Regulation of unwinding and remodeling activities in FeS-DNA helicases

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This application focuses on iron-sulfur containing (FeS) helicases, a prominent DNA helicase family whose deficiency or dysregulation is linked to human diseases ranging from cancer predisposition to hypertension. In addition to the Superfamily II motor core, FeS helicases possess two family specific auxiliary domains: an FeS cluster domain and an ARCH domain. The secondary DNA binding site formed with the help of the auxiliary domains which positions the helicase in an orientation to unwind duplex, controls the helicase rate, and verifies the integrity of the translocating strand. I propose that the frequency of ARCH domain opening and closing in FeS helicases modulates their activities. We will use this helicase family to test for the first time how the exogenous factors affect the mechano-chemistry of the helicases through modulating the frequency of its core and auxiliary domains motions. Our objective is to determine the mechanism by which the domain mobility controls the activities of three FeS helicases, XPD, FANCJ and RTEL1. To achieve this objective we will use a synergistic set of biochemical reconstitutions and novel single-molecule methodologies developed in my lab. Aim1: Determine the role of ARCH domain mobility in controlling XPD activities. We will build on our preliminary data showing that the cognate DNA lesions stabilize the closed conformation of the ARCH. Using single-molecule total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM), we will observe domain motions of individual fluorescently labeled XPD molecules as they interact with DNA. We will learn how ARCH domain motions control activities of XPD helicase and its malfunction in disease. Aim2: Determine the role of ARCH domain mobility in FANCJ and RTEL1 mediated DNA unwinding and remodeling of G-quadruplexes. Upon completion of this aim we will learn how the helicase and G- quadruplex remodeling activities of FANCJ and RTEL1 correlate with ARCH domain motions. We will also learn how FANCJ mutations associated with breast cancer and Fanconi Anemia perturb FANCJ activities, ARCH domain mobility and the ability to discriminate between damaged and damage-free DNA. Aim3: Determine how protein partners tune the activities of FANCJ and RTEL1. We will test the hypothesis that interactions with key protein partners (BRCA1 tumor suppressor protein, hMLH1 mismatch repair protein and PCNA clamp) govern helicase and translocase activities by modifying domain mobility of FANCJ and RTEL1. Together, the anticipated results of the three proposed aims will not only close the gaps in the mechanistic understanding of how helicases' distinct biochemical activities are regulated, but also identify explicit strategies to selectively modulate them. This information will pave the way for the design of inhibitors of FANCJ or RTEL1 to be used to target specific aspects of cancer and aging related diseases.