1
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Nickens DG, Feng Z, Shen J, Gray SJ, Simmons RH, Niu H, Bochman ML. Cdc13 exhibits dynamic DNA strand exchange in the presence of telomeric DNA. Nucleic Acids Res 2024:gkae265. [PMID: 38613387 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Telomerase is the enzyme that lengthens telomeres and is tightly regulated by a variety of means to maintain genome integrity. Several DNA helicases function at telomeres, and we previously found that the Saccharomyces cerevisiae helicases Hrq1 and Pif1 directly regulate telomerase. To extend these findings, we are investigating the interplay between helicases, single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) binding proteins (ssBPs), and telomerase. The yeast ssBPs Cdc13 and RPA differentially affect Hrq1 and Pif1 helicase activity, and experiments to measure helicase disruption of Cdc13/ssDNA complexes instead revealed that Cdc13 can exchange between substrates. Although other ssBPs display dynamic binding, this was unexpected with Cdc13 due to the reported in vitro stability of the Cdc13/telomeric ssDNA complex. We found that the DNA exchange by Cdc13 occurs rapidly at physiological temperatures, requires telomeric repeat sequence DNA, and is affected by ssDNA length. Cdc13 truncations revealed that the low-affinity binding site (OB1), which is distal from the high-affinity binding site (OB3), is required for this intermolecular dynamic DNA exchange (DDE). We hypothesize that DDE by Cdc13 is the basis for how Cdc13 'moves' at telomeres to alternate between modes where it regulates telomerase activity and assists in telomere replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- David G Nickens
- Molecular & Cellular Biochemistry Department, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Zhitong Feng
- Molecular & Cellular Biochemistry Department, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Jiangchuan Shen
- Molecular & Cellular Biochemistry Department, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Spencer J Gray
- Molecular & Cellular Biochemistry Department, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Robert H Simmons
- Molecular & Cellular Biochemistry Department, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Hengyao Niu
- Molecular & Cellular Biochemistry Department, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Matthew L Bochman
- Molecular & Cellular Biochemistry Department, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
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2
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Nickens DG, Feng Z, Shen J, Gray SJ, Simmons RH, Niu H, Bochman ML. Cdc13 exhibits dynamic DNA strand exchange in the presence of telomeric DNA. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.12.04.569902. [PMID: 38105973 PMCID: PMC10723391 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.04.569902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Telomerase is the enzyme that lengthens telomeres and is tightly regulated by a variety of means to maintain genome integrity. Several DNA helicases function at telomeres, and we previously found that the Saccharomyces cerevisiae helicases Hrq1 and Pif1 directly regulate telomerase. To extend these findings, we are investigating the interplay between helicases, single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) binding proteins (ssBPs), and telomerase. The yeast ssBPs Cdc13 and RPA differentially affect Hrq1 and Pif1 helicase activity, and experiments to measure helicase disruption of Cdc13/ssDNA complexes instead revealed that Cdc13 can exchange between substrates. Although other ssBPs display dynamic binding, this was unexpected with Cdc13 due to the reported in vitro stability of the Cdc13/telomeric ssDNA complex. We found that the DNA exchange by Cdc13 occurs rapidly at physiological temperatures, requires telomeric repeat sequence DNA, and is affected by ssDNA length. Cdc13 truncations revealed that the low-affinity binding site (OB1), which is distal from the high-affinity binding site (OB3), is required for this intermolecular dynamic DNA exchange (DDE). We hypothesize that DDE by Cdc13 is the basis for how Cdc13 'moves' at telomeres to alternate between modes where it regulates telomerase activity and assists in telomere replication.
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3
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Chib S, Griffin WC, Gao J, Proffitt DR, Byrd AK, Raney KD. Pif1 Helicase Mediates Remodeling of Protein-Nucleic Acid Complexes by Promoting Dissociation of Sub1 from G-Quadruplex DNA and Cdc13 from G-Rich Single-Stranded DNA. Biochemistry 2023; 62:3360-3372. [PMID: 37948114 PMCID: PMC10841737 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.3c00441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Pif1 is a molecular motor enzyme that is conserved from yeast to mammals. It translocates on ssDNA with a directional bias (5' → 3') and unwinds duplexes using the energy obtained from ATP hydrolysis. Pif1 is involved in dsDNA break repair, resolution of G-quadruplex (G4) structures, negative regulation of telomeres, and Okazaki fragment maturation. An important property of this helicase is to exert force and disrupt protein-DNA complexes, which may otherwise serve as barriers to various cellular pathways. Previously, Pif1 was reported to displace streptavidin from biotinylated DNA, Rap1 from telomeric DNA, and telomerase from DNA ends. Here, we have investigated the ability of S. cerevisiae Pif1 helicase to disrupt protein barriers from G4 and telomeric sites. Yeast chromatin-associated transcription coactivator Sub1 was characterized as a G4 binding protein. We found evidence for a physical interaction between Pif1 helicase and Sub1 protein. Here, we demonstrate that Pif1 is capable of catalyzing the disruption of Sub1-bound G4 structures in an ATP-dependent manner. We also investigated Pif1-mediated removal of yeast telomere-capping protein Cdc13 from DNA ends. Cdc13 exhibits a high-affinity interaction with an 11-mer derived from the yeast telomere sequence. Our results show that Pif1 uses its translocase activity to enhance the dissociation of this telomere-specific protein from its binding site. The rate of dissociation increased with an increase in the helicase loading site length. Additionally, we examined the biochemical mechanism for Pif1-catalyzed protein displacement by mutating the sequence of the telomeric 11-mer on the 5'-end and the 3'-end. The results support a model whereby Pif1 disrupts Cdc13 from the ssDNA in steps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubeena Chib
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205
| | - Wezley C. Griffin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205
| | - Jun Gao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205
| | - David R. Proffitt
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205
| | - Alicia K. Byrd
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205
| | - Kevin D. Raney
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205
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4
