Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Martin Meagher, Alexander Myasnikov, Eric J. Enemark
Summary: The ATPase ring of the replication forks is essential for DNA replication and disruption of this ring can lead to genetic instability and diseases such as cancer. Using cryo-EM, researchers have found that the ATPase ring of the archaeal organism Saccharolobus solfataricus binds to the DNA in two different modes, revealing a mechanism for the alternating steps of DNA dissociation and re-association during DNA translocation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yuyao Tian, Wuming Wang, Sofie Lautrup, Hui Zhao, Xiang Li, Patrick Wai Nok Law, Ngoc-Duy Dinh, Evandro Fei Fang, Hoi Hung Cheung, Wai-Yee Chan
Summary: This study investigates the role of WRN in regulating bone development and growth, revealing that WRN opens SHOX-G-quadruplexes through its helicase activity to regulate bone development and growth. The findings suggest that WRN is crucial for chondrogenesis, and loss of WRN results in impaired bone growth and shorter stature.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Despoina Sakellariou, Sara Thornby Bak, Esin Isik, Sonia Barroso, Antonio Porro, Andres Aguilera, Jiri Bartek, Pavel Janscak, Javier Pena-Diaz
Summary: The study reveals that the mismatch repair protein MutS beta is enriched at telomeres in ALT cancer cells, preventing the accumulation of G-quadruplex (G4) structures and R-loops, thus maintaining telomere integrity during alternative lengthening of telomeres.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fabrizio Villa, Ryo Fujisawa, Johanna Ainsworth, Kohei Nishimura, Michael Lie-A-Ling, Georges Lacaud, Karim P. M. Labib
Summary: The disassembly of the eukaryotic replisome is regulated by a conserved pair of ubiquitin ligases, CUL2(LRR1) and TRAIP, in mammals. CUL2(LRR1) ubiquitylates the CMG-MCM7 subunit during S-phase leading to disassembly, while TRAIP activates an alternative disassembly pathway during mitosis.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fang-Yuan Teng, Zong-Zhe Jiang, Man Guo, Xiao-Zhen Tan, Feng Chen, Xu-Guang Xi, Yong Xu
Summary: G-quadruplex (G4) DNA is a unique DNA structure found in various diseases and considered a potential target for drug design. This review provides an overview of the detection methods, structure, and functions of G4 DNA, as well as some drug design strategies targeting G4.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tribhuwan Yadav, Jia-Min Zhang, Jian Ouyang, Wendy Leung, Antoine Simoneau, Lee Zou
Summary: This study reveals that the telomere non-coding RNA TERRA can form dynamic telomeric R-loops and contribute to ALT activity. This process is mediated by the formation of G-quadruplexes (G4s), independent of RAD52. The findings shed light on the mechanism of the R-loop to D-loop switch in the ALT pathway and provide new insights into the function and homeostasis of telomeres.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Xingli Zeng, Qiuda Xu, Rong Lai, Xiufang Tong, Jiahui Chen, Dandan Wang, Xiaoshun Zhou, Yong Shao
Summary: In this study, a near-infrared fluorogenic probe, NIAD-4, was found to selectively recognize triplex DNA structures with high selectivity. Furthermore, NIAD-4 showed a higher selectivity towards "pyrimidine-type" triplex structures and recognized them in a polarity-dependent manner.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ryan J. J. Buckley, Anna Lou-Hing, Karl M. M. Hanson, Nadia R. R. Ahmed, Christopher D. O. Cooper, Edward L. L. Bolt
Summary: DNA glycosylases play a crucial role in maintaining genetic fidelity during DNA replication by eliminating chemically damaged DNA bases that could lead to mutations. In this study, researchers identified Lhr protein in Escherichia coli as a uracil-DNA glycosylase that is independent of its DNA helicase activity. The deletion of the lhr gene in E. coli sensitized cells to oxidative stress and increased cytosine deamination to uracil. This suggests that Lhr protein functions in surveillance and removal of potentially mutagenic base changes during replication stress.
MOLECULAR MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dilara Akcora-Yildiz, Tulin Ozkan, Mehmet Ozen, Mehmet Gunduz, Asuman Sunguroglu, Meral Beksac
Summary: Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell malignancy characterized by genomic instability and aberrant DNA damage repair. Werner (WRN) helicase, a member of the RecQ helicase family, plays a crucial role in MM cell viability, proliferation, and genomic stability. Inhibition of WRN may enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy in MM.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Biology
Inigo Urrutia-Irazabal, James R. Ault, Frank Sobott, Nigel J. Savery, Mark S. Dillingham
Summary: This study elucidates the structural basis and functional significance of the interaction between PcrA and the RNAP complex, revealing that PcrA binds tightly to a transcription elongation complex through protein:protein interaction with the conserved PcrA C-terminal Tudor domain. The findings suggest a potential role for PcrA as an R-loop suppression factor, helping minimize conflicts between transcription and other processes on DNA, such as replication.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Prasun Chakraborty, Kevin Hiom
Summary: DHX9 is a critical player in the repair of DNA damage by homologous recombination, promoting the recruitment of BRCA1 during transcription and facilitating end-resection of DSB.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Calvin Yeager, Griffin Carter, David W. Gohara, Neela H. Yennawar, Eric J. Enemark, Jamie J. Arnold, Craig E. Cameron
Summary: This study elucidates the first biochemical mechanism of the enteroviral 2C protein and confirms its applicability to other members of the enterovirus genus. The research shows that RNA binds to the 2C protein driven by the backbone, stimulating ATPase activity. This provides an important biochemical description of the determinants driving specificity and catalytic efficiency of the picornaviral 2C ATPase.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Joshua A. Sommers, Katrina N. Estep, Robert W. Maul, Robert M. Brosh
Summary: This study describes a primer extension assay method using a G4 DNA template to measure the extent and fidelity of DNA synthesis by a DNA polymerase collaborating with a G4-resolving DNA helicase. The findings may aid in experimental design and data interpretation.
Review
Oncology
Arindam Datta, Srijita Dhar, Sanket Awate, Robert M. Brosh
Summary: DNA helicases play crucial roles in genome stability and cancer cells, with potential for synthetic lethality through genetic interactions with other proteins.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiaohua Xu, Chou-Wei Chang, Min Li, Chao Liu, Yilun Liu
Summary: The RECQ4 gene encodes an ATP-dependent DNA helicase in human cells, mutations of which are linked to various clinical diseases and high cancer risks. Understanding the molecular dysfunctions of different RECQ4 disease mutations is crucial for improving our knowledge of RECQ4 clinical phenotypes and its roles in cancer development.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
K. Ramki, G. Thiruppathi, Selva Kumar Ramasamy, P. Sundararaj, P. Sakthivel
Summary: A chromone-based ratiometric fluorescent probe L2 was developed for the selective detection of Hg(II) in a semiaqueous solution. The probe exhibited enhanced fluorescence in its aggregated state and even higher fluorescence when chelated with Hg(II). The probe demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity for Hg(II) detection and was successfully applied for imaging Hg(II) in a living model.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Qun Zhang, Rui Yang, Gang Liu, Shiyan Jiang, Jiarui Wang, Juqiang Lin, Tingyin Wang, Jing Wang, Zufang Huang
Summary: This research aims to develop a cost-effective and portable method for measuring creatinine levels using the enhanced Tyndall effect phenomenon. The method offers a promising solution for monitoring renal healthcare in resource-limited settings.
