Expression, purification, and biochemical analysis of the RNA-DNA hybrid helicase Sen1/SETX from Chaetomium thermophilum.

Yeast Sen1 and its vertebrate ortholog Senataxin (also known as SETX) are RNA-DNA resolving helicases. Sen1 and SETX are implicated in multiple critical nuclear functions not limited to but including DNA replication and repair, RNA processing, and transcription. These> 200 kDa helicases have a two-domain architecture with an N-terminal regulatory helical repeat array linked to an SF1b helicase motor core via a variable sized central linker of low complexity sequence. Given the size of these proteins, production of milligram quantities of protein that is suitable for biochemical, biophysical, and protein structural analysis has been challenging. To overcome these limitations, we developed a robust selectable high-yield YFP-fusion protein expression method for Sen1 production in mammalian cells, followed by purification on a high-affinity YFP-binding camelid nanobody support. Herein, we detail methods and protocols for the expression and purification of recombinant Sen1 from the thermophilic fungus Chaetomium thermophilum, and the quantitative characterization of its RNA-DNA duplex resolution activity.

Sen1 architecture: RNA-DNA hybrid resolution, autoregulation, and insights into SETX inactivation in AOA2.

The senataxin (SETX, Sen1 in yeasts) RNA-DNA hybrid resolving helicase regulates multiple nuclear transactions, including DNA replication, transcription, and DNA repair, but the molecular basis for Sen1 activities is ill defined. Here, Sen1 cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) reconstructions reveal an elongated inchworm-like architecture. Sen1 is composed of an amino terminal helical repeat Sen1 N-terminal (Sen1N) regulatory domain that is flexibly linked to its C-terminal SF1B helicase motor core (Sen1Hel) via an intrinsically disordered tether. In an autoinhibited state, the Sen1Sen1N domain regulates substrate engagement by promoting occlusion of the RNA substrate-binding cleft. The X-ray structure of an activated Sen1Hel engaging single-stranded RNA and ADP-SO4 shows that the enzyme encircles RNA and implicates a single-nucleotide power stroke in the Sen1 RNA translocation mechanism. Together, our data unveil dynamic protein-protein and protein-RNA interfaces underpinning helicase regulation and inactivation of human SETX activity by RNA-binding-deficient mutants in ataxia with oculomotor apraxia 2 neurodegenerative disease.

Endogenous DNA 3' Blocks Are Vulnerabilities for BRCA1 and BRCA2 Deficiency and Are Reversed by the APE2 Nuclease.

The APEX2 gene encodes APE2, a nuclease related to APE1, the apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease acting in base excision repair. Loss of APE2 is lethal in cells with mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2, making APE2 a prime target for homologous recombination-defective cancers. However, because the function of APE2 in DNA repair is poorly understood, it is unclear why BRCA-deficient cells require APE2 for viability. Here we present the genetic interaction profiles of APE2, APE1, and TDP1 deficiency coupled to biochemical and structural dissection of APE2. We conclude that the main role of APE2 is to reverse blocked 3' DNA ends, problematic lesions that preclude DNA synthesis. Our work also suggests that TOP1 processing of genomic ribonucleotides is the main source of 3'-blocking lesions relevant to APEX2-BRCA1/2 synthetic lethality. The exquisite sensitivity of BRCA-deficient cells to 3' blocks indicates that they represent a tractable vulnerability in homologous recombination-deficient tumor cells.

Ubiquitin stimulated reversal of topoisomerase 2 DNA-protein crosslinks by TDP2.

Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 2 (TDP2) reverses Topoisomerase 2 DNA-protein crosslinks (TOP2-DPCs) in a direct-reversal pathway licensed by ZATTZNF451 SUMO2 E3 ligase and SUMOylation of TOP2. TDP2 also binds ubiquitin (Ub), but how Ub regulates TDP2 functions is unknown. Here, we show that TDP2 co-purifies with K63 and K27 poly-Ubiquitinated cellular proteins independently of, and separately from SUMOylated TOP2 complexes. Poly-ubiquitin chains of ≥ Ub3 stimulate TDP2 catalytic activity in nuclear extracts and enhance TDP2 binding of DNA-protein crosslinks in vitro. X-ray crystal structures and small-angle X-ray scattering analysis of TDP2-Ub complexes reveal that the TDP2 UBA domain binds K63-Ub3 in a 1:1 stoichiometric complex that relieves a UBA-regulated autoinhibitory state of TDP2. Our data indicates that that poly-Ub regulates TDP2-catalyzed TOP2-DPC removal, and TDP2 single nucleotide polymorphisms can disrupt the TDP2-Ubiquitin interface.

APE2 Zf-GRF facilitates 3'-5' resection of DNA damage following oxidative stress.

