ATP- and NAD+-dependent DNA ligases share an essential function in the halophilic archaeon Haloferax volcanii

Codon usage bias analysis of the gene encoding NAD+-dependent DNA ligase protein of Invertebrate iridescent virus 6

The genome of Invertebrate iridescent virus 6 (IIV6) contains a sequence that shows similarity to eubacterial NAD+-dependent DNA ligases. The 615-amino acid open reading frame (ORF 205R) consists of several domains, including an N-terminal domain Ia, followed by an adenylation domain, an OB-fold domain, a helix-hairpin-helix (HhH) domain, and a BRCT domain. Notably, the zinc finger domain, typically present in NAD+-dependent DNA ligases, is absent in ORF 205R. Since the protein encoded by ORF 205R (IIV6 DNA ligase gene) is involved in critical functions such as DNA replication, modification, and repair, it is crucial to comprehend the codon usage associated with this gene. In this paper, the codon usage bias (CUB) in DNA ligase gene of IIV6 and 11 reference iridoviruses was analyzed by comparing the nucleotide contents, relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU), effective number of codons (ENC), codon adaptation index (CAI), relative abundance of dinucleotides and other indices. Both the base content and the RCSU analysis indicated that the A- and T-ending codons were mostly favored in the DNA ligase gene of IIV6. The ENC value of 35.64 implied a high CUB in the IIV6 DNA ligase gene. The ENC plot, neutrality plot, parity rule 2 plot, correspondence analysis revealed that mutation pressure and natural selection had an impact on the CUB of the IIVs DNA ligase genes. Additionally, the analysis of codon adaptation index demonstrated that the IIV6 DNA ligase gene is strongly adapted to its host. These findings will improve our comprehension of the CUB of IIV6 DNA ligase and reference genes, which may provide the required information for a fundamental evolutionary analysis of these genes.

Physiological and genomic insights into abiotic stress of halophilic archaeon Natrinema altunense 4.1R isolated from a saline ecosystem of Tunisian desert

Halophilic archaea are polyextremophiles with the ability to withstand fluctuations in salinity, high levels of ultraviolet radiation, and oxidative stress, allowing them to survive in a wide range of environments and making them an excellent model for astrobiological research. Natrinema altunense 4.1R is a halophilic archaeon isolated from the endorheic saline lake systems, Sebkhas, located in arid and semi-arid regions of Tunisia. It is an ecosystem characterized by periodic flooding from subsurface groundwater and fluctuating salinities. Here, we assess the physiological responses and genomic characterization of N. altunense 4.1R to UV-C radiation, as well as osmotic and oxidative stresses. Results showed that the 4.1R strain is able to survive up to 36% of salinity, up to 180 J/m² to UV-C radiation, and at 50 mM of H₂O₂, a resistance profile similar to Halobacterium salinarum, a strain often used as UV-C resistant model. In order to understand the genetic determinants of N. altunense 4.1R survival strategy, we sequenced and analyzed its genome. Results showed multiple gene copies of osmotic stress, oxidative stress, and DNA repair response mechanisms supporting its survivability at extreme salinities and radiations. Indeed, the 3D molecular structures of seven proteins related to responses to UV-C radiation (excinucleases UvrA, UvrB, and UvrC, and photolyase), saline stress (trehalose-6-phosphate synthase OtsA and trehalose-phosphatase OtsB), and oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase SOD) were constructed by homology modeling. This study extends the abiotic stress range for the species N. altunense and adds to the repertoire of UV and oxidative stress resistance genes generally known from haloarchaeon.

Salt bridges at the subdomain interfaces of the adenylation domain and active-site residues of Mycobacterium tuberculosis NAD+-dependent DNA ligase A (MtbLigA) are important for the initial steps of nick-sealing activity

NAD⁺-dependent DNA ligase (LigA) is the principal bacterial ligase and catalyses a multistep ligation reaction. The adenylation (AdD) domain at the N-terminus consists of subdomains 1a and 1b, where subdomain 1a is unique to LigA. Small-angle X-ray scattering and X-ray diffraction studies were used to probe changes in the relative spatial dispositions of the two subdomains during the adenylation reaction. Structural analyses of the inter-subdomain interactions of the AdD domain suggest that salt bridges formed by Glu22, Glu26 and Glu87 of subdomain 1a with Arg144, Arg315 and His240 of subdomain 1b play an important role in stabilizing the intermediate conformations of the two subdomains. E22A, E26A and E87A mutations reduce the in vitro activity by 89%, 64% and 39%, respectively, on a nicked DNA substrate, while they show no activity loss on a pre-adenylated DNA substrate, thus suggesting that the salt bridges are important in the initial steps of the ligation reaction. Furthermore, the E22A, E26A and E87A mutants exhibited extremely delayed growth in complementation assays involving the Escherichia coli GR501 strain, which harbours its own temperature-sensitive LigA. The H236A and H236Y mutants, which involve the residue that stacks against the adenine moiety of AMP, severely impact the activity and the ability to complement the growth-defective E. coli GR501 strain. Analysis of the K123A and K123R mutations in the active site rationalizes their total loss of activity and inability to rescue the growth-defective E. coli GR501 strain.

Haloferax volcanii-a model archaeon for studying DNA replication and repair

The tree of life shows the relationship between all organisms based on their common ancestry. Until 1977, it comprised two major branches: prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Work by Carl Woese and other microbiologists led to the recategorization of prokaryotes and the proposal of three primary domains: Eukarya, Bacteria and Archaea. Microbiological, genetic and biochemical techniques were then needed to study the third domain of life. Haloferax volcanii, a halophilic species belonging to the phylum Euryarchaeota, has provided many useful tools to study Archaea, including easy culturing methods, genetic manipulation and phenotypic screening. This review will focus on DNA replication and DNA repair pathways in H. volcanii, how this work has advanced our knowledge of archaeal cellular biology, and how it may deepen our understanding of bacterial and eukaryotic processes.

