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Enders M, Neumann P, Dickmanns A, Ficner R. Structure and function of spliceosomal DEAH-box ATPases. Biol Chem 2023; 404:851-866. [PMID: 37441768 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2023-0157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Splicing of precursor mRNAs is a hallmark of eukaryotic cells, performed by a huge macromolecular machine, the spliceosome. Four DEAH-box ATPases are essential components of the spliceosome, which play an important role in the spliceosome activation, the splicing reaction, the release of the spliced mRNA and intron lariat, and the disassembly of the spliceosome. An integrative approach comprising X-ray crystallography, single particle cryo electron microscopy, single molecule FRET, and molecular dynamics simulations provided deep insights into the structure, dynamics and function of the spliceosomal DEAH-box ATPases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke Enders
- Department of Molecular Structural Biology, Institute for Microbiology and Genetics, Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), Georg-August-University Göttingen, Justus-von-Liebig-Weg 11, D-37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Piotr Neumann
- Department of Molecular Structural Biology, Institute for Microbiology and Genetics, Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), Georg-August-University Göttingen, Justus-von-Liebig-Weg 11, D-37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Achim Dickmanns
- Department of Molecular Structural Biology, Institute for Microbiology and Genetics, Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), Georg-August-University Göttingen, Justus-von-Liebig-Weg 11, D-37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ralf Ficner
- Department of Molecular Structural Biology, Institute for Microbiology and Genetics, Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), Georg-August-University Göttingen, Justus-von-Liebig-Weg 11, D-37077 Göttingen, Germany
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2
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Enders M, Ficner R, Adio S. Conformational dynamics of the RNA binding channel regulates loading and translocation of the DEAH-box helicase Prp43. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:6430-6442. [PMID: 37167006 PMCID: PMC10325901 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The DEAH-box helicase Prp43 has essential functions in pre-mRNA splicing and ribosome biogenesis, remodeling structured RNAs. To initiate unwinding, Prp43 must first accommodate a single-stranded RNA segment into its RNA binding channel. This allows translocation of the helicase on the RNA. G-patch (gp) factors activate Prp43 in its cellular context enhancing the intrinsically low ATPase and RNA unwinding activity. It is unclear how the RNA loading process is accomplished by Prp43 and how it is regulated by its substrates, ATP and RNA, and the G-patch partners. We developed single-molecule (sm) FRET reporters on Prp43 from Chaetomium thermophilum to monitor the conformational dynamics of the RNA binding channel in Prp43 in real-time. We show that the channel can alternate between open and closed conformations. Binding of Pfa1(gp) and ATP shifts the distribution of states towards channel opening, facilitating the accommodation of RNA. After completion of the loading process, the channel remains firmly closed during successive cycles of ATP hydrolysis, ensuring stable interaction with the RNA and processive translocation. Without Pfa1(gp), it remains predominantly closed preventing efficient RNA loading. Our data reveal how the ligands of Prp43 regulate the structural dynamics of the RNA binding channel controlling the initial binding of RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke Enders
- Department of Molecular Structural Biology, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, Georg- August-University Göttingen, Justus-von-Liebig-Weg 11, D-37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ralf Ficner
- Department of Molecular Structural Biology, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, Georg- August-University Göttingen, Justus-von-Liebig-Weg 11, D-37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sarah Adio
- Department of Molecular Structural Biology, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, Georg- August-University Göttingen, Justus-von-Liebig-Weg 11, D-37077 Göttingen, Germany
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3
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Agrò SN, Rozza R, Movilla S, Aupič J, Magistrato A. Molecular Dynamics Simulations Elucidate the Molecular Basis of Pre-mRNA Translocation by the Prp2 Spliceosomal Helicase. J Chem Inf Model 2023. [PMID: 37379492 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c00585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
