Physics of RecA-mediated homologous recognition

The Rad52 SSAP superfamily and new insight into homologous recombination

Recent structures of DNA-bound bacterial and phage recombinases provide insights into homologous recombination and suggest relation to the eukaryotic Rad52 and identification of a Rad52 single strand annealing protein (SSAP) superfamily.

Application of Algebraic Topology to Homologous Recombination of DNA

Brouwer's fixed point theorem, a fundamental theorem in algebraic topology proved more than a hundred years ago, states that given any continuous map from a closed, simply connected set into itself, there is a point that is mapped unto itself. Here we point out the connection between a one-dimensional application of Brouwer's fixed point theorem and a mechanism proposed to explain how extension of single-stranded DNA substrates by recombinases of the RecA superfamily facilitates significantly the search for homologous sequences on long chromosomes.

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RecA family recombinases stretch their DNA substrates by 1.5

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Stretching facilitates the search for homologous genomic targets during recombination

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This facilitating mechanism derives from a foundational theorem of Algebraic Topology

Direct Single-Molecule Observation of Mode and Geometry of RecA-Mediated Homology Search

Genomic integrity, when compromised by accrued DNA lesions, is maintained through efficient repair via homologous recombination. For this process the ubiquitous recombinase A (RecA), and its homologues such as the human Rad51, are of central importance, able to align and exchange homologous sequences within single-stranded and double-stranded DNA in order to swap out defective regions. Here, we directly observe the widely debated mechanism of RecA homology searching at a single-molecule level using high-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM) in combination with tailored DNA origami frames to present the reaction targets in a way suitable for AFM-imaging. We show that RecA nucleoprotein filaments move along DNA substrates via short-distance facilitated diffusions, or slides, interspersed with longer-distance random moves, or hops. Importantly, from the specific interaction geometry, we find that the double-stranded substrate DNA resides in the secondary DNA binding-site within the RecA nucleoprotein filament helical groove during the homology search. This work demonstrates that tailored DNA origami, in conjunction with HS-AFM, can be employed to reveal directly conformational and geometrical information on dynamic protein-DNA interactions which was previously inaccessible at an individual single-molecule level.

On the Mechanism of Homology Search by RecA Protein Filaments

Genetic stability is a key factor in maintaining, survival, and reproduction of biological cells. It relies on many processes, but one of the most important is a homologous recombination, in which the repair of breaks in double-stranded DNA molecules is taking place with a help of several specific proteins. In bacteria, this task is accomplished by RecA proteins that are active as nucleoprotein filaments formed on single-stranded segments of DNA. A critical step in the homologous recombination is a search for a corresponding homologous region on DNA, which is called a homology search. Recent single-molecule experiments clarified some aspects of this process, but its molecular mechanisms remain not well understood. We developed a quantitative theoretical approach to analyze the homology search. It is based on a discrete-state stochastic model that takes into account the most relevant physical-chemical processes in the system. Using a method of first-passage processes, a full dynamic description of the homology search is presented. It is found that the search dynamics depends on the degree of extension of DNA molecules and on the size of RecA nucleoprotein filaments, in agreement with experimental single-molecule measurements of DNA pairing by RecA proteins. Our theoretical calculations, supported by extensive Monte Carlo computer simulations, provide a molecular description of the mechanisms of the homology search.

Mechanisms of fast and stringent search in homologous pairing of double-stranded DNA

Self-organization in the cell relies on the rapid and specific binding of molecules to their cognate targets. Correct bindings must be stable enough to promote the desired function even in the crowded and fluctuating cellular environment. In systems with many nearly matched targets, rapid and stringent formation of stable products is challenging. Mechanisms that overcome this challenge have been previously proposed, including separating the process into multiple stages; however, how particular in vivo systems overcome the challenge remains unclear. Here we consider a kinetic system, inspired by homology dependent pairing between double stranded DNA in bacteria. By considering a simplified tractable model, we identify different homology testing stages that naturally occur in the system. In particular, we first model dsDNA molecules as short rigid rods containing periodically spaced binding sites. The interaction begins when the centers of two rods collide at a random angle. For most collision angles, the interaction energy is weak because only a few binding sites near the collision point contribute significantly to the binding energy. We show that most incorrect pairings are rapidly rejected at this stage. In rare cases, the two rods enter a second stage by rotating into parallel alignment. While rotation increases the stability of matched and nearly matched pairings, subsequent rotational fluctuations reduce kinetic trapping. Finally, in vivo chromosome are much longer than the persistence length of dsDNA, so we extended the model to include multiple parallel collisions between long dsDNA molecules, and find that those additional interactions can greatly accelerate the searching.

