Multiple DNA Binding Modes Research Articles

Exploring TRF2-Dependent DNA Distortion Through Single-DNA Manipulation Studies

TRF2 is a component of shelterin, a telomere-specific protein complex that protects the ends of mammalian chromosomes from DNA damage signaling and improper repair. TRF2 functions as a homodimer and its interaction with telomeric DNA has been studied, but its full-length DNA-binding properties are unknown. This study examines TRF2’s interaction with single-DNA strands and focuses on the conformation of the TRF2-DNA complex and TRF2’s preference for DNA chirality. The results show that TRF2-DNA can switch between extended and compact conformations, indicating multiple DNA-binding modes, and TRF2’s binding does not have a strong preference for DNA supercoiling chirality when DNA is under low tension. Instead, TRF2 induces DNA bending under tension. Furthermore, both the N-terminal domain of TRF2 and the Myb domain enhance its affinity for the telomere sequence, highlighting the crucial role of multivalent DNA binding in enhancing its affinity and specificity for telomere sequence. These discoveries offer unique insights into TRF2’s interaction with telomeric DNA.

Multiple DNA-binding modes for the ETS family transcription factor PU.1

The eponymous DNA-binding domain of ETS (E26 transformation-specific) transcription factors binds a single sequence-specific site as a monomer over a single helical turn. Following our previous observation by titration calorimetry that the ETS member PU.1 dimerizes sequentially at a single sequence-specific DNA-binding site to form a 2:1 complex, we have carried out an extensive spectroscopic and biochemical characterization of site-specific PU.1 ETS complexes. Whereas 10 bp of DNA was sufficient to support PU.1 binding as a monomer, additional flanking bases were required to invoke sequential dimerization of the bound protein. NMR spectroscopy revealed a marked loss of signal intensity in the 2:1 complex, and mutational analysis implicated the distal surface away from the bound DNA as the dimerization interface. Hydroxyl radical DNA footprinting indicated that the site-specifically bound PU.1 dimers occupied an extended DNA interface downstream from the 5'-GGAA-3' core consensus relative to its 1:1 counterpart, thus explaining the apparent site size requirement for sequential dimerization. The site-specifically bound PU.1 dimer resisted competition from nonspecific DNA and showed affinities similar to other functionally significant PU.1 interactions. As sequential dimerization did not occur with the ETS domain of Ets-1, a close structural homolog of PU.1, 2:1 complex formation may represent an alternative autoinhibitory mechanism in the ETS family at the protein-DNA level.

An ancient protein-DNA interaction underlying metazoan sex determination.

DMRT transcription factors are deeply conserved regulators of metazoan sexual development. They share the DM DNA-binding domain, a unique intertwined double zinc-binding module followed by a C-terminal recognition helix, which binds a pseudopalindromic target DNA. Here we show that DMRT proteins use a unique binding interaction, inserting two adjacent antiparallel recognition helices into a widened DNA major groove to make base-specific contacts. Versatility in how specific base contacts are made allows human DMRT1 to use multiple DNA binding modes (tetramer, trimer and dimer). Chromatin immunoprecipitation with exonuclease treatment (ChIP-exo) indicates that multiple DNA binding modes also are used in vivo. We show that mutations affecting residues crucial for DNA recognition are associated with an intersex phenotype in flies and with male-to-female sex reversal in humans. Our results illuminate an ancient molecular interaction underlying much of metazoan sexual development.