The spliceosome machinery catalyzes precursor-messenger RNA (pre-mRNA) splicing by undergoing at each splicing cycle assembly, activation, catalysis, and disassembly processes, thanks to the concerted action of specific RNA-dependent ATPases/helicases. Prp2, a member of the DExH-box ATPase/helicase family, harnesses the energy of ATP hydrolysis to translocate a single pre-mRNA strand in the 5' to 3' direction, thus promoting spliceosome remodeling to its catalytic-competent state. Here, we established the functional coupling between ATPase and helicase activities of Prp2. Namely, extensive multi-μs molecular dynamics simulations allowed us to unlock how, after pre-mRNA selection, ATP binding, hydrolysis, and dissociation induce a functional typewriter-like rotation of the Prp2 C-terminal domain. This movement, endorsed by an iterative swing of interactions established between specific Prp2 residues with the nucleobases at 5'- and 3'-ends of pre-mRNA, promotes pre-mRNA translocation. Notably, some of these Prp2 residues are conserved in the DExH-box family, suggesting that the translocation mechanism elucidated here may be applicable to all DExH-box helicases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sefora Naomi Agrò
- National Research Council of Italy (CNR)─Institute of Material (IOM) c/o International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Via Bonomea, 265, 34136 Trieste, Italy
| | - Riccardo Rozza
- National Research Council of Italy (CNR)─Institute of Material (IOM) c/o International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Via Bonomea, 265, 34136 Trieste, Italy
| | - Santiago Movilla
- BioComp Group, Institute of Advanced Materials (INAM), Universitat Jaume I, 12071 Castellón, Spain
| | - Jana Aupič
- National Research Council of Italy (CNR)─Institute of Material (IOM) c/o International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Via Bonomea, 265, 34136 Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessandra Magistrato
- National Research Council of Italy (CNR)─Institute of Material (IOM) c/o International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Via Bonomea, 265, 34136 Trieste, Italy
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Schmitzová J, Cretu C, Dienemann C, Urlaub H, Pena V. Structural basis of catalytic activation in human splicing. Nature 2023; 617:842-850. [PMID: 37165190 PMCID: PMC10208982 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06049-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Pre-mRNA splicing follows a pathway driven by ATP-dependent RNA helicases. A crucial event of the splicing pathway is the catalytic activation, which takes place at the transition between the activated Bact and the branching-competent B* spliceosomes. Catalytic activation occurs through an ATP-dependent remodelling mediated by the helicase PRP2 (also known as DHX16)1-3. However, because PRP2 is observed only at the periphery of spliceosomes3-5, its function has remained elusive. Here we show that catalytic activation occurs in two ATP-dependent stages driven by two helicases: PRP2 and Aquarius. The role of Aquarius in splicing has been enigmatic6,7. Here the inactivation of Aquarius leads to the stalling of a spliceosome intermediate-the BAQR complex-found halfway through the catalytic activation process. The cryogenic electron microscopy structure of BAQR reveals how PRP2 and Aquarius remodel Bact and BAQR, respectively. Notably, PRP2 translocates along the intron while it strips away the RES complex, opens the SF3B1 clamp and unfastens the branch helix. Translocation terminates six nucleotides downstream of the branch site through an assembly of PPIL4, SKIP and the amino-terminal domain of PRP2. Finally, Aquarius enables the dissociation of PRP2, plus the SF3A and SF3B complexes, which promotes the relocation of the branch duplex for catalysis. This work elucidates catalytic activation in human splicing, reveals how a DEAH helicase operates and provides a paradigm for how helicases can coordinate their activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Schmitzová
- Macromolecular Crystallography, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
- Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Constantin Cretu
- Macromolecular Crystallography, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
- Research Group Mechanisms and Regulation of Splicing, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- Cluster of Excellence Multiscale Bioimaging (MBExC), Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Christian Dienemann
- Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Henning Urlaub
- Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Bioanalytics, University Medical Center Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Vladimir Pena
- Macromolecular Crystallography, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany.
- Research Group Mechanisms and Regulation of Splicing, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK.
