scholarly journals Non-B DNA Secondary Structures and Their Resolution by RecQ Helicases

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sudha Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Transcriptional Control ◽  
Molecular Targets ◽  
Secondary Structures ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Dna Helicases ◽  
Dna Structures ◽  
Recq Helicases ◽  
Alternative Structures ◽  
Dna Secondary Structures ◽  
Secondary Dna Structures

In addition to the canonical B-form structure first described by Watson and Crick, DNA can adopt a number of alternative structures. These non-B-form DNA secondary structures form spontaneously on tracts of repeat sequences that are abundant in genomes. In addition, structured forms of DNA with intrastrand pairing may arise on single-stranded DNA produced transiently during various cellular processes. Such secondary structures have a range of biological functions but also induce genetic instability. Increasing evidence suggests that genomic instabilities induced by non-B DNA secondary structures result in predisposition to diseases. Secondary DNA structures also represent a new class of molecular targets for DNA-interactive compounds that might be useful for targeting telomeres and transcriptional control. The equilibrium between the duplex DNA and formation of multistranded non-B-form structures is partly dependent upon the helicases that unwind (resolve) these alternate DNA structures. With special focus on tetraplex, triplex, and cruciform, this paper summarizes the incidence of non-B DNA structures and their association with genomic instability and emphasizes the roles of RecQ-like DNA helicases in genome maintenance by resolution of DNA secondary structures. In future, RecQ helicases are anticipated to be additional molecular targets for cancer chemotherapeutics.

scholarly journals Enrichment of non-B-form DNA at D. melanogaster centromeres

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Venkata S. P. Patchigolla ◽  
Barbara G. Mellone
Keyword(s):  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Protein A ◽  
Secondary Structures ◽  
Eukaryotic Cell ◽  
Dna Melting ◽  
Dna Structures ◽  
Histone H3 Variant ◽  
Centromeric Protein ◽  
Dna Secondary Structures ◽  
Secondary Dna Structures

Centromeres are essential chromosomal regions that mediate the accurate inheritance of genetic information during eukaryotic cell division. Despite their conserved function, centromeres do not contain conserved DNA sequences and are instead epigenetically marked by the presence of the centromere-specific histone H3 variant CENP-A (centromeric protein A). The functional contribution of centromeric DNA sequences to centromere identity remains elusive. Previous work found that dyad symmetries with a propensity to adopt non-canonical secondary DNA structures are enriched at the centromeres of several species. These findings lead to the proposal that such non-canonical DNA secondary structures may contribute to centromere specification. Here, we analyze the predicted secondary structures of the recently identified centromere DNA sequences from Drosophila melanogaster. Although dyad symmetries are only enriched on the Y centromere, we find that other types of non-canonical DNA structures, including DNA melting and G-quadruplexes, are common features of all D. melanogaster centromeres. Our work is consistent with previous models suggesting that non-canonical DNA secondary structures may be conserved features of centromeres with possible implications for centromere specification.

Human RecQ helicases in transcription-associated stress management: bridging the gap between DNA and RNA metabolism

2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tulika Das ◽  
Surasree Pal ◽  
Agneyo Ganguly
Keyword(s):  
Genome Integrity ◽  
Complex Structures ◽  
Huge Number ◽  
Dna Helicases ◽  
Dna Structures ◽  
Recq Helicases ◽  
Dna And Rna ◽  
Cellular Dna ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Transcription And Replication

Abstract RecQ helicases are a highly conserved class of DNA helicases that play crucial role in almost all DNA metabolic processes including replication, repair and recombination. They are able to unwind a wide variety of complex intermediate DNA structures that may result from cellular DNA transactions and hence assist in maintaining genome integrity. Interestingly, a huge number of recent reports suggest that many of the RecQ family helicases are directly or indirectly involved in regulating transcription and gene expression. On one hand, they can remove complex structures like R-loops, G-quadruplexes or RNA:DNA hybrids formed at the intersection of transcription and replication. On the other hand, emerging evidence suggests that they can also regulate transcription by directly interacting with RNA polymerase or recruiting other protein factors that may regulate transcription. This review summarizes the up to date knowledge on the involvement of three human RecQ family proteins BLM, WRN and RECQL5 in transcription regulation and management of transcription associated stress.