Tying up the Ends: Recognition of ssDNA at Telomeres

Telomere dysfunction has been implicated in several diseases including cancer and aging. The two main roles of telomeres are end-protection and length regulation and the shelterin complex lies at the heart of both of these functions. Pot1 is the single-stranded DNA-binding component of shelterin and is important for genome stability, telomere length regulation, and C-strand resection, all functions that rely on its ssDNA-binding ability. We have structurally and biochemically characterized the dual OB-fold DNA-binding domain of Pot1 from S. pombe, providing insights into potential mechanisms of telomere length regulation and elucidates novel and broadly applicable features of protein/nucleic acid recognition. X-ray crystal structures of the second OB-fold of Pot1, Pot1pC, bound to various ssDNA sequences reveal a unique plasticity at the DNA-binding interface. Global rearrangements of the entire interface allow the accommodation of complementary base substitutions despite the abundance of apparently base-specific hydrogen bonds. This structural plasticity likely explains the ability of S. pombe Pot1 to accommodate the natural heterogeneity in S. pombe telomeric sequence. Furthermore, these mechanisms of accommodation allow for a high-affinity/low-specificity binding mode that is likely utilized by other sequence nonspecific ssDNA and ssRNA-binding proteins. We also use NMR and biochemical techniques to study how the behavior of the individual OB-folds is modulated in the context of the complete DNA-binding domain. Multiple DNA-binding domains often exist within a single protein or complex in biology, but the functional importance of these tandem arrangements is rarely known. This work reveals a malleable interface between domains that allows for multiple DNA-binding modes that can be utilized to provide access for telomerase.

Plasmodium falciparum SSB Tetramer Binds Single-Stranded DNA Only in a Fully Wrapped Mode

The tetrameric Escherichia coli single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) binding protein (Ec-SSB) functions in DNA metabolism by binding to ssDNA and interacting directly with numerous DNA repair and replication proteins. Ec-SSB tetramers can bind ssDNA in multiple DNA binding modes that differ in the extent of ssDNA wrapping. Here, we show that the structurally similar SSB protein from the malarial parasite Plasmodium falciparum (Pf-SSB) also binds tightly to ssDNA but does not display the same number of ssDNA binding modes as Ec-SSB, binding ssDNA exclusively in fully wrapped complexes with site sizes of 52–65 nt/tetramer. Pf-SSB does not transition to the more cooperative (SSB)35 DNA binding mode observed for Ec-SSB. Consistent with this, Pf-SSB tetramers also do not display the dramatic intra-tetramer negative cooperativity for binding of a second (dT)35 molecule that is evident in Ec-SSB. These findings highlight variations in the DNA binding properties of these two highly conserved homotetrameric SSB proteins, and these differences might be tailored to suit their specific functions in the cell.

The transcription factor AmrZ utilizes multiple DNA binding modes to recognize activator and repressor sequences of Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence genes.

AmrZ, a member of the Ribbon-Helix-Helix family of DNA binding proteins, functions as both a transcriptional activator and repressor of multiple genes encoding Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence factors. The expression of these virulence factors leads to chronic and sustained infections associated with worsening prognosis. In this study, we present the X-ray crystal structure of AmrZ in complex with DNA containing the repressor site, amrZ1. Binding of AmrZ to this site leads to auto-repression. AmrZ binds this DNA sequence as a dimer-of-dimers, and makes specific base contacts to two half sites, separated by a five base pair linker region. Analysis of the linker region shows a narrowing of the minor groove, causing significant distortions. AmrZ binding assays utilizing sequences containing variations in this linker region reveals that secondary structure of the DNA, conferred by the sequence of this region, is an important determinant in binding affinity. The results from these experiments allow for the creation of a model where both intrinsic structure of the DNA and specific nucleotide recognition are absolutely necessary for binding of the protein. We also examined AmrZ binding to the algD promoter, which results in activation of the alginate exopolysaccharide biosynthetic operon, and found the protein utilizes different interactions with this site. Finally, we tested the in vivo effects of this differential binding by switching the AmrZ binding site at algD, where it acts as an activator, for a repressor binding sequence and show that differences in binding alone do not affect transcriptional regulation.

DNA cleavage and antitumour activity of platinum(II) and copper(II) compounds derived from 4-methyl-2-N-(2-pyridylmethyl)aminophenol: spectroscopic, electrochemical and biological investigation