Structural insight into DNA joining: from conserved mechanisms to diverse scaffolds

DNA ligases are diverse enzymes with essential functions in replication and repair of DNA; here we review recent advances in their structure and distribution and discuss how this contributes to understanding their biological roles and technological potential. Recent high-resolution crystal structures of DNA ligases from different organisms, including DNA-bound states and reaction intermediates, have provided considerable insight into their enzymatic mechanism and substrate interactions. All cellular organisms possess at least one DNA ligase, but many species encode multiple forms some of which are modular multifunctional enzymes. New experimental evidence for participation of DNA ligases in pathways with additional DNA modifying enzymes is defining their participation in non-redundant repair processes enabling elucidation of their biological functions. Coupled with identification of a wealth of DNA ligase sequences through genomic data, our increased appreciation of the structural diversity and phylogenetic distribution of DNA ligases has the potential to uncover new biotechnological tools and provide new treatment options for bacterial pathogens.

The Role of Stress Proteins in Haloarchaea and Their Adaptive Response to Environmental Shifts

Over the years, in order to survive in their natural environment, microbial communities have acquired adaptations to nonoptimal growth conditions. These shifts are usually related to stress conditions such as low/high solar radiation, extreme temperatures, oxidative stress, pH variations, changes in salinity, or a high concentration of heavy metals. In addition, climate change is resulting in these stress conditions becoming more significant due to the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. The most relevant damaging effect of these stressors is protein denaturation. To cope with this effect, organisms have developed different mechanisms, wherein the stress genes play an important role in deciding which of them survive. Each organism has different responses that involve the activation of many genes and molecules as well as downregulation of other genes and pathways. Focused on salinity stress, the archaeal domain encompasses the most significant extremophiles living in high-salinity environments. To have the capacity to withstand this high salinity without losing protein structure and function, the microorganisms have distinct adaptations. The haloarchaeal stress response protects cells against abiotic stressors through the synthesis of stress proteins. This includes other heat shock stress proteins (Hsp), thermoprotectants, survival proteins, universal stress proteins, and multicellular structures. Gene and family stress proteins are highly conserved among members of the halophilic archaea and their study should continue in order to develop means to improve for biotechnological purposes. In this review, all the mechanisms to cope with stress response by haloarchaea are discussed from a global perspective, specifically focusing on the role played by universal stress proteins.

Life in High Salt Concentrations with Changing Environmental Conditions: Insights from Genomic and Phenotypic Analysis of Salinivibrio sp

Life in salt pans with varying chemical compositions require special adaptation strategies at both the physiological and molecular level. The Marakkanam salt pan in South India is characterized with a high fluctuation in salinity (19–490 ppt), Ultravioletradiation, and heavy metal concentrations. Several bacterial species have been isolated and identified in the view of phylogenetic analysis and for the subsequent production of industrially important enzymes. However, limited information exists on the genomic basis of their survival under variable environmental conditions. To this extent, we sequenced the whole genome of the Salinivibrio sp. HTSP, a moderately halophilic bacterium. We analysed the physiological and genomic attributes of Salinivibrio sp. HTSP to elucidate the strategies of adaptation under various abiotic stresses. The genome size is estimated to be 3.39 Mbp with a mean G + C content of 50.6%, including 3150 coding sequences. The genome possessed osmotic stress-related coding sequences, and genes involved in different pathways of DNA repair mechanisms and genes related to the resistance to toxic metals were identified. The periplasmic stress response genes and genes of different oxidative stress mechanisms were also identified. The tolerance capacity of the bacterial isolates to heavy metals, UV-radiation, and salinity was also confirmed through appropriate laboratory experiments under controlled conditions.

The archaeal RecJ-like proteins: nucleases and ex-nucleases with diverse roles in replication and repair

RecJ proteins belong to the DHH superfamily of phosphoesterases that has members in all three domains of life. In bacteria, the archetypal RecJ is a 5' → 3' ssDNA exonuclease that functions in homologous recombination, base excision repair and mismatch repair, while in eukaryotes, the RecJ-like protein Cdc45 (which has lost its nuclease activity) is a key component of the CMG (Cdc45-MCM-GINS) complex, the replicative DNA helicase that unwinds double-stranded DNA at the replication fork. In archaea, database searching identifies genes encoding one or more RecJ family proteins in almost all sequenced genomes. Biochemical analysis has confirmed that some but not all of these proteins are components of archaeal CMG complexes and has revealed a surprising diversity in mode of action and substrate preference. In addition to this, some archaea encode catalytically inactive RecJ-like proteins, and others a mix of active and inactive proteins, with the inactive proteins being confined to structural roles only. Here, I summarise current knowledge of the structure and function of the archaeal RecJ-like proteins, focusing on similarities and differences between proteins from different archaeal species, between proteins within species and between the archaeal proteins and their bacterial and eukaryotic relatives. Models for RecJ-like function are described and key areas for further study highlighted.