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Schedler B, Yukhnovets O, Lindner L, Meyer A, Fitter J. The Thermodynamic Fingerprints of Ultra-Tight Nanobody-Antigen Binding Probed via Two-Color Single-Molecule Coincidence Detection. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16379. [PMID: 38003569 PMCID: PMC10671529 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216379] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Life on the molecular scale is based on a versatile interplay of biomolecules, a feature that is relevant for the formation of macromolecular complexes. Fluorescence-based two-color coincidence detection is widely used to characterize molecular binding and was recently improved by a brightness-gated version which gives more accurate results. We developed and established protocols which make use of coincidence detection to quantify binding fractions between interaction partners labeled with fluorescence dyes of different colors. Since the applied technique is intrinsically related to single-molecule detection, the concentration of diffusing molecules for confocal detection is typically in the low picomolar regime. This makes the approach a powerful tool for determining bi-molecular binding affinities, in terms of KD values, in this regime. We demonstrated the reliability of our approach by analyzing very strong nanobody-EGFP binding. By measuring the affinity at different temperatures, we were able to determine the thermodynamic parameters of the binding interaction. The results show that the ultra-tight binding is dominated by entropic contributions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benno Schedler
- AG Biophysik, I. Physikalisches Institut (IA), RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (B.S.); (O.Y.); (L.L.); (A.M.)
| | - Olessya Yukhnovets
- AG Biophysik, I. Physikalisches Institut (IA), RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (B.S.); (O.Y.); (L.L.); (A.M.)
| | - Lennart Lindner
- AG Biophysik, I. Physikalisches Institut (IA), RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (B.S.); (O.Y.); (L.L.); (A.M.)
| | - Alida Meyer
- AG Biophysik, I. Physikalisches Institut (IA), RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (B.S.); (O.Y.); (L.L.); (A.M.)
| | - Jörg Fitter
- AG Biophysik, I. Physikalisches Institut (IA), RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (B.S.); (O.Y.); (L.L.); (A.M.)
- ER-C-3 Structural Biology & IBI-6 Cellular Structural Biology, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
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5
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Barbour AT, Wuttke DS. RPA-like single-stranded DNA-binding protein complexes including CST serve as specialized processivity factors for polymerases. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2023; 81:102611. [PMID: 37245465 PMCID: PMC10524659 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2023.102611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Telomeres and other single-stranded regions of the genome require specialized management to maintain stability and for proper progression of DNA metabolism pathways. Human Replication Protein A and CTC1-STN1-TEN1 are structurally similar heterotrimeric protein complexes that have essential ssDNA-binding roles in DNA replication, repair, and telomeres. Yeast and ciliates have related ssDNA-binding proteins with strikingly conserved structural features to these human heterotrimeric protein complexes. Recent breakthrough structures have extended our understanding of these commonalities by illuminating a common mechanism used by these proteins to act as processivity factors for their partner polymerases through their ability to manage ssDNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra T Barbour
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado Bouder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Deborah S Wuttke
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado Bouder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA.
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6
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Ngo K, Gittens TH, Gonzalez DI, Hatmaker EA, Plotkin S, Engle M, Friedman GA, Goldin M, Hoerr RE, Eichman BF, Rokas A, Benton ML, Friedman KL. A comprehensive map of hotspots of de novo telomere addition in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Genetics 2023; 224:iyad076. [PMID: 37119805 PMCID: PMC10474931 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyad076] [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: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomere healing occurs when telomerase, normally restricted to chromosome ends, acts upon a double-strand break to create a new, functional telomere. De novo telomere addition (dnTA) on the centromere-proximal side of a break truncates the chromosome but, by blocking resection, may allow the cell to survive an otherwise lethal event. We previously identified several sequences in the baker's yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, that act as hotspots of dnTA [termed Sites of Repair-associated Telomere Addition (SiRTAs)], but the distribution and functional relevance of SiRTAs is unclear. Here, we describe a high-throughput sequencing method to measure the frequency and location of telomere addition within sequences of interest. Combining this methodology with a computational algorithm that identifies SiRTA sequence motifs, we generate the first comprehensive map of telomere-addition hotspots in yeast. Putative SiRTAs are strongly enriched in subtelomeric regions where they may facilitate formation of a new telomere following catastrophic telomere loss. In contrast, outside of subtelomeres, the distribution and orientation of SiRTAs appears random. Since truncating the chromosome at most SiRTAs would be lethal, this observation argues against selection for these sequences as sites of telomere addition per se. We find, however, that sequences predicted to function as SiRTAs are significantly more prevalent across the genome than expected by chance. Sequences identified by the algorithm bind the telomeric protein Cdc13, raising the possibility that association of Cdc13 with single-stranded regions generated during the response to DNA damage may facilitate DNA repair more generally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina Ngo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
| | - Tristen H Gittens
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
| | - David I Gonzalez
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
| | - E Anne Hatmaker
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
- Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
| | - Simcha Plotkin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
| | - Mason Engle
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
| | - Geofrey A Friedman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
| | - Melissa Goldin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
| | - Remington E Hoerr
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
| | - Brandt F Eichman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
| | - Antonis Rokas
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
- Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
| | | | - Katherine L Friedman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
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7