scholarly journals Folded DNA in Action: Hairpin Formation and Biological Functions in Prokaryotes

2010 ◽  
Vol 74 (4) ◽  
pp. 570-588 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Bikard ◽  
Céline Loot ◽  
Zeynep Baharoglu ◽  
Didier Mazel
Keyword(s):  
Viral Infections ◽  
Secondary Structures ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Bacterial Conjugation ◽  
Biological Functions ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Selective Pressures ◽  
Dna Secondary Structures ◽  
Hairpin Formation ◽  
Shed Light

SUMMARY Structured forms of DNA with intrastrand pairing are generated in several cellular processes and are involved in biological functions. These structures may arise on single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) produced during replication, bacterial conjugation, natural transformation, or viral infections. Furthermore, negatively supercoiled DNA can extrude inverted repeats as hairpins in structures called cruciforms. Whether they are on ssDNA or as cruciforms, hairpins can modify the access of proteins to DNA, and in some cases, they can be directly recognized by proteins. Folded DNAs have been found to play an important role in replication, transcription regulation, and recognition of the origins of transfer in conjugative elements. More recently, they were shown to be used as recombination sites. Many of these functions are found on mobile genetic elements likely to be single stranded, including viruses, plasmids, transposons, and integrons, thus giving some clues as to the manner in which they might have evolved. We review here, with special focus on prokaryotes, the functions in which DNA secondary structures play a role and the cellular processes giving rise to them. Finally, we attempt to shed light on the selective pressures leading to the acquisition of functions for DNA secondary structures.

scholarly journals RecQ helicases: suppressors of tumorigenesis and premature aging

2003 ◽  
Vol 374 (3) ◽  
pp. 577-606 ◽  
Author(s):  
Csanád Z. BACHRATI ◽  
Ian D. HICKSON
Keyword(s):  
Replication Fork ◽  
Germ Line ◽  
Genetic Disorders ◽  
Premature Aging ◽  
Recq Helicase ◽  
Dna Helicases ◽  
Recq Helicases ◽  
Protein Partners ◽  
Line Defects ◽  
Rothmund Thomson Syndrome

The RecQ helicases represent a subfamily of DNA helicases that are highly conserved in evolution. Loss of RecQ helicase function leads to a breakdown in the maintenance of genome integrity, in particular hyper-recombination. Germ-line defects in three of the five known human RecQ helicases give rise to defined genetic disorders associated with cancer predisposition and/or premature aging. These are Bloom's syndrome, Werner's syndrome and Rothmund–Thomson syndrome, which are caused by defects in the genes BLM, WRN and RECQ4 respectively. Here we review the properties of RecQ helicases in organisms from bacteria to humans, with an emphasis on the biochemical functions of these enzymes and the range of protein partners that they operate with. We will discuss models in which RecQ helicases are required to protect against replication fork demise, either through prevention of fork breakdown or restoration of productive DNA synthesis.

scholarly journals DNA secondary structures are associated with recombination in major Plasmodium falciparum variable surface antigen gene families

2013 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 2270-2281 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam F. Sander ◽  
Thomas Lavstsen ◽  
Thomas S. Rask ◽  
Michael Lisby ◽  
Ali Salanti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasmodium Falciparum ◽  
Membrane Protein ◽  
Erythrocyte Membrane ◽  
Gene Families ◽  
Secondary Structures ◽  
Erythrocyte Membrane Protein ◽  
Sexual Stages ◽  
Dna Secondary Structures ◽  
Parasitic Pathogens ◽  
Falciparum Erythrocyte Membrane Protein

Abstract Many bacterial, viral and parasitic pathogens undergo antigenic variation to counter host immune defense mechanisms. In Plasmodium falciparum, the most lethal of human malaria parasites, switching of var gene expression results in alternating expression of the adhesion proteins of the Plasmodium falciparum-erythrocyte membrane protein 1 class on the infected erythrocyte surface. Recombination clearly generates var diversity, but the nature and control of the genetic exchanges involved remain unclear. By experimental and bioinformatic identification of recombination events and genome-wide recombination hotspots in var genes, we show that during the parasite’s sexual stages, ectopic recombination between isogenous var paralogs occurs near low folding free energy DNA 50-mers and that these sequences are heavily concentrated at the boundaries of regions encoding individual Plasmodium falciparum-erythrocyte membrane protein 1 structural domains. The recombinogenic potential of these 50-mers is not parasite-specific because these sequences also induce recombination when transferred to the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Genetic cross data suggest that DNA secondary structures (DSS) act as inducers of recombination during DNA replication in P. falciparum sexual stages, and that these DSS-regulated genetic exchanges generate functional and diverse P. falciparum adhesion antigens. DSS-induced recombination may represent a common mechanism for optimizing the evolvability of virulence gene families in pathogens.