DNA Repair and Photoprotection: Mechanisms of Overcoming Environmental Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure in Halophilic Archaea

Halophilic archaea push the limits of life at several extremes. In particular, they are noted for their biochemical strategies in dealing with osmotic stress, low water activity and cycles of desiccation in their hypersaline environments. Another feature common to their habitats is intense ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which is a challenge that microorganisms must overcome. The consequences of high UV exposure include DNA lesions arising directly from bond rearrangement of adjacent bipyrimidines, or indirectly from oxidative damage, which may ultimately result in mutation and cell death. As such, these microorganisms have evolved a number of strategies to navigate the threat of DNA damage, which we differentiate into two categories: DNA repair and photoprotection. Photoprotection encompasses damage avoidance strategies that serve as a "first line of defense," and in halophilic archaea include pigmentation by carotenoids, mechanisms of oxidative damage avoidance, polyploidy, and genomic signatures that make DNA less susceptible to photodamage. Photolesions that do arise are addressed by a number of DNA repair mechanisms that halophilic archaea efficiently utilize, which include photoreactivation, nucleotide excision repair, base excision repair, and homologous recombination. This review seeks to place DNA damage, repair, and photoprotection in the context of halophilic archaea and the solar radiation of their hypersaline environments. We also provide new insight into the breadth of strategies and how they may work together to produce remarkable UV-resistance for these microorganisms.

Biochemical and Structural Characterisation of DNA Ligases from Bacteria and Archaea

DNA ligases are enzymes that seal breaks in the backbones of DNA, leading to them being essential for the survival of all organisms. DNA ligases have been studied from many different types of cells and organisms and shown to have diverse sizes and sequences, with well conserved specific sequences that are required for enzymatic activity. A significant number of DNA ligases have been isolated or prepared in recombinant forms and, here, we review their biochemical and structural characterisation. All DNA ligases contain an essential lysine that transfers an adenylate group from a co-factor to the 5'-phosphate of the DNA end that will ultimately be joined to the 3'-hydroxyl of the neighbouring DNA strand. The essential DNA ligases in bacteria use nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide ( β -NAD+) as their co-factor whereas those that are essential in other cells use adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) as their co-factor. This observation suggests that the essential bacterial enzyme could be targeted by novel antibiotics and the complex molecular structure of β -NAD+ affords multiple opportunities for chemical modification. Several recent studies have synthesised novel derivatives and their biological activity against a range of DNA ligases has been evaluated as inhibitors for drug discovery and/or non-natural substrates for biochemical applications. Here, we review the recent advances that herald new opportunities to alter the biochemical activities of these important enzymes. The recent development of modified derivatives of nucleotides highlights that the continued combination of structural, biochemical and biophysical techniques will be useful in targeting these essential cellular enzymes.

Kinetic mechanism and fidelity of nick sealing by Escherichia coli NAD+-dependent DNA ligase (LigA)

Escherichia coli DNA ligase (EcoLigA) repairs 3′-OH/5′-PO₄ nicks in duplex DNA via reaction of LigA with NAD⁺ to form a covalent LigA-(lysyl-Nζ)–AMP intermediate (step 1); transfer of AMP to the nick 5′-PO₄ to form an AppDNA intermediate (step 2); and attack of the nick 3′-OH on AppDNA to form a 3′-5′ phosphodiester (step 3). A distinctive feature of EcoLigA is its stimulation by ammonium ion. Here we used rapid mix-quench methods to analyze the kinetic mechanism of single-turnover nick sealing by EcoLigA–AMP. For substrates with correctly base-paired 3′-OH/5′-PO₄ nicks, k_step2 was fast (6.8–27 s⁻¹) and similar to k_step3 (8.3–42 s⁻¹). Absent ammonium, k_step2 and k_step3 were 48-fold and 16-fold slower, respectively. EcoLigA was exquisitely sensitive to 3′-OH base mispairs and 3′ N:abasic lesions, which elicited 1000- to >20000-fold decrements in k_step2. The exception was the non-canonical 3′ A:oxoG configuration, which EcoLigA accepted as correctly paired for rapid sealing. These results underscore: (i) how EcoLigA requires proper positioning of the nick 3′ nucleoside for catalysis of 5′ adenylylation; and (ii) EcoLigA's potential to embed mutations during the repair of oxidative damage. EcoLigA was relatively tolerant of 5′-phosphate base mispairs and 5′ N:abasic lesions.

A novel archaeal DNA repair factor that acts with the UvrABC system to repair mitomycin C-induced DNA damage in a PCNA-dependent manner

The sliding clamp proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) plays a vital role in a number of DNA repair pathways in eukaryotes and archaea by acting as a stable platform onto which other essential protein factors assemble. Many of these proteins interact with PCNA via a short peptide sequence known as a PIP (PCNA interacting protein) motif. Here we describe the identification and functional analysis of a novel PCNA interacting protein NreA that is conserved in the archaea and that has a PIP motif at its C-terminus. Using the genetically tractable euryarchaeon Haloferax volcanii as a model system, we show that the NreA protein is not required for cell viability but that loss of NreA (or replacement of the wild-type protein with a truncated version lacking the C-terminal PIP motif) results in an increased sensitivity to the DNA damaging agent mitomycin C (MMC) that correlates with delayed repair of MMC-induced chromosomal DNA damage monitored by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Genetic epistasis analysis in Hfx. volcanii suggests that NreA works together with the UvrABC proteins in repairing DNA damage resulting from exposure to MMC. The wide distribution of NreA family members implies an important role for the protein in DNA damage repair in all archaeal lineages.

Archaeal Nucleic Acid Ligases and Their Potential in Biotechnology

With their ability to catalyse the formation of phosphodiester linkages, DNA ligases and RNA ligases are essential tools for many protocols in molecular biology and biotechnology. Currently, the nucleic acid ligases from bacteriophage T4 are used extensively in these protocols. In this review, we argue that the nucleic acid ligases from Archaea represent a largely untapped pool of enzymes with diverse and potentially favourable properties for new and emerging biotechnological applications. We summarise the current state of knowledge on archaeal DNA and RNA ligases, which makes apparent the relative scarcity of information on in vitro activities that are of most relevance to biotechnologists (such as the ability to join blunt- or cohesive-ended, double-stranded DNA fragments). We highlight the existing biotechnological applications of archaeal DNA ligases and RNA ligases. Finally, we draw attention to recent experiments in which protein engineering was used to modify the activities of the DNA ligase from Pyrococcus furiosus and the RNA ligase from Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus, thus demonstrating the potential for further work in this area.