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Ngo K, Gittens TH, Gonzalez DI, Hatmaker EA, Plotkin S, Engle M, Friedman GA, Goldin M, Hoerr RE, Eichman BF, Rokas A, Benton ML, Friedman KL. A comprehensive map of hotspots of de novo telomere addition in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.20.533556. [PMID: 36993206 PMCID: PMC10055226 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.20.533556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Telomere healing occurs when telomerase, normally restricted to chromosome ends, acts upon a double-strand break to create a new, functional telomere. De novo telomere addition on the centromere-proximal side of a break truncates the chromosome but, by blocking resection, may allow the cell to survive an otherwise lethal event. We previously identified several sequences in the baker’s yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae , that act as hotspots of de novo telomere addition (termed Sites of Repair-associated Telomere Addition or SiRTAs), but the distribution and functional relevance of SiRTAs is unclear. Here, we describe a high-throughput sequencing method to measure the frequency and location of telomere addition within sequences of interest. Combining this methodology with a computational algorithm that identifies SiRTA sequence motifs, we generate the first comprehensive map of telomere-addition hotspots in yeast. Putative SiRTAs are strongly enriched in subtelomeric regions where they may facilitate formation of a new telomere following catastrophic telomere loss. In contrast, outside of subtelomeres, the distribution and orientation of SiRTAs appears random. Since truncating the chromosome at most SiRTAs would be lethal, this observation argues against selection for these sequences as sites of telomere addition per se. We find, however, that sequences predicted to function as SiRTAs are significantly more prevalent across the genome than expected by chance. Sequences identified by the algorithm bind the telomeric protein Cdc13, raising the possibility that association of Cdc13 with single-stranded regions generated during the response to DNA damage may facilitate DNA repair more generally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina Ngo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University
| | | | | | - E. Anne Hatmaker
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University
- Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University
| | - Simcha Plotkin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University
| | - Mason Engle
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University
| | | | - Melissa Goldin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University
| | | | - Brandt F. Eichman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University
| | - Antonis Rokas
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University
- Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University
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8
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Coloma J, Gonzalez-Rodriguez N, Balaguer FA, Gmurczyk K, Aicart-Ramos C, Nuero ÓM, Luque-Ortega JR, Calugaru K, Lue NF, Moreno-Herrero F, Llorca O. Molecular architecture and oligomerization of Candida glabrata Cdc13 underpin its telomeric DNA-binding and unfolding activity. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:668-686. [PMID: 36629261 PMCID: PMC9881146 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac1261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The CST complex is a key player in telomere replication and stability, which in yeast comprises Cdc13, Stn1 and Ten1. While Stn1 and Ten1 are very well conserved across species, Cdc13 does not resemble its mammalian counterpart CTC1 either in sequence or domain organization, and Cdc13 but not CTC1 displays functions independently of the rest of CST. Whereas the structures of human CTC1 and CST have been determined, the molecular organization of Cdc13 remains poorly understood. Here, we dissect the molecular architecture of Candida glabrata Cdc13 and show how it regulates binding to telomeric sequences. Cdc13 forms dimers through the interaction between OB-fold 2 (OB2) domains. Dimerization stimulates binding of OB3 to telomeric sequences, resulting in the unfolding of ssDNA secondary structure. Once bound to DNA, Cdc13 prevents the refolding of ssDNA by mechanisms involving all domains. OB1 also oligomerizes, inducing higher-order complexes of Cdc13 in vitro. OB1 truncation disrupts these complexes, affects ssDNA unfolding and reduces telomere length in C. glabrata. Together, our results reveal the molecular organization of C. glabrata Cdc13 and how this regulates the binding and the structure of DNA, and suggest that yeast species evolved distinct architectures of Cdc13 that share some common principles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Coloma
- Correspondence may also be addressed to Javier Coloma. Tel: +34 91 732 8000 (Ext 3033);
| | | | - Francisco A Balaguer
- Department of Macromolecular Structures, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Karolina Gmurczyk
- Department of Macromolecular Structures, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Clara Aicart-Ramos
- Department of Macromolecular Structures, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Óscar M Nuero
- Molecular Interactions Facility, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Román Luque-Ortega
- Molecular Interactions Facility, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Kimberly Calugaru
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, W. R. Hearst Microbiology Research Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Neal F Lue
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, W. R. Hearst Microbiology Research Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Oscar Llorca
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +34 91 732 8000 (Ext 3000);
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9
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Telomeres and Cancer. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11121405. [PMID: 34947936 PMCID: PMC8704776 DOI: 10.3390/life11121405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres cap the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes and are indispensable chromatin structures for genome protection and replication. Telomere length maintenance has been attributed to several functional modulators, including telomerase, the shelterin complex, and the CST complex, synergizing with DNA replication, repair, and the RNA metabolism pathway components. As dysfunctional telomere maintenance and telomerase activation are associated with several human diseases, including cancer, the molecular mechanisms behind telomere length regulation and protection need particular emphasis. Cancer cells exhibit telomerase activation, enabling replicative immortality. Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) activation is involved in cancer development through diverse activities other than mediating telomere elongation. This review describes the telomere functions, the role of functional modulators, the implications in cancer development, and the future therapeutic opportunities.
