Assembly and Activation of Enzyme-ssDNA Complexes

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The objective of this research program is to determine the mechanisms by which recombinase and helicase enzymes are assembled onto single-stranded DMA (ssDNA) in the bacteriophage T4 DMA replication/recombination system. We will study the assembly of the T4 UvsX recombinase into presynaptic filaments, and we will study the assembly of two different DMA helicases, Gp41 and Dda, onto ssDNA at replication forks and in recombination intermediates. All three enzymes must assemble onto ssDNA in the cell that is already covered with tightly bound Gp32, the T4 ssDNA-binding protein. UvsX and Gp41 both require the activity of a specific mediator protein, UvsY or Gp59, respectively, for proper assembly onto Gp32-ssDNA complexes, whereas Dda achieves the same effect through direct protein-protein interactions with Gp32. We will explore all three enzyme loading mechanisms using classical biochemical methods (kinetics, thermodynamics, fluorescence, sedimentation, crosslinking), single-molecule approaches (fluorescence imaging, force spectroscopy), and mutagenesis. Our SPECIFIC AIMS are: (1) Determine the kinetic mechanism of UvsX-ssDNA presynaptic filament assembly and collapse. We will test a model in which UvsY protein selectively enhances filament nucleation, UvsX actively displaces gp32 from ssDNA, and filaments exhibit dynamic instability linked to ATP hydrolysis. (2) Determine how interactions of T4 Gp59 protein with replication fork DMA control helicase assembly and polymerase blockage. We will test a model in which cooperative binding of Gp32 to lagging-strand ssDNA converts Gp59 from a polymeraseblocking to a helicase-loading conformation that recruits Gp41 helicase to the replication fork. (3) Determine how interactions with Gp32 modulate the DNA helicase functions of T4 Dda protein. We will test a model in which Dda-Gp32 protein-protein interactions promote the oligomerization of Dda and enhance its DNA unwinding properties in both replication and recombination transactions. Understanding how helicase and recombinase enzymes are correctly assembled onto ssDNA is fundamental to understanding DNA replication, recombination, and repair mechanisms that are conserved in all organisms. There are clear links between errors in DNA replication/recombination/repair machineries and human disease states including cancer. Understanding how recombinase- and helicase-ssDNA complexes are correctly assembled and activated may therefore aid in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.