The Xenopus laevis APE2 (apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 2) nuclease participates in 3'-5' nucleolytic resection of oxidative DNA damage and activation of the ATR-Chk1 DNA damage response (DDR) pathway via ill-defined mechanisms. Here we report that APE2 resection activity is regulated by DNA interactions in its Zf-GRF domain, a region sharing high homology with DDR proteins Topoisomerase 3α (TOP3α) and NEIL3 (Nei-like DNA glycosylase 3), as well as transcription and RNA regulatory proteins, such as TTF2 (transcription termination factor 2), TFIIS, and RPB9. Biochemical and NMR results establish the nucleic acid-binding activity of the Zf-GRF domain. Moreover, an APE2 Zf-GRF X-ray structure and small-angle X-ray scattering analyses show that the Zf-GRF fold is typified by a crescent-shaped ssDNA binding claw that is flexibly appended to an APE2 endonuclease/exonuclease/phosphatase (EEP) catalytic core. Structure-guided Zf-GRF mutations impact APE2 DNA binding and 3'-5' exonuclease processing, and also prevent efficient APE2-dependent RPA recruitment to damaged chromatin and activation of the ATR-Chk1 DDR pathway in response to oxidative stress in Xenopus egg extracts. Collectively, our data unveil the APE2 Zf-GRF domain as a nucleic acid interaction module in the regulation of a key single-strand break resection function of APE2, and also reveal topologic similarity of the Zf-GRF to the zinc ribbon domains of TFIIS and RPB9.

Structure of the sirtuin-linked macrodomain SAV0325 from Staphylococcus aureus.

Cells use the post-translational modification ADP-ribosylation to control a host of biological activities. In some pathogenic bacteria, an operon-encoded mono-ADP-ribosylation cycle mediates response to host-induced oxidative stress. In this system, reversible mono ADP-ribosylation of a lipoylated target protein represses oxidative stress response. An NAD(+) -dependent sirtuin catalyzes the single ADP-ribose (ADPr) addition, while a linked macrodomain-containing protein removes the ADPr. Here we report the crystal structure of the sitruin-linked macrodomain protein from Staphylococcus aureus, SauMacro (also known as SAV0325) to 1.75-Å resolution. The monomeric SauMacro bears a previously unidentified Zn(2+) -binding site that putatively aids in substrate recognition and catalysis. An amino-terminal three-helix bundle motif unique to this class of macrodomain proteins provides a structural scaffold for the Zn(2+) site. Structural features of the enzyme further indicate a cleft proximal to the Zn(2+) binding site appears well suited for ADPr binding, while a deep hydrophobic channel in the protein core is suitable for binding the lipoate of the lipoylated protein target.

Reversal of DNA damage induced Topoisomerase 2 DNA-protein crosslinks by Tdp2.

Mammalian Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 2 (Tdp2) reverses Topoisomerase 2 (Top2) DNA-protein crosslinks triggered by Top2 engagement of DNA damage or poisoning by anticancer drugs. Tdp2 deficiencies are linked to neurological disease and cellular sensitivity to Top2 poisons. Herein, we report X-ray crystal structures of ligand-free Tdp2 and Tdp2-DNA complexes with alkylated and abasic DNA that unveil a dynamic Tdp2 active site lid and deep substrate binding trench well-suited for engaging the diverse DNA damage triggers of abortive Top2 reactions. Modeling of a proposed Tdp2 reaction coordinate, combined with mutagenesis and biochemical studies support a single Mg(2+)-ion mechanism assisted by a phosphotyrosyl-arginine cation-π interface. We further identify a Tdp2 active site SNP that ablates Tdp2 Mg(2+) binding and catalytic activity, impairs Tdp2 mediated NHEJ of tyrosine blocked termini, and renders cells sensitive to the anticancer agent etoposide. Collectively, our results provide a structural mechanism for Tdp2 engagement of heterogeneous DNA damage that causes Top2 poisoning, and indicate that evaluation of Tdp2 status may be an important personalized medicine biomarker informing on individual sensitivities to chemotherapeutic Top2 poisons.

Tetrameric Ctp1 coordinates DNA binding and DNA bridging in DNA double-strand-break repair.

Ctp1 (also known as CtIP or Sae2) collaborates with Mre11-Rad50-Nbs1 to initiate repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), but its functions remain enigmatic. We report that tetrameric Schizosaccharomyces pombe Ctp1 contains multivalent DNA-binding and DNA-bridging activities. Through structural and biophysical analyses of the Ctp1 tetramer, we define the salient features of Ctp1 architecture: an N-terminal interlocking tetrameric helical dimer-of-dimers (THDD) domain and a central intrinsically disordered region (IDR) linked to C-terminal 'RHR' DNA-interaction motifs. The THDD, IDR and RHR are required for Ctp1 DNA-bridging activity in vitro, and both the THDD and RHR are required for efficient DSB repair in S. pombe. Our results establish non-nucleolytic roles of Ctp1 in binding and coordination of DSB-repair intermediates and suggest that ablation of human CtIP DNA binding by truncating mutations underlie the CtIP-linked Seckel and Jawad syndromes.

Deficiency of terminal ADP-ribose protein glycohydrolase TARG1/C6orf130 in neurodegenerative disease.

Adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-ribosylation is a post-translational protein modification implicated in the regulation of a range of cellular processes. A family of proteins that catalyse ADP-ribosylation reactions are the poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) polymerases (PARPs). PARPs covalently attach an ADP-ribose nucleotide to target proteins and some PARP family members can subsequently add additional ADP-ribose units to generate a PAR chain. The hydrolysis of PAR chains is catalysed by PAR glycohydrolase (PARG). PARG is unable to cleave the mono(ADP-ribose) unit directly linked to the protein and although the enzymatic activity that catalyses this reaction has been detected in mammalian cell extracts, the protein(s) responsible remain unknown. Here, we report the homozygous mutation of the c6orf130 gene in patients with severe neurodegeneration, and identify C6orf130 as a PARP-interacting protein that removes mono(ADP-ribosyl)ation on glutamate amino acid residues in PARP-modified proteins. X-ray structures and biochemical analysis of C6orf130 suggest a mechanism of catalytic reversal involving a transient C6orf130 lysyl-(ADP-ribose) intermediate. Furthermore, depletion of C6orf130 protein in cells leads to proliferation and DNA repair defects. Collectively, our data suggest that C6orf130 enzymatic activity has a role in the turnover and recycling of protein ADP-ribosylation, and we have implicated the importance of this protein in supporting normal cellular function in humans.

Mechanism of repair of 5'-topoisomerase II-DNA adducts by mammalian tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 2.

The topoisomerase II (topo II) DNA incision-and-ligation cycle can be poisoned (for example following treatment with cancer chemotherapeutics) to generate cytotoxic DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) with topo II covalently conjugated to DNA. Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 2 (Tdp2) protects genomic integrity by reversing 5'-phosphotyrosyl-linked topo II-DNA adducts. Here, X-ray structures of mouse Tdp2-DNA complexes reveal that Tdp2 ß-2-helix-ß DNA damage-binding 'grasp', helical 'cap' and DNA lesion-binding elements fuse to form an elongated protein-DNA conjugate substrate-interaction groove. The Tdp2 DNA-binding surface is highly tailored for engagement of 5'-adducted single-stranded DNA ends and restricts nonspecific endonucleolytic or exonucleolytic processing. Structural, mutational and functional analyses support a single-metal ion catalytic mechanism for the exonuclease-endonuclease-phosphatase (EEP) nuclease superfamily and establish a molecular framework for targeted small-molecule blockade of Tdp2-mediated resistance to anticancer topoisomerase drugs.

Structure of an aprataxin-DNA complex with insights into AOA1 neurodegenerative disease.

DNA ligases finalize DNA replication and repair through DNA nick-sealing reactions that can abort to generate cytotoxic 5'-adenylation DNA damage. Aprataxin (Aptx) catalyzes direct reversal of 5'-adenylate adducts to protect genome integrity. Here the structure of a Schizosaccharomyces pombe Aptx-DNA-AMP-Zn(2+) complex reveals active site and DNA interaction clefts formed by fusing a histidine triad (HIT) nucleotide hydrolase with a DNA minor groove-binding C(2)HE zinc finger (Znf). An Aptx helical 'wedge' interrogates the base stack for sensing DNA ends or DNA nicks. The HIT-Znf, the wedge and an '[F/Y]PK' pivot motif cooperate to distort terminal DNA base-pairing and direct 5'-adenylate into the active site pocket. Structural and mutational data support a wedge-pivot-cut HIT-Znf catalytic mechanism for 5'-adenylate adduct recognition and removal and suggest that mutations affecting protein folding, the active site pocket and the pivot motif underlie Aptx dysfunction in the neurodegenerative disorder ataxia with oculomotor apraxia 1 (AOA1).

Structural features of the guide:target RNA duplex required for archaeal box C/D sRNA-guided nucleotide 2'-O-methylation.

Archaeal box C/D sRNAs guide the 2'-O-methylation of target nucleotides using both terminal box C/D and internal C'/D' RNP complexes. In vitro assembly of a catalytically active Methanocaldococcus jannaschii sR8 box C/D RNP provides a model complex to determine those structural features of the guide:target RNA duplex important for sRNA-guided nucleotide methylation. Watson-Crick pairing of guide and target nucleotides was found to be essential for methylation, and mismatched bases within the guide:target RNA duplex also disrupted nucleotide modification. However, dependence upon Watson-Crick base-paired guide:target nucleotides for methylation was compromised in elevated Mg(2+) concentrations where mismatched target nucleotides were modified. Nucleotide methylation required that the guide:target duplex consist of an RNA:RNA duplex as a target ribonucleotide within a guide RNA:target DNA duplex that was not methylated. Interestingly, D and D' target RNAs exhibited different levels of methylation when deoxynucleotides were inserted into the target RNA or when target methylation was carried out in elevated Mg(2+) concentrations. These observations suggested that unique structural features of the box C/D and C'/D' RNPs differentially affect their respective methylation capabilities. The ability of the sR8 box C/D sRNP to methylate target nucleotides positioned within highly structured RNA hairpins suggested that the sRNP can facilitate unwinding of double-stranded target RNAs. Finally, increasing target RNA length to extend beyond those nucleotides that base pair with the sRNA guide sequence significantly increased sRNP turnover and thus nucleotide methylation. This suggests that target RNA interaction with the sRNP core proteins is also important for box C/D sRNP-guided nucleotide methylation.