Inhibiting NAD+-dependent DNA ligase activity with 2-(cyclopentyloxy)-5'-deoxyadenosine (CPOdA) offers a new tool for DNA replication and repair studies in the model archaeon Haloferax volcanii

DNA ligases play an essential role in many aspects of DNA metabolism in all three domains of life. The haloarchaeal organism Haloferax volcanii encodes both ATP- and NAD(+)-dependent DNA ligase enzymes designated LigA and LigN, respectively. Neither LigA nor LigN alone is required for cell viability but they share an essential function, most likely the ligation of Okazaki fragments during chromosome replication. Here we show that 2-(cyclopentyloxy)-5'-deoxyadenosine (referred to as CPOdA), originally developed as a inhibitor of bacterial NAD(+)-dependent DNA ligases, is a potent inhibitor of the growth of Hfx. volcanii cells expressing LigN alone, causing chromosome fragmentation and cell death, while cells expressing LigA are unaffected. Growth inhibition occurs at significantly lower CPOdA concentrations (MIC ≤ 50 ng ml(-1)) than those required for inhibition of bacterial growth (≥2 μg ml(-1)). CPOdA has the potential to become a vital tool in DNA replication and repair studies in this important model organism.

Archaeal DNA replication

DNA replication is essential for all life forms. Although the process is fundamentally conserved in the three domains of life, bioinformatic, biochemical, structural, and genetic studies have demonstrated that the process and the proteins involved in archaeal DNA replication are more similar to those in eukaryal DNA replication than in bacterial DNA replication, but have some archaeal-specific features. The archaeal replication system, however, is not monolithic, and there are some differences in the replication process between different species. In this review, the current knowledge of the mechanisms governing DNA replication in Archaea is summarized. The general features of the replication process as well as some of the differences are discussed.

Molecular Genetic Methods to Study DNA Replication Protein Function in Haloferax volcanii, A Model Archaeal Organism

Successful high-fidelity chromosomal DNA replication is fundamental to all forms of cellular life and requires the complex interplay of a variety of essential and nonessential protein factors in a spatially and temporally coordinated manner. Much of what is known about the enzymes and mechanisms of chromosome replication has come from analysis of simple microbial model systems, such as yeast and archaea. Archaea possess a highly simplified eukaryotic-like replication apparatus, making them an excellent model for gaining novel insights into conserved aspects of protein function at the heart of the replisome. Amongst the thermophilic archaea, a number of species have proved useful for biochemical analysis of protein function, but few of these organisms are suited to genetic analysis. One archaeal organism that is genetically tractable is the mesophilic euryarchaeon Haloferax volcanii, a halophile that grows aerobically in high salt medium at an optimum temperature of 40-45 °C and with a doubling time of 2-3 h. The Hfx. volcanii genome has been sequenced and a range of methods have been developed to allow reverse genetic analysis of protein function in vivo, including techniques for gene replacement and gene deletion, transcriptional regulation, point mutation and gene tagging. Here we briefly summarize current knowledge of the chromosomal DNA replication machinery in the haloarchaea before describing in detail the molecular methods available to probe protein structure and function within the Hfx. volcanii replication apparatus.

Global phylogenomic analysis disentangles the complex evolutionary history of DNA replication in archaea

The archaeal machinery responsible for DNA replication is largely homologous to that of eukaryotes and is clearly distinct from its bacterial counterpart. Moreover, it shows high diversity in the various archaeal lineages, including different sets of components, heterogeneous taxonomic distribution, and a large number of additional copies that are sometimes highly divergent. This has made the evolutionary history of this cellular system particularly challenging to dissect. Here, we have carried out an exhaustive identification of homologs of all major replication components in over 140 complete archaeal genomes. Phylogenomic analysis allowed assigning them to either a conserved and probably essential core of replication components that were mainly vertically inherited, or to a variable and highly divergent shell of extra copies that have likely arisen from integrative elements. This suggests that replication proteins are frequently exchanged between extrachromosomal elements and cellular genomes. Our study allowed clarifying the history that shaped this key cellular process (ancestral components, horizontal gene transfers, and gene losses), providing important evolutionary and functional information. Finally, our precise identification of core components permitted to show that the phylogenetic signal carried by DNA replication is highly consistent with that harbored by two other key informational machineries (translation and transcription), strengthening the existence of a robust organismal tree for the Archaea.

Base excision repair in Archaea: back to the future in DNA repair

Together with Bacteria and Eukarya, Archaea represents one of the three domain of life. In contrast with the morphological difference existing between Archaea and Eukarya, these two domains are closely related. Phylogenetic analyses confirm this evolutionary relationship showing that most of the proteins involved in DNA transcription and replication are highly conserved. On the contrary, information is scanty about DNA repair pathways and their mechanisms. In the present review the most important proteins involved in base excision repair, namely glycosylases, AP lyases, AP endonucleases, polymerases, sliding clamps, flap endonucleases, and ligases, will be discussed and compared with bacterial and eukaryotic ones. Finally, possible applications and future perspectives derived from studies on Archaea and their repair pathways, will be taken into account.