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10
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Galli M, Frigerio C, Longhese MP, Clerici M. The regulation of the DNA damage response at telomeres: focus on kinases. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:933-943. [PMID: 33769480 DOI: 10.1042/bst20200856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The natural ends of linear chromosomes resemble those of accidental double-strand breaks (DSBs). DSBs induce a multifaceted cellular response that promotes the repair of lesions and slows down cell cycle progression. This response is not elicited at chromosome ends, which are organized in nucleoprotein structures called telomeres. Besides counteracting DSB response through specialized telomere-binding proteins, telomeres also prevent chromosome shortening. Despite of the different fate of telomeres and DSBs, many proteins involved in the DSB response also localize at telomeres and participate in telomere homeostasis. In particular, the DSB master regulators Tel1/ATM and Mec1/ATR contribute to telomere length maintenance and arrest cell cycle progression when chromosome ends shorten, thus promoting a tumor-suppressive process known as replicative senescence. During senescence, the actions of both these apical kinases and telomere-binding proteins allow checkpoint activation while bulk DNA repair activities at telomeres are still inhibited. Checkpoint-mediated cell cycle arrest also prevents further telomere erosion and deprotection that would favor chromosome rearrangements, which are known to increase cancer-associated genome instability. This review summarizes recent insights into functions and regulation of Tel1/ATM and Mec1/ATR at telomeres both in the presence and in the absence of telomerase, focusing mainly on discoveries in budding yeast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Galli
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Bioscienze, Università di Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, Milano 20126, Italy
| | - Chiara Frigerio
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Bioscienze, Università di Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, Milano 20126, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Longhese
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Bioscienze, Università di Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, Milano 20126, Italy
| | - Michela Clerici
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Bioscienze, Università di Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, Milano 20126, Italy
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11
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Hoerr RE, Ngo K, Friedman KL. When the Ends Justify the Means: Regulation of Telomere Addition at Double-Strand Breaks in Yeast. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:655377. [PMID: 33816507 PMCID: PMC8012806 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.655377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres, repetitive sequences located at the ends of most eukaryotic chromosomes, provide a mechanism to replenish terminal sequences lost during DNA replication, limit nucleolytic resection, and protect chromosome ends from engaging in double-strand break (DSB) repair. The ribonucleoprotein telomerase contains an RNA subunit that serves as the template for the synthesis of telomeric DNA. While telomere elongation is typically primed by a 3′ overhang at existing chromosome ends, telomerase can act upon internal non-telomeric sequences. Such de novo telomere addition can be programmed (for example, during chromosome fragmentation in ciliated protozoa) or can occur spontaneously in response to a chromosome break. Telomerase action at a DSB can interfere with conservative mechanisms of DNA repair and results in loss of distal sequences but may prevent additional nucleolytic resection and/or chromosome rearrangement through formation of a functional telomere (termed “chromosome healing”). Here, we review studies of spontaneous and induced DSBs in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae that shed light on mechanisms that negatively regulate de novo telomere addition, in particular how the cell prevents telomerase action at DSBs while facilitating elongation of critically short telomeres. Much of our understanding comes from the use of perfect artificial telomeric tracts to “seed” de novo telomere addition. However, endogenous sequences that are enriched in thymine and guanine nucleotides on one strand (TG-rich) but do not perfectly match the telomere consensus sequence can also stimulate unusually high frequencies of telomere formation following a DSB. These observations suggest that some internal sites may fully or partially escape mechanisms that normally negatively regulate de novo telomere addition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remington E Hoerr
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Katrina Ngo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Katherine L Friedman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
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12
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Nguyen DD, Kim EY, Sang PB, Chai W. Roles of OB-Fold Proteins in Replication Stress. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:574466. [PMID: 33043007 PMCID: PMC7517361 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.574466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Accurate DNA replication is essential for maintaining genome stability. However, this stability becomes vulnerable when replication fork progression is stalled or slowed - a condition known as replication stress. Prolonged fork stalling can cause DNA damage, leading to genome instabilities. Thus, cells have developed several pathways and a complex set of proteins to overcome the challenge at stalled replication forks. Oligonucleotide/oligosaccharide binding (OB)-fold containing proteins are a group of proteins that play a crucial role in fork protection and fork restart. These proteins bind to single-stranded DNA with high affinity and prevent premature annealing and unwanted nuclease digestion. Among these OB-fold containing proteins, the best studied in eukaryotic cells are replication protein A (RPA) and breast cancer susceptibility protein 2 (BRCA2). Recently, another RPA-like protein complex CTC1-STN1-TEN1 (CST) complex has been found to counter replication perturbation. In this review, we discuss the latest findings on how these OB-fold containing proteins (RPA, BRCA2, CST) cooperate to safeguard DNA replication and maintain genome stability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Weihang Chai
- Department of Cancer Biology, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL, United States
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13