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Becker RA, Hub JS. Continuous millisecond conformational cycle of a DEAH box helicase reveals control of domain motions by atomic-scale transitions. Commun Biol 2023; 6:379. [PMID: 37029280 PMCID: PMC10082070 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04751-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Helicases are motor enzymes found in every living organism and viruses, where they maintain the stability of the genome and control against false recombination. The DEAH-box helicase Prp43 plays a crucial role in pre-mRNA splicing in unicellular organisms by translocating single-stranded RNA. The molecular mechanisms and conformational transitions of helicases are not understood at the atomic level. We present a complete conformational cycle of RNA translocation by Prp43 in atomic detail based on molecular dynamics simulations. To enable the sampling of such complex transition on the millisecond timescale, we combined two enhanced sampling techniques, namely simulated tempering and adaptive sampling guided by crystallographic data. During RNA translocation, the center-of-mass motions of the RecA-like domains followed the established inchworm model, whereas the domains crawled along the RNA in a caterpillar-like movement, suggesting an inchworm/caterpillar model. However, this crawling required a complex sequence of atomic-scale transitions involving the release of an arginine finger from the ATP pocket, stepping of the hook-loop and hook-turn motifs along the RNA backbone, and several others. These findings highlight that large-scale domain dynamics may be controlled by complex sequences of atomic-scale transitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Becker
- Theoretical Physics and Center for Biophysics, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Jochen S Hub
- Theoretical Physics and Center for Biophysics, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany.
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Movilla S, Roca M, Moliner V, Magistrato A. Molecular Basis of RNA-Driven ATP Hydrolysis in DExH-Box Helicases. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:6691-6701. [PMID: 36926902 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c11980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
The spliceosome machinery catalyzes precursor messenger (pre-m)RNA splicing. In each cycle, the spliceosome experiences massive compositional and conformational remodeling fueled by the concerted action of specific RNA-dependent ATPases/helicases. Intriguingly, these enzymes are allosterically activated to perform ATP hydrolysis and trigger helicase activity only upon pre-mRNA binding. Yet, the molecular mechanism underlying the RNA-driven regulation of their ATPase function remains elusive. Here, we focus on the Prp2 ATPase/helicase which contributes to reshaping the spliceosome into its catalytic competent state. By performing classical and quantum-classical molecular dynamics simulations, we unprecedentedly unlock the molecular terms governing the Prp2 ATPase/helicase function. Namely, we dissect the molecular mechanism of ATP hydrolysis, and we disclose that RNA binding allosterically triggers the formation of a set of interactions linking the RNA binding tunnel to the catalytic site. This activates the Prp2's ATPase function by optimally placing the nucleophilic water and the general base of the enzymatic process to perform ATP hydrolysis. The key structural motifs, mechanically coupling RNA gripping and the ATPase/helicase functions, are conserved across all DExH-box helicases. This mechanism could thus be broadly applicable to all DExH-box helicase family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Movilla
- BioComp Group, Institute of Advanced Materials (INAM), Universitat Jaume I, 12071 Castellón, Spain
| | - Maite Roca
- BioComp Group, Institute of Advanced Materials (INAM), Universitat Jaume I, 12071 Castellón, Spain
| | - Vicent Moliner
- BioComp Group, Institute of Advanced Materials (INAM), Universitat Jaume I, 12071 Castellón, Spain
| | - Alessandra Magistrato
- Department National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Institute of Material (IOM) c/o International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), 34136 Trieste, Italy
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7
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Dybkov O, Preußner M, El Ayoubi L, Feng VY, Harnisch C, Merz K, Leupold P, Yudichev P, Agafonov DE, Will CL, Girard C, Dienemann C, Urlaub H, Kastner B, Heyd F, Lührmann R. Regulation of 3' splice site selection after step 1 of splicing by spliceosomal C* proteins. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadf1785. [PMID: 36867703 PMCID: PMC9984181 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adf1785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Alternative precursor messenger RNA splicing is instrumental in expanding the proteome of higher eukaryotes, and changes in 3' splice site (3'ss) usage contribute to human disease. We demonstrate by small interfering RNA-mediated knockdowns, followed by RNA sequencing, that many proteins first recruited to human C* spliceosomes, which catalyze step 2 of splicing, regulate alternative splicing, including the selection of alternatively spliced NAGNAG 3'ss. Cryo-electron microscopy and protein cross-linking reveal the molecular architecture of these proteins in C* spliceosomes, providing mechanistic and structural insights into how they influence 3'ss usage. They further elucidate the path of the 3' region of the intron, allowing a structure-based model for how the C* spliceosome potentially scans for the proximal 3'ss. By combining biochemical and structural approaches with genome-wide functional analyses, our studies reveal widespread regulation of alternative 3'ss usage after step 1 of splicing and the likely mechanisms whereby C* proteins influence NAGNAG 3'ss choices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olexandr Dybkov
