Nucleotide selection by the Y-family DNA polymerase Dpo4 involves template translocation and misalignment.

Y-family DNA polymerases play a crucial role in translesion DNA synthesis. Here, we have characterized the binding kinetics and conformational dynamics of the Y-family polymerase Sulfolobus solfataricus P2 DNA polymerase IV (Dpo4) using single-molecule fluorescence. We find that in the absence of dNTPs, the binary complex shuttles between two different conformations within ∼1 s. These data are consistent with prior crystal structures in which the nucleotide binding site is either occupied by the terminal base pair (preinsertion conformation) or empty following Dpo4 translocation by 1 base pair (insertion conformation). Most interestingly, on dNTP binding, only the insertion conformation is observed and the correct dNTP stabilizes this complex compared with the binary complex, whereas incorrect dNTPs destabilize it. However, if the n+1 template base is complementary to the incoming dNTP, a structure consistent with a misaligned template conformation is observed, in which the template base at the n position loops out. This structure provides evidence for a Dpo4 mutagenesis pathway involving a transient misalignment mechanism.

Carcinogenic adducts induce distinct DNA polymerase binding orientations.

DNA polymerases must accurately replicate DNA to maintain genome integrity. Carcinogenic adducts, such as 2-aminofluorene (AF) and N-acetyl-2-aminofluorene (AAF), covalently bind DNA bases and promote mutagenesis near the adduct site. The mechanism by which carcinogenic adducts inhibit DNA synthesis and cause mutagenesis remains unclear. Here, we measure interactions between a DNA polymerase and carcinogenic DNA adducts in real-time by single-molecule fluorescence. We find the degree to which an adduct affects polymerase binding to the DNA depends on the adduct location with respect to the primer terminus, the adduct structure and the nucleotides present in the solution. Not only do the adducts influence the polymerase dwell time on the DNA but also its binding position and orientation. Finally, we have directly observed an adduct- and mismatch-induced intermediate state, which may be an obligatory step in the DNA polymerase proofreading mechanism.

Single-molecule microscopy reveals new insights into nucleotide selection by DNA polymerase I.

The mechanism by which DNA polymerases achieve their extraordinary accuracy has been intensely studied because of the linkage between this process and mutagenesis and carcinogenesis. Here, we have used single-molecule fluorescence microscopy to study the process of nucleotide selection and exonuclease action. Our results show that the binding of Escherichia coli DNA polymerase I (Klenow fragment) to a primer-template is stabilized by the presence of the next correct dNTP, even in the presence of a large excess of the other dNTPs and rNTPs. These results are consistent with a model where nucleotide selection occurs in the open complex prior to the formation of a closed ternary complex. Our assay can also distinguish between primer binding to the polymerase or exonuclease domain and, contrary to ensemble-averaged studies, we find that stable exonuclease binding only occurs with a mismatched primer terminus.