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Jurikova K, Gajarsky M, Hajikazemi M, Nosek J, Prochazkova K, Paeschke K, Trantirek L, Tomaska L. Role of folding kinetics of secondary structures in telomeric G-overhangs in the regulation of telomere maintenance in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:8958-8971. [PMID: 32385108 PMCID: PMC7335780 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.012914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The ends of eukaryotic chromosomes typically contain a 3' ssDNA G-rich protrusion (G-overhang). This overhang must be protected against detrimental activities of nucleases and of the DNA damage response machinery and participates in the regulation of telomerase, a ribonucleoprotein complex that maintains telomere integrity. These functions are mediated by DNA-binding proteins, such as Cdc13 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and the propensity of G-rich sequences to form various non-B DNA structures. Using CD and NMR spectroscopies, we show here that G-overhangs of S. cerevisiae form distinct Hoogsteen pairing-based secondary structures, depending on their length. Whereas short telomeric oligonucleotides form a G-hairpin, their longer counterparts form parallel and/or antiparallel G-quadruplexes (G4s). Regardless of their topologies, non-B DNA structures exhibited impaired binding to Cdc13 in vitro as demonstrated by electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Importantly, whereas G4 structures formed relatively quickly, G-hairpins folded extremely slowly, indicating that short G-overhangs, which are typical for most of the cell cycle, are present predominantly as single-stranded oligonucleotides and are suitable substrates for Cdc13. Using ChIP, we show that the occurrence of G4 structures peaks at the late S phase, thus correlating with the accumulation of long G-overhangs. We present a model of how time- and length-dependent formation of non-B DNA structures at chromosomal termini participates in telomere maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Jurikova
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Martin Gajarsky
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Mona Hajikazemi
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jozef Nosek
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Katarina Prochazkova
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Katrin Paeschke
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Lukas Trantirek
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic; Institute of Biophysics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Lubomir Tomaska
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia.
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14
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Mersaoui SY, Bonnell E, Wellinger RJ. Nuclear import of Cdc13 limits chromosomal capping. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 46:2975-2989. [PMID: 29432594 PMCID: PMC5887288 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cdc13 is an essential protein involved in telomere maintenance and chromosome capping. Individual domain analyses on Cdc13 suggest the presence of four distinct OB-fold domains and one recruitment domain. However, it remained unclear how these sub-domains function in the context of the whole protein in vivo. Here, we use individual single domain deletions to address their roles in telomere capping. We find that the OB2 domain contains a nuclear localization signal that is essential for nuclear import of Cdc13 and therefore is required for chromosome capping. The karyopherin Msn5 is important for nuclear localization, and retention of Cdc13 in the nucleus also requires its binding to telomeres. Moreover, Cdc13 homodimerization occurs even if the protein is not bound to DNA and is in the cytoplasm. Hence, Cdc13 abundance in the nucleus and, in consequence, its capping function is strongly affected by nucleo-cytoplasmic transport as well as nuclear retention by DNA binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofiane Y Mersaoui
- Department of Microbiology and Infectiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 3201 Rue Jean Mignault, Sherbrooke, QC J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - Erin Bonnell
- Department of Microbiology and Infectiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 3201 Rue Jean Mignault, Sherbrooke, QC J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - Raymund J Wellinger
- Department of Microbiology and Infectiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 3201 Rue Jean Mignault, Sherbrooke, QC J1E 4K8, Canada
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15
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Abstract
Measuring protein/DNA interactions that have apparent binding affinity constants in the low-picomolar range presents a unique experimental challenge. To probe the sequence specificity of telomere binding proteins, our laboratory has developed an electrophoretic mobility shift assay protocol that allows for the routine measurement of K D,app values in the 1-20 pM range. Here, we describe the protocol and highlight the particular considerations that should be made to successfully and reproducibly measure high-affinity interactions between proteins and single-stranded DNA.
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16
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Single-stranded telomere-binding protein employs a dual rheostat for binding affinity and specificity that drives function. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:10315-10320. [PMID: 30249661 PMCID: PMC6187146 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1722147115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteins that bind nucleic acids are frequently categorized as being either specific or nonspecific, with interfaces to match that activity. In this study, we have found that a telomere-binding protein exhibits a degree of specificity for ssDNA that is finely tuned for its function, which includes specificity for G-rich sequences with some tolerance for substitution. Mutations of the protein that dramatically impact its affinity for single-stranded telomeric DNA are lethal, as expected; however, mutations that alter specificity also impact biological function. Unexpectedly, we found mutations that make the protein more specific are also deleterious, suggesting that specificity and nonspecificity in nucleic acid recognition may be achieved through more nuanced mechanisms than currently recognized. ssDNA, which is involved in numerous aspects of chromosome biology, is managed by a suite of proteins with tailored activities. The majority of these proteins bind ssDNA indiscriminately, exhibiting little apparent sequence preference. However, there are several notable exceptions, including the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Cdc13 protein, which is vital for yeast telomere maintenance. Cdc13 is one of the tightest known binders of ssDNA and is specific for G-rich telomeric sequences. To investigate how these two different biochemical features, affinity and specificity, contribute to function, we created an unbiased panel of alanine mutations across the Cdc13 DNA-binding interface, including several aromatic amino acids that play critical roles in binding activity. A subset of mutant proteins exhibited significant loss in affinity in vitro that, as expected, conferred a profound loss of viability in vivo. Unexpectedly, a second category of mutant proteins displayed an increase in specificity, manifested as an inability to accommodate changes in ssDNA sequence. Yeast strains with specificity-enhanced mutations displayed a gradient of viability in vivo that paralleled the loss in sequence tolerance in vitro, arguing that binding specificity can be fine-tuned to ensure optimal function. We propose that DNA binding by Cdc13 employs a highly cooperative interface whereby sequence diversity is accommodated through plastic binding modes. This suggests that sequence specificity is not a binary choice but rather is a continuum. Even in proteins that are thought to be specific nucleic acid binders, sequence tolerance through the utilization of multiple binding modes may be a broader phenomenon than previously appreciated.