The reaction of the redox-active ligand, Hpyramol (4-methyl-2-N-(2-pyridylmethyl)aminophenol) with K(2)PtCl(4) yields monofunctional square-planar [Pt(pyrimol)Cl], PtL-Cl, which was structurally characterised by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and NMR spectroscopy. This compound unexpectedly cleaves supercoiled double-stranded DNA stoichiometrically and oxidatively, in a non-specific manner without any external reductant added, under physiological conditions. Spectro-electrochemical investigations of PtL-Cl were carried out in comparison with the analogue CuL-Cl as a reference compound. The results support a phenolate oxidation, generating a phenoxyl radical responsible for the ligand-based DNA cleavage property of the title compounds. Time-dependent in vitro cytotoxicity assays were performed with both PtL-Cl and CuL-Cl in various cancer cell lines. The compound CuL-Cl overcomes cisplatin-resistance in ovarian carcinoma and mouse leukaemia cell lines, with additional activity in some other cells. The platinum analogue, PtL-Cl also inhibits cell-proliferation selectively. Additionally, cellular-uptake studies performed for both compounds in ovarian carcinoma cell lines showed that significant amounts of Pt and Cu were accumulated in the A2780 and A2780R cancer cells. The conformational and structural changes induced by PtL-Cl and CuL-Cl on calf thymus DNA and phiX174 supercoiled phage DNA at ambient conditions were followed by electrophoretic mobility assay and circular dichroism spectroscopy. The compounds induce extensive DNA degradation and unwinding, along with formation of a monoadduct at the DNA minor groove. Thus, hybrid effects of metal-centre variation, multiple DNA-binding modes and ligand-based redox activity towards cancer cell-growth inhibition have been demonstrated. Finally, reactions of PtL-Cl with DNA model bases (9-Ethylguanine and 5'-GMP) followed by NMR and MS showed slow binding at Guanine-N7 and for the double stranded self complimentary oligonucleotide d(GTCGAC)(2) in the minor groove.

Multiple DNA Binding Modes of a Metallointercalator Revealed by DNA Film Voltammetry

Binding and the redox reaction of the metallointercalator Ru(bpy)2(dppz)2+ (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, dppz = dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine) with DNA was investigated by DNA film voltammetry. Calf-thymus DNA (CT-DNA) was assembled on a tin-doped indium oxide electrode by layer-by-layer electrostatic adsorption. Voltammetry of Ru(bpy)2(dppz)2+ (Ru-dppz) bound to the DNA film was measured in a redox-free electrolyte and showed strong dependence on the concentration of the metallointercalator. At low Ru-dppz concentrations, a single oxidation peak was observed, the potential of which shifted from 1.25 to 1.1 V with increasing Ru-dppz concentration (peak 1). At high metal chelate concentrations, an additional oxidation peak emerged with a potential of 1.25 V which was unaffected by the Ru-dppz concentration (peak 2). Three experiments were performed to investigate the mechanism and structural basis of the multiple peaks. First, voltammetry of Os(bpy)2(dppz)2+ bound to the CT-DNA film displayed only one peak at its oxidation potential of about 0.75 V. Second, the concentration dependence of Ru-dppz bound to a poly-(AU) film (which does not contain any guanine bases) exhibited only one oxidation peak at about 1.22 V that was independent of the Ru-dppz concentration. Third, when the guanine concentration in a mixed film of CT-DNA and poly-(AU) was changed and the bound Ru-dppz was kept constant, a pre-peak emerged and shifted to 1.1 V with increasing guanines. Based on these results, the appearance of two peaks in the voltammetric measurements of CT-DNA was rationalized by invoking two different DNA binding modes for the Ru-dppz complex: intercalation and electrostatic association. Peak 2 arises from slow oxidation of guanines catalyzed by Ru-dppz electrostatically associated with the DNA film, since the addition of Mg2+ decreases the magnitude of peak 2. Peak 1 was not affected by Mg2+ ions, leading us to conclude that it is due to intercalated Ru-dppz. The intercalation positions the metal complex in close contact with the guanines inside DNA resulting in fast electrocatalytic reaction, giving rise to a catalytic pre-peak.

Effects of linking 15-zinc finger domains on DNA binding specificity and multiple DNA binding modes

To assess the possibility of multi-connection of zinc finger domains for understanding of DNA binding mechanisms and gene regulation, the longest artificial zinc finger protein, Sp1ZF15, has been constructed. This zinc finger consists of 5 units of Sp1 zinc finger peptide connected by canonical short linker sequences (TGEKP). Recognition of the 50 base pairs of DNA and potential binding to shorter targets by Sp1ZF15 were determined. Sequence alterations of the GCG triplet to ATA at a target site clearly showed that Sp1ZF15 changes its DNA binding mode depending on the target sequences. Of special interest is the fact that Sp1ZF15 controls the number of finger domains active in DNA binding corresponding to the length and sequence of the target DNA. These results suggest that artificial transcription factors based upon these multi-zinc finger proteins have great potential for the regulation of a vast number of cellular processes.