The haloarchaeal MCM proteins: bioinformatic analysis and targeted mutagenesis of the β7-β8 and β9-β10 hairpin loops and conserved zinc binding domain cysteines

The hexameric MCM complex is the catalytic core of the replicative helicase in eukaryotic and archaeal cells. Here we describe the first in vivo analysis of archaeal MCM protein structure and function relationships using the genetically tractable haloarchaeon Haloferax volcanii as a model system. Hfx. volcanii encodes a single MCM protein that is part of the previously identified core group of haloarchaeal MCM proteins. Three structural features of the N-terminal domain of the Hfx. volcanii MCM protein were targeted for mutagenesis: the β7-β8 and β9-β10 β-hairpin loops and putative zinc binding domain. Five strains carrying single point mutations in the β7-β8 β-hairpin loop were constructed, none of which displayed impaired cell growth under normal conditions or when treated with the DNA damaging agent mitomycin C. However, short sequence deletions within the β7-β8 β-hairpin were not tolerated and neither was replacement of the highly conserved residue glutamate 187 with alanine. Six strains carrying paired alanine substitutions within the β9-β10 β-hairpin loop were constructed, leading to the conclusion that no individual amino acid within that hairpin loop is absolutely required for MCM function, although one of the mutant strains displays greatly enhanced sensitivity to mitomycin C. Deletions of two or four amino acids from the β9-β10 β-hairpin were tolerated but mutants carrying larger deletions were inviable. Similarly, it was not possible to construct mutants in which any of the conserved zinc binding cysteines was replaced with alanine, underlining the likely importance of zinc binding for MCM function. The results of these studies demonstrate the feasibility of using Hfx. volcanii as a model system for reverse genetic analysis of archaeal MCM protein function and provide important confirmation of the in vivo importance of conserved structural features identified by previous bioinformatic, biochemical and structural studies.

Broad nucleotide cofactor specificity of DNA ligase from the hyperthermophilic crenarchaeon Hyperthermus butylicus and its evolutionary significance

The nucleotide cofactor specificity of the DNA ligase from the hyperthermophilic crenarchaeon Hyperthermus butylicus (Hbu) was studied to investigate the evolutionary relationship of DNA ligases. The Hbu DNA ligase gene was expressed under control of the T7lac promoter of pTARG in Escherichia coli BL21-CodonPlus(DE3)-RIL. The expressed enzyme was purified using the IMPACT™-CN system (intein-mediated purification with an affinity chitin-binding tag) and cation-ion (Arg-tag) chromatography. The optimal temperature for Hbu DNA ligase activity was 75 °C, and the optimal pH was 8.0 in Tris-HCl. The activity was highly dependent on MgCl2 or MnCl2 with maximal activity above 5 mM MgCl2 and 2 mM MnCl2. Notably, Hbu DNA ligase can use ADP and GTP in addition to ATP. The broad nucleotide cofactor specificity of Hbu DNA ligase might exemplify an undifferentiated ancestral stage in the evolution of DNA ligases. This study provides new evidence for possible evolutionary relationships among DNA ligases.

Expression, purification and biochemical characterization of Methanocaldococcus jannaschii DNA ligase

We describe the biochemical characterization of Methanocaldococcus jannaschii (M. jannaschii) DNA ligase and its potential application in single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping. The recombinant M. jannaschii DNA ligase is an ATP-dependent ligase. The ligase activity was dependent on metal ions of Mg(2+) and Mn(2+). The optimal concentrations of ATP cofactor and Mg(2+) ion were 0.01-2 and 10 mM, respectively. The optimal pH value for DNA ligation was 8.5. High concentrations of NaCl inhibited DNA ligation. The effects of mismatches on joining short oligonucleotides by M. jannaschii DNA ligase were fully characterized. The mismatches at the first position 5' to the nick inhibited ligation more than those at the first position 3' to the nick. The mismatches at other positions 5' to the nick (3rd to 7th sites) exhibited less inhibition on ligation. However, the introduction of a C/C mismatch at the third position 5' to the nick could completely inhibit the ligation of the terminal-mismatched nick of an oligonucleotide duplex by M. jannaschii DNA ligase. Therefore, introducing an additional mismatch at the third position 5' to the SNP site is a more effective approach in genotyping by M. jannaschii DNA ligase.

BRCT domains: A little more than kin, and less than kind

BRCT domains are versatile protein modular domains found as single units or as multiple copies in more than 20 different proteins in the human genome. Interestingly, most BRCT-containing proteins function in the same biological process, the DNA damage response network, but show specificity in their molecular interactions. BRCT domains have been found to bind a wide array of ligands from proteins, phosphorylated linear motifs, and DNA. Here we discuss the biology of BRCT domains and how a domain-centric analysis can aid in the understanding of signal transduction events in the DNA damage response network.

Identification of essential and non-essential single-stranded DNA-binding proteins in a model archaeal organism

Single-stranded DNA-binding proteins (SSBs) play vital roles in all aspects of DNA metabolism in all three domains of life and are characterized by the presence of one or more OB fold ssDNA-binding domains. Here, using the genetically tractable euryarchaeon Haloferax volcanii as a model, we present the first genetic analysis of SSB function in the archaea. We show that genes encoding the OB fold and zinc finger-containing RpaA1 and RpaB1 proteins are individually non-essential for cell viability but share an essential function, whereas the gene encoding the triple OB fold RpaC protein is essential. Loss of RpaC function can however be rescued by elevated expression of RpaB, indicative of functional overlap between the two classes of haloarchaeal SSB. Deletion analysis is used to demonstrate important roles for individual OB folds in RpaC and to show that conserved N- and C-terminal domains are required for efficient repair of DNA damage. Consistent with a role for RpaC in DNA repair, elevated expression of this protein leads to enhanced resistance to DNA damage. Taken together, our results offer important insights into archaeal SSB function and establish the haloarchaea as a valuable model for further studies.