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17
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Mersaoui SY, Wellinger RJ. Fine tuning the level of the Cdc13 telomere-capping protein for maximal chromosome stability performance. Curr Genet 2018; 65:109-118. [PMID: 30066139 DOI: 10.1007/s00294-018-0871-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Chromosome stability relies on an adequate length and complete replication of telomeres, the physical ends of chromosomes. Telomeres are composed of short direct repeat DNA and the associated nucleoprotein complex is essential for providing end-stability. In addition, the so-called end-replication problem of the conventional replication requires that telomeres be elongated by a special mechanism which, in virtually all organisms, is based by a reverse transcriptase, called telomerase. Although, at the conceptual level, telomere functions are highly similar in most organisms, the telomeric nucleoprotein composition appears to diverge significantly, in particular if it is compared between mammalian and budding yeast cells. However, over the last years, the CST complex has emerged as a central hub for telomere replication in most systems. Composed of three proteins, it is related to the highly conserved replication protein A complex, and in all systems studied, it coordinates telomerase-based telomere elongation with lagging-strand DNA synthesis. In budding yeast, the Cdc13 protein of this complex also is essential for telomerase recruitment and this specialisation is accompanied by additional regulatory adaptations. Based on recent results obtained in yeast, here, we review these issues and present an updated telomere replication hypothesis. We speculate that the similarities between systems far outweigh the differences, once we detach ourselves from the historic descriptions of the mechanisms in the various organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofiane Y Mersaoui
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 3201 Rue Jean Mignault, Sherbrooke, QC, J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - Raymund J Wellinger
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 3201 Rue Jean Mignault, Sherbrooke, QC, J1E 4K8, Canada.
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18
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Stewart JA, Wang Y, Ackerson SM, Schuck PL. Emerging roles of CST in maintaining genome stability and human disease. Front Biosci (Landmark Ed) 2018; 23:1564-1586. [PMID: 29293451 DOI: 10.2741/4661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The human CTC1-STN1-TEN1 (CST) complex is a single-stranded DNA binding protein that shares homology with RPA and interacts with DNA polymerase alpha/primase. CST complexes are conserved from yeasts to humans and function in telomere maintenance. A common role of CST across species is in the regulation of telomere extension by telomerase and C-strand fill-in synthesis. However, recent studies also indicate that CST promotes telomere duplex replication as well the rescue of stalled DNA replication at non-telomeric sites. Furthermore, CST dysfunction and mutation is associated with several genetic diseases and cancers. In this review, we will summarize what is known about CST with a particular focus on the emerging roles of CST in DNA replication and human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason A Stewart
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA,
| | - Yilin Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Stephanie M Ackerson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Percy Logan Schuck
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
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19
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Rap1 and Cdc13 have complementary roles in preventing exonucleolytic degradation of telomere 5' ends. Sci Rep 2017; 7:8729. [PMID: 28821750 PMCID: PMC5562816 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-08663-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomere DNA ends with a single-stranded 3′ overhang. Long 3′ overhangs may cause aberrant DNA damage responses and accelerate telomere attrition, which is associated with cancer and aging, respectively. Genetic studies have indicated several important players in preventing 5′ end hyper-resection, yet detailed knowledge about the molecular mechanism in which they act is still lacking. Here, we use an in vitro DNA 5′ end protection assay, to study how N. castellii Cdc13 and Rap1 protect against 5′ exonucleolytic degradation by λ-exonuclease. The homogeneous telomeric repeat sequence of N. castellii allows us to study their protection ability at exact binding sites relative to the 5′ end. We find efficient protection by both Cdc13 and Rap1 when bound close to the 5′ end. Notably, Rap1 provides protection when binding dsDNA at a distance from the 5′ end. The DNA binding domain of Rap1 is sufficient for 5′ end protection, and its wrapping loop region is essential. Intriguingly, Rap1 facilitates protection also when its binding site contains 2 nt of ssDNA, thus spanning across the ds-ss junction. These results highlight a role of Rap1 in 5′ end protection and indicate that Cdc13 and Rap1 have complementary roles in maintaining proper 3′ overhang length.