- Cellular Biochemistry, Max-Planck-Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Am Fassberg 11, Göttingen 37077, Germany
| | - Marco Preußner
- Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, RNA Biochemie, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustr. 6, Berlin 14195, Germany
| | - Leyla El Ayoubi
- Cellular Biochemistry, Max-Planck-Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Am Fassberg 11, Göttingen 37077, Germany
| | - Vivi-Yun Feng
- Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, RNA Biochemie, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustr. 6, Berlin 14195, Germany
| | - Caroline Harnisch
- Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, RNA Biochemie, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustr. 6, Berlin 14195, Germany
| | - Kilian Merz
- Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, RNA Biochemie, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustr. 6, Berlin 14195, Germany
| | - Paula Leupold
- Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, RNA Biochemie, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustr. 6, Berlin 14195, Germany
| | - Peter Yudichev
- Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, RNA Biochemie, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustr. 6, Berlin 14195, Germany
| | - Dmitry E. Agafonov
- Cellular Biochemistry, Max-Planck-Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Am Fassberg 11, Göttingen 37077, Germany
| | - Cindy L. Will
- Cellular Biochemistry, Max-Planck-Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Am Fassberg 11, Göttingen 37077, Germany
| | - Cyrille Girard
- Cellular Biochemistry, Max-Planck-Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Am Fassberg 11, Göttingen 37077, Germany
| | - Christian Dienemann
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max-Planck-Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Am Fassberg 11, Göttingen 37077, Germany
| | - Henning Urlaub
- Research Group of Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry, Max-Planck-Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Am Fassberg 11, Göttingen 37077, Germany
- Bioanalytics Group, Institute for Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Straße 40, Göttingen D-37075, Germany
| | - Berthold Kastner
- Cellular Biochemistry, Max-Planck-Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Am Fassberg 11, Göttingen 37077, Germany
| | - Florian Heyd
- Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, RNA Biochemie, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustr. 6, Berlin 14195, Germany
| | - Reinhard Lührmann
- Cellular Biochemistry, Max-Planck-Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Am Fassberg 11, Göttingen 37077, Germany
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Abstract
The DEAH/RHA helicase Prp43 remodels protein-RNA complexes during pre-messenger RNA (mRNA) splicing and ribosome biogenesis. The helicase activity and ATP turnover are intrinsically low and become activated by G-patch (gp) factors in the specific cellular context. The gp motif connects the helicase core to the flexible C-terminal domains, but it is unclear how this affects RecA domain movement during catalysis and the unwinding of RNA substrates. We developed single-molecule Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (smFRET) reporters to study RecA domain movements within Prp43 in real time. Without Pfa1(gp), the domains approach each other adopting predominantly a closed conformation. The addition of Pfa1(gp) induces an open state, which becomes even more prevalent during interaction with RNA. In the open state, Prp43 has reduced contacts with bound nucleotide and shows rapid adenosine diphosphate (ADP) release accelerating the transition from the weak (ADP) to the strong (apo) RNA binding state. Using smFRET labels on the RNA to probe substrate binding and unwinding, we demonstrate that Pfa1(gp) enables Prp43(ADP) to switch between RNA-bound and RNA-unbound states instead of dissociating from the RNA. ATP binding to the apo-enzyme induces the translocation along the RNA, generating the unwinding force required to melt proximal RNA structures. During ATP turnover, Pfa1(gp) stimulates alternating of the RecA domains between open and closed states. Consequently, the translocation becomes faster than dissociation from the substrate in the ADP state, allowing processive movement along the RNA. We provide a mechanistic model of DEAH/RHA helicase motility and reveal the principles of Prp43 regulation by G-patch proteins.
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