Halophilic enzyme activation induced by salts

Halophilic archea (halobacteriae) thrive in hypersaline environments, avoiding osmotic shock by increasing the ion concentration of their cytoplasm by up to 3-6 M. To remain folded and active, their constitutive proteins have evolved towards a biased amino acid composition. High salt concentration affects catalytic activity in an enzyme-dependent way and a unified molecular mechanism remains elusive. Here, we have investigated a DNA ligase from Haloferax volcanii (Hv LigN) to show that K(+) triggers catalytic activity by preferentially stabilising a specific conformation in the reaction coordinate. Sodium ions, in turn, do not populate such isoform and the enzyme remains inactive in the presence of this co-solute. Our results show that the halophilic amino acid signature enhances the enzyme's thermodynamic stability, with an indirect effect on its catalytic activity. This model has been successfully applied to reengineer Hv LigN into an enzyme that is catalytically active in the presence of NaCl.

The information transfer system of halophilic archaea

Information transfer is fundamental to all life forms. In the third domain of life, the archaea, many of the genes functioning in these processes are similar to their eukaryotic counterparts, including DNA replication and repair, basal transcription, and translation genes, while many transcriptional regulators and the overall genome structure are more bacterial-like. Among halophilic (salt-loving) archaea, the genomes commonly include extrachromosomal elements, many of which are large megaplasmids or minichromosomes. With the sequencing of genomes representing ten different genera of halophilic archaea and the availability of genetic systems in two diverse models, Halobacterium sp. NRC-1 and Haloferax volcanii, a large number of genes have now been annotated, classified, and studied. Here, we review the comparative genomic, genetic, and biochemical work primarily aimed at the information transfer system of halophilic archaea, highlighting gene conservation and differences in the chromosomes and the large extrachromosomal elements among these organisms.

Tandem BRCT Domains: DNA's Praetorian Guard

The cell's ability to sense and respond to specific stimuli is a complex system derived from precisely regulated protein-protein interactions. Some of these protein-protein interactions are mediated by the recognition of linear peptide motifs by protein modular domains. BRCT (BRCA1 C-terminal) domains and their linear motif counterparts, which contain phosphoserines, are one such pair-wise interaction system that seems to have evolved to serve as a surveillance system to monitor threats to the cell's genetic integrity. Evidence indicates that BRCT domains found in tandem can cooperate to provide sequence-specific binding of phosphorylated peptides as is the case for the breast and ovarian cancer susceptibility gene BRCA1 and the PAX transcription factor-interacting protein PAXIP1. Particular interest has been paid to tandem BRCT domains as "readers" of signaling events in the form of phosphorylated serine moieties induced by the activation of DNA damage response kinases ATM, ATR, and DNA-PK. However, given the diversity of tandem BRCT-containing proteins, questions remain as to the origin and evolution of this domain. Here, we discuss emerging views of the origin and evolving roles of tandem BRCT domain repeats in the DNA damage response.

The hyperthermophilic euryarchaeon Archaeoglobus fulgidus repairs uracil by single-nucleotide replacement

Hydrolytic deamination of cytosine to uracil in cellular DNA is a major source of C-to-T transition mutations if uracil is not repaired by the DNA base excision repair (BER) pathway. Since deamination increases rapidly with temperature, hyperthermophiles, in particular, are expected to succumb to such damage. There has been only one report of crenarchaeotic BER showing strong similarities to that in most eukaryotes and bacteria for hyperthermophilic Archaea. Here we report a different type of BER performed by extract prepared from cells of the euryarchaeon Archaeoglobus fulgidus. Although immunodepletion showed that the monofunctional family 4 type of uracil-DNA glycosylase (UDG) is the principal and probably only UDG in this organism, a β-elimination mechanism rather than a hydrolytic mechanism is employed for incision of the abasic site following uracil removal. The resulting 3' remnant is removed by efficient 3'-phosphodiesterase activity followed by single-nucleotide insertion and ligation. The finding that repair product formation is stimulated similarly by ATP and ADP in vitro raises the question of whether ADP is more important in vivo because of its higher heat stability.

The complete genome sequence of Haloferax volcanii DS2, a model archaeon

BACKGROUND

Haloferax volcanii is an easily culturable moderate halophile that grows on simple defined media, is readily transformable, and has a relatively stable genome. This, in combination with its biochemical and genetic tractability, has made Hfx. volcanii a key model organism, not only for the study of halophilicity, but also for archaeal biology in general.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

We report here the sequencing and analysis of the genome of Hfx. volcanii DS2, the type strain of this species. The genome contains a main 2.848 Mb chromosome, three smaller chromosomes pHV1, 3, 4 (85, 438, 636 kb, respectively) and the pHV2 plasmid (6.4 kb).

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

The completed genome sequence, presented here, provides an invaluable tool for further in vivo and in vitro studies of Hfx. volcanii.

Biochemical properties and base excision repair complex formation of apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease from Pyrococcus furiosus

Apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) sites are the most frequently found mutagenic lesions in DNA, and they arise mainly from spontaneous base loss or modified base removal by damage-specific DNA glycosylases. AP sites are cleaved by AP endonucleases, and the resultant gaps in the DNA are repaired by DNA polymerase/DNA ligase reactions. We identified the gene product that is responsible for the AP endonuclease activity in the hyperthermophilic euryarchaeon, Pyrococcus furiosus. Furthermore, we detected the physical interaction between P. furiosus AP endonuclease (PfuAPE) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA; PfuPCNA) by a pull-down assay and a surface plasmon resonance analysis. Interestingly, the associated 3′–5′ exonuclease activity, but not the AP endonuclease activity, of PfuAPE was stimulated by PfuPCNA. Immunoprecipitation experiments using the P. furiosus cell extracts supported the interaction between PfuAPE and PfuPCNA in the cells. This is the first report describing the physical and functional interactions between an archaeal AP endonuclease and PCNA. We also detected the ternary complex of PfuPCNA, PfuAPE and Pfu uracil-DNA glycosylase. This complex probably functions to enhance the repair of uracil-containing DNA in P. furiosus cells.