Protein folding and the binding of sequence dependent proteins to DNA are examples of self-assembling systems in which the binding energy varies continuously throughout the interaction. Previous theoretical work has highlighted the importance of dividing the interaction into separate stages characterized by interaction times and binding energies that vary by orders of magnitude. Insight into how such a division might naturally arise and promote accurate and efficient self-assembly is provided by our study of a simple tractable model inspired by the homology dependent pairing of double stranded DNA molecules in vivo. In the model, the binding energy is controlled by one single continuously tunable variable whose natural evolution creates stages that efficiently and accurately form stable products.

Binding energies of nucleobase complexes: Relevance to homology recognition of DNA

The binding energies of complexes of DNA nucleobase pairs are evaluated using quantum mechanical calculations at the level of dispersion corrected density functional theory. We begin with Watson-Crick base pairs of singlets, duplets, and triplets and calculate their binding energies. At a second step, mismatches are incorporated into the Watson-Crick complexes in order to evaluate the variation in the binding energy with respect to the canonical Watson-Crick pairs. A linear variation of this binding energy with the degree of mismatching is observed. The binding energies for the duplets and triplets containing mismatches are further compared to the energies of the respective singlets in order to assess the degree of collectivity in these complexes. This study also suggests that mismatches do not considerably affect the energetics of canonical base pairs. Our work is highly relevant to the recognition process in DNA promoted through the RecA protein and suggests a clear distinction between recognition in singlets, and recognition in duplets or triplets. Our work assesses the importance of collectivity in the homology recognition of DNA.

Tension on dsDNA bound to ssDNA-RecA filaments may play an important role in driving efficient and accurate homology recognition and strand exchange

It is well known that during homology recognition and strand exchange the double stranded DNA (dsDNA) in DNA/RecA filaments is highly extended, but the functional role of the extension has been unclear. We present an analytical model that calculates the distribution of tension in the extended dsDNA during strand exchange. The model suggests that the binding of additional dsDNA base pairs to the DNA/RecA filament alters the tension in dsDNA that was already bound to the filament, resulting in a non-linear increase in the mechanical energy as a function of the number of bound base pairs. This collective mechanical response may promote homology stringency and underlie unexplained experimental results.

Homologous recombination and its regulation

Homologous recombination (HR) is critical both for repairing DNA lesions in mitosis and for chromosomal pairing and exchange during meiosis. However, some forms of HR can also lead to undesirable DNA rearrangements. Multiple regulatory mechanisms have evolved to ensure that HR takes place at the right time, place and manner. Several of these impinge on the control of Rad51 nucleofilaments that play a central role in HR. Some factors promote the formation of these structures while others lead to their disassembly or the use of alternative repair pathways. In this article, we review these mechanisms in both mitotic and meiotic environments and in different eukaryotic taxa, with an emphasis on yeast and mammal systems. Since mutations in several proteins that regulate Rad51 nucleofilaments are associated with cancer and cancer-prone syndromes, we discuss how understanding their functions can lead to the development of better tools for cancer diagnosis and therapy.

Optimizing the design of oligonucleotides for homology directed gene targeting

Background

Gene targeting depends on the ability of cells to use homologous recombination to integrate exogenous DNA into their own genome. A robust mechanistic model of homologous recombination is necessary to fully exploit gene targeting for therapeutic benefit.