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20
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Hom RA, Wuttke DS. Human CST Prefers G-Rich but Not Necessarily Telomeric Sequences. Biochemistry 2017; 56:4210-4218. [PMID: 28726394 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.7b00584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The human CST (CTC1-STN1-TEN1) heterotrimeric complex plays roles in both telomere maintenance and DNA replication through its ability to interact with single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) of a variety of sequences. The precise sequence specificity required to execute these functions is unknown. Telomere-binding proteins have been shown to specifically recognize key telomeric sequence motifs within ssDNA while accommodating nonspecifically recognized sequences through conformationally plastic interfaces. To better understand the role CST plays in these processes, we have produced a highly purified heterotrimer and elucidated the sequence requirements for CST recognition of ssDNA in vitro. CST discriminates against random sequence and binds a minimal ssDNA comprised of three repeats of telomeric sequence. Replacement of individual nucleotides with their complement reveals that guanines are specifically recognized in a largely additive fashion and that specificity is distributed uniformly throughout the ligand. Unexpectedly, adenosines are also well tolerated at these sites, but cytosines are disfavored. Furthermore, sequences unrelated to the telomere repeat, yet still G-rich, bind CST well. Thus, CST is not inherently telomere-specific, but rather is a G-rich sequence binder. This biochemical activity is reminiscent of the yeast t-RPA and Tetrahymena thermophila CST complexes and is consistent with roles at G-rich sites throughout the genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Hom
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, UCB 596, University of Colorado , Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
| | - Deborah S Wuttke
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, UCB 596, University of Colorado , Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
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21
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Bhattacharjee A, Stewart J, Chaiken M, Price CM. STN1 OB Fold Mutation Alters DNA Binding and Affects Selective Aspects of CST Function. PLoS Genet 2016; 12:e1006342. [PMID: 27690379 PMCID: PMC5045167 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1006342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian CST (CTC1-STN1-TEN1) participates in multiple aspects of telomere replication and genome-wide recovery from replication stress. CST resembles Replication Protein A (RPA) in that it binds ssDNA and STN1 and TEN1 are structurally similar to RPA2 and RPA3. Conservation between CTC1 and RPA1 is less apparent. Currently the mechanism underlying CST action is largely unknown. Here we address CST mechanism by using a DNA-binding mutant, (STN1 OB-fold mutant, STN1-OBM) to examine the relationship between DNA binding and CST function. In vivo, STN1-OBM affects resolution of endogenous replication stress and telomere duplex replication but telomeric C-strand fill-in and new origin firing after exogenous replication stress are unaffected. These selective effects indicate mechanistic differences in CST action during resolution of different replication problems. In vitro binding studies show that STN1 directly engages both short and long ssDNA oligonucleotides, however STN1-OBM preferentially destabilizes binding to short substrates. The finding that STN1-OBM affects binding to only certain substrates starts to explain the in vivo separation of function observed in STN1-OBM expressing cells. CST is expected to engage DNA substrates of varied length and structure as it acts to resolve different replication problems. Since STN1-OBM will alter CST binding to only some of these substrates, the mutant should affect resolution of only a subset of replication problems, as was observed in the STN1-OBM cells. The in vitro studies also provide insight into CST binding mechanism. Like RPA, CST likely contacts DNA via multiple OB folds. However, the importance of STN1 for binding short substrates indicates differences in the architecture of CST and RPA DNA-protein complexes. Based on our results, we propose a dynamic DNA binding model that provides a general mechanism for CST action at diverse forms of replication stress. Mammalian CST (CTC1/STN1/TEN1) is a three protein complex that aids in several steps during telomere replication and has genome-wide roles during recovery from replication fork stalling. Loss of CST leads to abnormalities in telomere structure, genomic instability and defects in chromosome segregation. Currently, we do not understand how CST acts to ensure the resolution of very diverse types of replication problem. We set out to address this question by studying a mutant form of CST that was predicted to alter DNA binding. The mutations are in the STN1 subunit. In vivo, the STN1 mutant (STN1-OBM) affects some aspects of CST function while others are normal. The effects of STN1-OBM do not align with the telomeric versus non-telomeric roles of CST but instead separate out different aspects of CST function at telomeres and genome-wide. In vitro binding studies indicate that STN1-OBM disrupts binding to only short DNA substrates. Since CST is likely to encounter DNA substrates of varied length and structure in vivo as it helps resolve different replication problems, this finding starts to explain why STN1-OBM affects only certain aspects of CST function. Our in vitro binding studies also shed light on how CST actually binds to DNA and they suggest a novel “dynamic binding model” that provides a mechanistic explanation for how CST helps resolve a diverse array of replication problems to preserve genome stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anukana Bhattacharjee
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Jason Stewart
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail: (JS); (CMP)
| | - Mary Chaiken
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Carolyn M. Price
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- * E-mail: (JS); (CMP)
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22
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Simon MN, Churikov D, Géli V. Replication stress as a source of telomere recombination during replicative senescence in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. FEMS Yeast Res 2016; 16:fow085. [PMID: 27683094 DOI: 10.1093/femsyr/fow085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Replicative senescence is triggered by short unprotected telomeres that arise in the absence of telomerase. In addition, telomeres are known as difficult regions to replicate due to their repetitive G-rich sequence prone to secondary structures and tightly bound non-histone proteins. Here we review accumulating evidence that telomerase inactivation in yeast immediately unmasks the problems associated with replication stress at telomeres. Early after telomerase inactivation, yeast cells undergo successive rounds of stochastic DNA damages and become dependent on recombination for viability long before the bulk of telomeres are getting critically short. The switch from telomerase to recombination to repair replication stress-induced damage at telomeres creates telomere instability, which may drive further genomic alterations and prepare the ground for telomerase-independent immortalization observed in yeast survivors and in 15% of human cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Noëlle Simon
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, 'Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer', Inserm U1068, Marseille F-13009, France; CNRS, UMR7258, Marseille F-13009; Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille F-13009, France; Aix-Marseille University, UM 105, Marseille F-13284, France