Structure-guided Mutational Analysis of the Nucleotidyltransferase Domain of Escherichia coli DNA Ligase (LigA)

NAD(+)-dependent DNA ligases (LigA) are ubiquitous in bacteria, where they are essential for growth and present attractive targets for antimicrobial drug discovery. LigA has a distinctive modular structure in which a nucleotidyltransferase catalytic domain is flanked by an upstream NMN-binding module and by downstream OB-fold, zinc finger, helix-hairpin-helix, and BRCT domains. Here we conducted a structure-function analysis of the nucleotidyltransferase domain of Escherichia coli LigA, guided by the crystal structure of the LigA-DNA-adenylate intermediate. We tested the effects of 29 alanine and conservative mutations at 15 amino acids on ligase activity in vitro and in vivo. We thereby identified essential functional groups that coordinate the reactive phosphates (Arg(136)), contact the AMP adenine (Lys(290)), engage the phosphodiester backbone flanking the nick (Arg(218), Arg(308), Arg(97) plus Arg(101)), or stabilize the active domain fold (Arg(171)). Finer analysis of the mutational effects revealed step-specific functions for Arg(136), which is essential for the reaction of LigA with NAD(+) to form the covalent ligase-AMP intermediate (step 1) and for the transfer of AMP to the nick 5'-PO(4) to form the DNA-adenylate intermediate (step 2) but is dispensable for phosphodiester formation at a preadenylylated nick (step 3).

The haloarchaeal chromosome replication machinery

The powerful combination of genetic and biochemical analysis has provided many key insights into the structure and function of the chromosomal DNA replication machineries of bacterial and eukaryotic cells. In contrast, in the archaea, biochemical studies have dominated, mainly due to the absence of efficient genetic systems for these organisms. This situation is changing, however, and, in this regard, the genetically tractable haloarchaea Haloferax volcanii and Halobacterium sp. NRC-1 are emerging as key models. In the present review, I give an overview of the components of the replication machinery in the haloarchaea, with particular emphasis on the protein factors presumed to travel with the replication fork.

Characterization of a Haloferax volcanii member of the enolase superfamily: deletion mutant construction, expression analysis, and transcriptome comparison

The enolase superfamily (COG4948) contains proteins with very different biological functions including regulators like the Escherichia coli RspA and metabolic enzymes like enolase. To unravel the biological function of an archaeal family member, an in frame deletion mutant of a gene encoding a COG4948 protein of Haloferax volcanii was generated. The mutant had a lag phase of 3 days after transition from a richer to a poorer medium, in contrast to the wild-type, and the gene was therefore named "important for transition" (iftA). After inoculation of fresh casamino acids or complex medium with stationary phase wild-type cells, the transcript level of iftA was transiently induced at the onset of growth. In contrast, in minimal (or "poor") glucose medium, both transcript and protein were present throughout growth, even in late stationary phase. A comparison of the transcriptomes of deletion mutant and wild-type revealed that transcript levels of a very restricted set of genes were differentially regulated, including genes encoding proteins involved in phosphate metabolism, regulators and stress response proteins. Taken together, the results indicate that IftA might have a dual function, i.e., transiently after transition to fresh medium and permanently during growth in glucose medium.

Last stop on the road to repair: structure of E. coli DNA ligase bound to nicked DNA-adenylate

NAD(+)-dependent DNA ligases (LigA) are ubiquitous in bacteria and essential for growth. Their distinctive substrate specificity and domain organization vis-a-vis human ATP-dependent ligases make them outstanding targets for anti-infective drug discovery. We report here the 2.3 A crystal structure of Escherichia coli LigA bound to an adenylylated nick, which captures LigA in a state poised for strand closure and reveals the basis for nick recognition. LigA envelopes the DNA within a protein clamp. Large protein domain movements and remodeling of the active site orchestrate progression through the three chemical steps of the ligation reaction. The structure inspires a strategy for inhibitor design.

A single amino acid substitution in the DNA-binding domain of Aeropyrum pernix DNA ligase impairs its interaction with proliferating cell nuclear antigen

Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is known as a DNA sliding clamp that acts as a platform for the assembly of enzymes involved in DNA replication and repair. Previously, it was reported that a crenarchaeal PCNA formed a heterotrimeric structure, and that each PCNA subunit has distinct binding specificity to PCNA-binding proteins. Here we describe the PCNA-binding properties of a DNA ligase from the hyperthermophilic crenarchaeon Aeropyrum pernix K1. Based on our findings on the Pyrococcus furiosus DNA ligase-PCNA interaction, we predicted that the aromatic residue, Phe132, in the DNA-binding domain of A. pernix DNA ligase (ApeLig) would play a critical role in binding to A. pernix PCNA (ApePCNA). Surface plasmon resonance analyses revealed that the ApeLig F132A mutant does not interact with an immobilized subunit of ApePCNA. Furthermore, we could not detect any stimulation of the ligation activity of the ApeLig F132A protein by ApePCNA in vitro. These results indicated that the phenylalanine, which is located in our predicted PCNA-binding region in ApeLig, has a critical role for the physical and functional interaction with ApePCNA.