Methodology/Principal Findings

In this work, our recently developed numerical simulation model for homology search is employed to develop rules for the design of oligonucleotides used in gene targeting. A Metropolis Monte-Carlo algorithm is used to predict the pairing dynamics of an oligonucleotide with the target double-stranded DNA. The model calculates the base-alignment between a long, target double-stranded DNA and a probe nucleoprotein filament comprised of homologous recombination proteins (Rad51 or RecA) polymerized on a single strand DNA. In this study, we considered different sizes of oligonucleotides containing 1 or 3 base heterologies with the target; different positions on the probe were tested to investigate the effect of the mismatch position on the pairing dynamics and stability. We show that the optimal design is a compromise between the mean time to reach a perfect alignment between the two molecules and the stability of the complex.

Conclusion and Significance

A single heterology can be placed anywhere without significantly affecting the stability of the triplex. In the case of three consecutive heterologies, our modeling recommends using long oligonucleotides (at least 35 bases) in which the heterologous sequences are positioned at an intermediate position. Oligonucleotides should not contain more than 10% consecutive heterologies to guarantee a stable pairing with the target dsDNA. Theoretical modeling cannot replace experiments, but we believe that our model can considerably accelerate optimization of oligonucleotides for gene therapy by predicting their pairing dynamics with the target dsDNA.

Recombinational DNA repair in a cellular context: a search for the homology search

Double-strand DNA breaks (DSBs) are the most detrimental lesion that can be sustained by the genetic complement, and their inaccurate mending can be just as damaging. According to the consensual view, precise DSB repair relies on homologous recombination. Here, we review studies on DNA repair, chromatin diffusion and chromosome confinement, which collectively imply that a genome-wide search for a homologous template, generally thought to be a pivotal stage in all homologous DSB repair pathways, is improbable. The implications of this assertion for the scope and constraints of DSB repair pathways and for the ability of diverse organisms to cope with DNA damage are discussed.

Structural basis of HIV-1 activation by NF-kappaB--a higher-order complex of p50:RelA bound to the HIV-1 LTR

The activation and latency of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) are tightly controlled by the transcriptional activity of its long terminal repeat (LTR) region. The LTR is regulated by viral proteins as well as host factors, including the nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) that becomes activated in virus-infected cells. The two tandem NF-kappaB sites of the LTR are among the most highly conserved sequence elements of the HIV-1 genome. Puzzlingly, these sites are arranged in a manner that seems to preclude simultaneous binding of both sites by NF-kappaB, although previous biochemical work suggests otherwise. Here, we have determined the crystal structure of p50:RelA bound to the tandem kappaB element of the HIV-1 LTR as a dimeric dimer, providing direct structural evidence that NF-kappaB can occupy both sites simultaneously. The two p50:RelA dimers bind the adjacent kappaB sites and interact through a protein contact that is accommodated by DNA bending. The two dimers clamp DNA from opposite faces of the double helix and form a topological trap of the bound DNA. Consistent with these structural features, our biochemical analyses indicate that p50:RelA binds the HIV-1 LTR tandem kappaB sites with an apparent anti-cooperativity but enhanced kinetic stability. The slow on and off rates we observe may be relevant to viral latency because viral activation requires sustained NF-kappaB activation. Furthermore, our work demonstrates that the specific arrangement of the two kappaB sites on the HIV-1 LTR can modulate the assembly kinetics of the higher-order NF-kappaB complex on the viral promoter. This phenomenon is unlikely restricted to the HIV-1 LTR but probably represents a general mechanism for the function of composite DNA elements in transcription.

A Rad51 presynaptic filament is sufficient to capture nucleosomal homology during recombinational repair of a DNA double-strand break

Repair of chromosomal DNA double-strand breaks by homologous recombination is essential for cell survival and genome stability. Within eukaryotic cells, this repair pathway requires a search for a homologous donor sequence and a subsequent strand invasion event on chromatin fibers. We employ a biotin-streptavidin minichromosome capture assay to show that yRad51 or hRad51 presynaptic filaments are sufficient to locate a homologous sequence and form initial joints, even on the surface of a nucleosome. Furthermore, we present evidence that the Rad54 chromatin-remodeling enzyme functions to convert these initial metastable products of the homology search to a stable joint molecule that is competent for subsequent steps of the repair process. Thus, contrary to popular belief, nucleosomes do not pose a potent barrier for successful recognition and capture of homology by an invading presynaptic filament.

