and ATP, respectively, whereas LigC and LigD, which have ATP-specific adenylyltransferase activity, display weak nick joining activity and generate high levels of the DNA-adenylate intermediate. All four of the mycobacterial ligases are monomeric enzymes. LigA has a low K(m) for NAD(+) (1 microm) and is sensitive to a recently described pyridochromanone inhibitor of NAD(+)-dependent ligases. LigA is able to sustain growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in lieu of the essential yeast ligase Cdc9, but LigB, LigC, and LigD are not. LigB is distinguished by its relatively high K(m) for ATP (0.34 mm) and its dependence on a distinctive N-terminal domain for nick joining. None of the three ATP-dependent ligases are essential for mycobacterial growth. M. tuberculosis ligDDelta cells are defective in nonhomologous DNA end joining.