Multiple DNA binding modes of anthracene-9-carbonyl- N1-spermine

The poly(dAdT) 2 complex of anthracene-9-carbonyl- N 1-spermine, a spermine derivative terminally substituted with an anthracene moiety, has been studied using fluorescence, linear dichroism, circular dichroism, normal absorption spectroscopy (as a function of temperature) and computer modelling. For comparison, some data are also provided for the same ligand with poly(dGdC) 2 and calf thymus DNA. Following detailed fluorescence and CD spectroscopic studies, we propose that anthracene-9-carbonyl- N 1-spermine intercalates in at least two different binding orientations with poly(dAdT) 2. Based on computer simulation data, we deduce that the ligand can intercalate from both the minor groove and the major groove. In contrast, intercalation with poly(dGdC) 2 probably occurs only from the major groove. At high ligand concentrations, the CD spectra suggest anthracene-anthracene interactions, whilst the LD data point towards a groove-bound anthracene. Again from computer simulations, we propose binding modes consistent with these observations. Other data from the LD spectra suggest a sequential nature to the binding of the ligand to calf thymus DNA, with GC-rich sites being occupied first. At low ligand concentrations, anthracene-9-carbonyl- N 1-spermine is able to stabilize poly(dAdT) 2 against thermal decomposition, but not as effectively as spermine. The reverse is found to be true with calf thymus DNA. Both the anthracene-9-carbonyl- N 1-spermine and spermine complexes of poly(dAdT) 2 show pre-melt transitions in their melting curves. The anthracene-9-carbonyl- N 1-spermine complex with poly(dAdT) 2 also shows a post-melt transition.

Modular recognition of 5-base-pair DNA sequence motifs by human heat shock transcription factor.

We investigated the recognition of the conserved 5-bp repeated motif NGAAN, which occurs in heat shock gene promoters of Drosophila melanogaster and other eukaryotic organisms, by human heat shock transcription factor (HSF). Extended heat shock element mutants of the human HSP70 gene promoter, containing additional NGAAN blocks flanking the original element, showed significantly higher affinity than the wild-type promoter element for human HSF in vitro. Protein-DNA contact positions were identified by hydroxyl radical protection, diethyl pyrocarbonate interference, and DNase I footprinting. New contacts in the mutant HSE constructs corresponded to the locations of additional NGAAN motifs. The pattern of binding indicated the occurrence of multiple DNA binding modes for HSF with the various constructs and was consistent with an oligomeric, possibly trimeric, structure of the protein. In contrast to the improved binding, the extended heat shock element mutant constructs did not exhibit dramatically increased heat-inducible transcription in transient expression assays with HeLa cells.

Modular Recognition of 5-Base-Pair DNA Sequence Motifs by Human Heat Shock Transcription Factor

We investigated the recognition of the conserved 5-bp repeated motif NGAAN, which occurs in heat shock gene promoters of Drosophila melanogaster and other eukaryotic organisms, by human heat shock transcription factor (HSF). Extended heat shock element mutants of the human HSP70 gene promoter, containing additional NGAAN blocks flanking the original element, showed significantly higher affinity than the wild-type promoter element for human HSF in vitro. Protein-DNA contact positions were identified by hydroxyl radical protection, diethyl pyrocarbonate interference, and DNase I footprinting. New contacts in the mutant HSE constructs corresponded to the locations of additional NGAAN motifs. The pattern of binding indicated the occurrence of multiple DNA binding modes for HSF with the various constructs and was consistent with an oligomeric, possibly trimeric, structure of the protein. In contrast to the improved binding, the extended heat shock element mutant constructs did not exhibit dramatically increased heat-inducible transcription in transient expression assays with HeLa cells.