Regulation of bacterial RecA protein function

The RecA protein is a recombinase functioning in recombinational DNA repair in bacteria. RecA is regulated at many levels. The expression of the recA gene is regulated within the SOS response. The activity of the RecA protein itself is autoregulated by its own C-terminus. RecA is also regulated by the action of other proteins. To date, these include the RecF, RecO, RecR, DinI, RecX, RdgC, PsiB, and UvrD proteins. The SSB protein also indirectly affects RecA function by competing for ssDNA binding sites. The RecO and RecR, and possibly the RecF proteins, all facilitate RecA loading onto SSB-coated ssDNA. The RecX protein blocks RecA filament extension, and may have other effects on RecA activity. The DinI protein stabilizes RecA filaments. The RdgC protein binds to dsDNA and blocks RecA access to dsDNA. The PsiB protein, encoded by F plasmids, is uncharacterized, but may inhibit RecA in some manner. The UvrD helicase removes RecA filaments from RecA. All of these proteins function in a network that determines where and how RecA functions. Additional regulatory proteins may remain to be discovered. The elaborate regulatory pattern is likely to be reprised for RecA homologues in archaeans and eukaryotes.

Motoring along with the bacterial RecA protein

The recombinases of the RecA family are often viewed only as DNA-pairing proteins - they bind to one DNA segment, align it with homologous sequences in another DNA segment, promote an exchange of DNA strands and then dissociate. To a first approximation, this description seems to fit the eukaryotic (Rad51 and Dmc1) and archaeal (RadA) RecA homologues. However, the bacterial RecA protein does much more, coupling ATP hydrolysis with DNA-strand exchange in a manner that greatly expands its repertoire of activities. This article explores the protein activities and experimental results that have identified RecA as a motor protein.

Mechanism of RecA-mediated homologous recombination revisited by single molecule nanomanipulation

The mechanisms of RecA-mediated three-strand homologous recombination are investigated at the single-molecule level, using magnetic tweezers. Probing the mechanical response of DNA molecules and nucleoprotein filaments in tension and in torsion allows a monitoring of the progression of the exchange in real time, both from the point of view of the RecA-bound single-stranded DNA and from that of the naked double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). We show that strand exchange is able to generate torsion even along a molecule with freely rotating ends. RecA readily depolymerizes during the reaction, a process presenting numerous advantages for the cell's 'protein economy' and for the management of topological constraints. Invasion of an untwisted dsDNA by a nucleoprotein filament leads to an exchanged duplex that remains topologically linked to the exchanged single strand, suggesting multiple initiations of strand exchange on the same molecule. Overall, our results seem to support several important assumptions of the monomer redistribution model.

Numerical investigation of sequence dependence in homologous recognition: evidence for homology traps

During the initial phase of RecA-mediated recombination, known as the search for homology, a single-stranded DNA coated by RecA protein and a homologous double-stranded DNA have to perfectly align and pair. We designed a model for the homology search between short molecules, and performed Monte Carlo Metropolis computer simulations of the process. The central features of our model are 1), the assumption that duplex DNA longitudinal thermal fluctuations are instrumental in the binding; and 2), the explicit consideration of the nucleotide sequence. According to our results, recognition undergoes a first slow nucleation step over a few basepairs, followed by a quick extension of the pairing to adjacent bases. The formation of the three-stranded complex tends to be curbed by heterologies but also by another possible obstacle: the presence of partially homologous stretches, such as mono- or polynucleotide repeats. Actually, repeated sequences are observed to trap the molecules in unproductive configurations. We investigate the dependence of the phenomenon on various energy parameters. This mechanism of homology trapping could have a strong biological relevance in the light of the genomic instability experimentally known to be triggered by repeated sequences.

Model of RecA-mediated homologous recognition

We consider theoretically the homology search between a long double-stranded DNA and a RecA-single-stranded DNA nucleofilament, emphasizing the polymeric nature of the search and the ability of double-stranded DNA to overcome the difference in pitch between itself and the nucleofilament by thermally activated stretching from the canonical B state to the metastable, stretched S state. Our analytical first-passage-time analysis agrees well with experimental data, predicts new dependencies on the intracellular fluid viscosity and ionic strength, and strongly suggests that initial homologous recognition involves a three base-pair seed.