| | - Dmitri Churikov
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, 'Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer', Inserm U1068, Marseille F-13009, France; CNRS, UMR7258, Marseille F-13009; Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille F-13009, France; Aix-Marseille University, UM 105, Marseille F-13284, France
| | - Vincent Géli
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, 'Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer', Inserm U1068, Marseille F-13009, France; CNRS, UMR7258, Marseille F-13009; Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille F-13009, France; Aix-Marseille University, UM 105, Marseille F-13284, France
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23
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Lloyd NR, Dickey TH, Hom RA, Wuttke DS. Tying up the Ends: Plasticity in the Recognition of Single-Stranded DNA at Telomeres. Biochemistry 2016; 55:5326-40. [PMID: 27575340 PMCID: PMC5656232 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.6b00496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Telomeres terminate nearly exclusively in single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) overhangs comprised of the G-rich 3' end. This overhang varies widely in length from species to species, ranging from just a few bases to several hundred nucleotides. These overhangs are not merely a remnant of DNA replication but rather are the result of complex further processing. Proper management of the telomeric overhang is required both to deter the action of the DNA damage machinery and to present the ends properly to the replicative enzyme telomerase. This Current Topic addresses the biochemical and structural features used by the proteins that manage these variable telomeric overhangs. The Pot1 protein tightly binds the single-stranded overhang, preventing DNA damage sensors from binding. Pot1 also orchestrates the access of telomerase to that same substrate. The remarkable plasticity of the binding interface exhibited by the Schizosaccharomyces pombe Pot1 provides mechanistic insight into how these roles may be accomplished, and disease-associated mutations clustered around the DNA-binding interface in the hPOT1 highlight the importance of this function. The budding yeast Cdc13-Stn1-Ten1, a telomeric RPA complex closely associated with telomere function, also interacts with ssDNA in a fashion that allows degenerate sequences to be recognized. A related human complex composed of hCTC1, hSTN1, and hTEN1 has recently emerged with links to both telomere maintenance and general DNA replication and also exhibits mutations associated with telomere pathologies. Overall, these sequence-specific ssDNA binders exhibit a range of recognition properties that allow them to perform their unique biological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil R. Lloyd
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 596 UCB, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309-0596, USADepartment of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 596 UCB, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | | | - Robert A. Hom
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 596 UCB, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309-0596, USADepartment of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 596 UCB, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Deborah S. Wuttke
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 596 UCB, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309-0596, USADepartment of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 596 UCB, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
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24
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Greetham M, Skordalakes E, Lydall D, Connolly BA. The Telomere Binding Protein Cdc13 and the Single-Stranded DNA Binding Protein RPA Protect Telomeric DNA from Resection by Exonucleases. J Mol Biol 2015; 427:3023-30. [PMID: 26264873 PMCID: PMC4580210 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2015.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2015] [Revised: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The telomere is present at the ends of all eukaryotic chromosomes and usually consists of repetitive TG-rich DNA that terminates in a single-stranded 3' TG extension and a 5' CA-rich recessed strand. A biochemical assay that allows the in vitro observation of exonuclease-catalyzed degradation (resection) of telomeres has been developed. The approach uses an oligodeoxynucleotide that folds to a stem-loop with a TG-rich double-stranded region and a 3' single-stranded extension, typical of telomeres. Cdc13, the major component of the telomere-specific CST complex, strongly protects the recessed strand from the 5'→3' exonuclease activity of the model exonuclease from bacteriophage λ. The isolated DNA binding domain of Cdc13 is less effective at shielding telomeres. Protection is specific, not being observed in control DNA lacking the specific TG-rich telomere sequence. RPA, the eukaryotic single-stranded DNA binding protein, also inhibits telomere resection. However, this protein is non-specific, equally hindering the degradation of non-telomere controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Greetham
- Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, United Kingdom
| | | | - David Lydall
- Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, United Kingdom
| | - Bernard A Connolly
- Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, United Kingdom.
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25
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Holstein EM, Clark KRM, Lydall D. Interplay between nonsense-mediated mRNA decay and DNA damage response pathways reveals that Stn1 and Ten1 are the key CST telomere-cap components. Cell Rep 2014; 7:1259-69. [PMID: 24835988 PMCID: PMC4518466 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2014.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2013] [Revised: 03/20/2014] [Accepted: 04/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A large and diverse set of proteins, including CST complex, nonsense mediated decay (NMD), and DNA damage response (DDR) proteins, play important roles at the telomere in mammals and yeast. Here, we report that NMD, like the DDR, affects single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) production at uncapped telomeres. Remarkably, we find that the requirement for Cdc13, one of the components of CST, can be efficiently bypassed when aspects of DDR and NMD pathways are inactivated. However, identical genetic interventions do not bypass the need for Stn1 and Ten1, the partners of Cdc13. We show that disabling NMD alters the stoichiometry of CST components at telomeres and permits Stn1 to bind telomeres in the absence of Cdc13. Our data support a model that Stn1 and Ten1 can function in a Cdc13-independent manner and have implications for the function of CST components across eukaryotes. STN1 and TEN1 play more critical roles in budding yeast than CDC13 Several routes bypass cdc13Δ, but not stn1Δ or ten1Δ Components of CST bind telomeres with different ratios NMD pathways affect accumulation of ssDNA at uncapped telomeres
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva-Maria Holstein
- Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Newcastle University Medical School, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Kate R M Clark
- Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Newcastle University Medical School, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - David Lydall
- Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Newcastle University Medical School, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK.
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