Genetic and physical mapping of DNA replication origins in Haloferax volcanii

The halophilic archaeon Haloferax volcanii has a multireplicon genome, consisting of a main chromosome, three secondary chromosomes, and a plasmid. Genes for the initiator protein Cdc6/Orc1, which are commonly located adjacent to archaeal origins of DNA replication, are found on all replicons except plasmid pHV2. However, prediction of DNA replication origins in H. volcanii is complicated by the fact that this species has no less than 14 cdc6/orc1 genes. We have used a combination of genetic, biochemical, and bioinformatic approaches to map DNA replication origins in H. volcanii. Five autonomously replicating sequences were found adjacent to cdc6/orc1 genes and replication initiation point mapping was used to confirm that these sequences function as bidirectional DNA replication origins in vivo. Pulsed field gel analyses revealed that cdc6/orc1-associated replication origins are distributed not only on the main chromosome (2.9 Mb) but also on pHV1 (86 kb), pHV3 (442 kb), and pHV4 (690 kb) replicons. Gene inactivation studies indicate that linkage of the initiator gene to the origin is not required for replication initiation, and genetic tests with autonomously replicating plasmids suggest that the origin located on pHV1 and pHV4 may be dominant to the principal chromosomal origin. The replication origins we have identified appear to show a functional hierarchy or differential usage, which might reflect the different replication requirements of their respective chromosomes. We propose that duplication of H. volcanii replication origins was a prerequisite for the multireplicon structure of this genome, and that this might provide a means for chromosome-specific replication control under certain growth conditions. Our observations also suggest that H. volcanii is an ideal organism for studying how replication of four replicons is regulated in the context of the archaeal cell cycle.

Characterization of an ATP-dependent DNA ligase from the acidophilic archaeon "Ferroplasma acidarmanus" Fer1

Analysis of the genome of "Ferroplasma acidarmanus" Fer1, an archaeon that is an extreme acidophile, identified an open reading frame encoding a putative ATP-dependent DNA ligase, which we termed FaLig. The deduced amino acid sequence of FaLig contains 595 amino acids, with a predicted molecular mass of 67.8 kDa. "F. acidarmanus" Fer1 is classified as a Euryarchaeote, but phylogenetic analysis using amino acid sequences showed that FaLig is more similar to DNA ligases from Crenarchaeota, suggesting that lateral transfer of these genes has occurred among archaea. The gene sequence encoding FaLig was cloned into a bacterial expression vector harbouring an upstream His-tag to aid purification. Conditions for expression and purification from Escherichia coli were identified and recombinant FaLig was confirmed to be an ATP-dependent DNA ligase. Optimal conditions for nick-joining by the protein were pH 6-7, 0.5 mM ATP, in the presence of either Mg(2+) or Mn(2+). Using a range of nicked, double-stranded nucleic acids, ligation was detected with the same substrates as previously determined for other DNA ligases. Although FaLig is the DNA ligase from one of the most extreme acidophilic organism yet studied, this characterization suggests that its biochemical mechanism is analogous to that of enzymes from other cellular systems.

Biochemical characterisation of LigN, an NAD+-dependent DNA ligase from the halophilic euryarchaeon Haloferax volcanii that displays maximal in vitro activity at high salt concentrations

Background

DNA ligases are required for DNA strand joining in all forms of cellular life. NAD⁺-dependent DNA ligases are found primarily in eubacteria but also in some eukaryotic viruses, bacteriophage and archaea. Among the archaeal NAD⁺-dependent DNA ligases is the LigN enzyme of the halophilic euryarchaeon Haloferax volcanii, the gene for which was apparently acquired by Hfx.volcanii through lateral gene transfer (LGT) from a halophilic eubacterium. Genetic studies show that the LGT-acquired LigN enzyme shares an essential function with the native Hfx.volcanii ATP-dependent DNA ligase protein LigA.

Results

To characterise the enzymatic properties of the LigN protein, wild-type and three mutant forms of the LigN protein were separately expressed in recombinant form in E.coli and purified to apparent homogeneity by immobilised metal ion affinity chromatography (IMAC). Non-isotopic DNA ligase activity assays using λ DNA restriction fragments with 12 bp cos cohesive ends were used to show that LigN activity was dependent on addition of divalent cations and salt. No activity was detected in the absence of KCl, whereas maximum activity could be detected at 3.2 M KCl, close to the intracellular KCl concentration of Hfx.volcanii cells.

Conclusion

LigN is unique amongst characterised DNA ligase enzymes in displaying maximal DNA strand joining activity at high (> 3 M) salt levels. As such the LigN enzyme has potential both as a novel tool for biotechnology and as a model enzyme for studying the adaptation of proteins to high intracellular salt levels.

Characterization of mimivirus NAD+-dependent DNA ligase

Mimivirus, a parasite of Acanthamoeba polyphaga, is the largest DNA virus known; it encodes a cornucopia of proteins with imputed functions in DNA replication, modification, and repair. Here we produced, purified, and characterized mimivirus DNA ligase (MimiLIG), an NAD+-dependent nick joining enzyme homologous to bacterial LigA and entomopoxvirus DNA ligase. MimiLIG is a 636-aa polypeptide composed of an N-terminal NAD+ specificity module (domain Ia), linked to nucleotidyltransferase, OB-fold, helix-hairpin-helix, and BRCT domains, but it lacks the tetracysteine Zn-binding module found in all bacterial LigA enzymes. MimiLIG requires conserved domain Ia residues Tyr36, Asp46, Tyr49, and Asp50 for its initial reaction with NAD+ to form the ligase-AMP intermediate, but not for the third step of phosphodiester formation at a preadenylylated nick. MimiLIG differs from bacterial LigA enzymes in that its activity is strongly dependent on the C-terminal BRCT domain, deletion of which reduced its specific activity in nick joining by 75-fold without affecting the ligase adenylylation step. The DeltaBRCT mutant of MimiLIG was impaired in sealing at a preadenylylated nick. We propose that eukaryal DNA viruses acquired the NAD+-dependent ligases by horizontal transfer from a bacterium and that MimiLIG predates entomopoxvirus ligase, which lacks both the tetracysteine and BRCT domains. We speculate that the dissemination of NAD+-dependent ligase from bacterium to eukaryotic virus might have occurred within an amoebal host.