scholarly journals Redox Modulation at Work: Natural Phytoprotective Polysulfanes From Alliums Based on Redox-Active Sulfur

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
pp. 397-407 ◽  
Author(s):  
Awais Anwar ◽  
Emma Gould ◽  
Ryan Tinson ◽  
Javaid Iqbal ◽  
Chris Hamilton
Keyword(s):  
Cell Lines ◽  
Cancer Cell ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Antimicrobial Properties ◽  
Molecular Targets ◽  
Cancer Cell Lines ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Anticancer Activities ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Anticancer Properties

Abstract Purpose of review This article provides a brief overview of natural phytoprotective products of allium with a special focus on the therapeutic potential of diallyl polysulfanes from garlic, their molecular targets and their fate in the living organisms. A comprehensive overview of antimicrobial and anticancer properties of published literature is presented for the reader to understand the effective concentrations of polysulfanes and their sensitivity towards different human pathogenic microbes, fungi, and cancer cell lines. Recent findings The article finds polysulfanes potentials as new generation novel antibiotics and chemo preventive agent. The effective dose rates of polysulfanes for antimicrobial properties are in the range of 0.5–40 mg/L and for anticancer 20–100 μM. The molecular targets for these redox modulators are mainly cellular thiols as well as inhibition and/or activation of certain cellular proteins in cancer cell lines. Summary Antimicrobial and anticancer activities of polysulfanes published in the literature indicate that with further development, they could be promising candidates for cancer prevention due to their selectivity towards abnormal cells.

scholarly journals Pif1 is essential for efficient replisome progression through lagging strand G-quadruplex DNA secondary structures

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (22) ◽  
pp. 11847-11857 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danielle Dahan ◽  
Ioannis Tsirkas ◽  
Daniel Dovrat ◽  
Melanie A Sparks ◽  
Saurabh P Singh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Structures ◽  
Quadruplex Dna ◽  
G Quadruplex ◽  
Dna Secondary Structures ◽  
Lagging Strand

scholarly journals Uncovering an allosteric mode of action for a selective inhibitor of human Bloom syndrome protein

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
X. Chen ◽  
Y. Ali ◽  
C.E.L. Fisher ◽  
R. Arribas-Bosacoma ◽  
M.B. Rajasekaran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Synthetic Lethality ◽  
Specific Inhibitor ◽  
Bloom Syndrome ◽  
Dna Helicase ◽  
Holliday Junctions ◽  
Dna Structures ◽  
Recq Helicases ◽  
Promising Target ◽  
Opening And Closing ◽  
Syndrome Protein

ABSTRACTBLM (Bloom syndrome protein) is a RECQ-family helicase involved in the dissolution of complex DNA structures and repair intermediates. Synthetic lethality analysis implicates BLM as a promising target in a range of cancers with defects in the DNA damage response, however selective small molecule inhibitors of defined mechanism are currently lacking. Here we identify and characterise a specific inhibitor of BLM’s ATPase-coupled DNA helicase activity, by allosteric trapping of a DNA-bound translocation intermediate. Crystallographic structures of BLM-DNA-ADP-inhibitor complexes identify a hitherto unknown interdomain interface, whose opening and closing are integral to translocation of ssDNA, and which provides a highly selective pocket for drug discovery. Comparison with structures of other RECQ helicases provides a model for branch migration of Holliday junctions by BLM.

Stabilised DNA secondary structures with increasing transcription localise hypermutable bases for somatic hypermutation in IGHV3-23

2012 ◽  
Vol 64 (7) ◽  
pp. 481-496 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bhargavi Duvvuri ◽  
Venkata R. Duvvuri ◽  
Jianhong Wu ◽  
Gillian E. Wu
Keyword(s):  
Somatic Hypermutation ◽  
Secondary Structures ◽  
Dna Secondary Structures
Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document