Replication of DNA is a complex multi-step process essential to cell propagation and survival, which proceeds via the action of multi-protein machines. Understanding the machinery at the replication fork has high impact because it is the most critical site for propagation and maintenance of the genome. While considerable progress has been made in elucidating the mechanisms of DNA replication from studies of bacteria and archae, information on replication in humans is lacking because the protein sequences and structures are not conserved. The long-term goal of our research is to understand the action of the DNA replication machinery in humans. Our research currently focuses on understanding the initiation of the step known as DNA priming. We have shown active loading of human replication protein A (RPA) onto single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) created by the SV40 helicase at the origin of replication and involvement of RPA in the transition to DNA priming. After the DNA is unwound, an initial primer is synthesized on the ssDNA template by primase. The studies proposed here are designed to generate insight into how RPA and primase function together to initiate synthesis of the primer strand.
Aim 1 investigates the structure of RPA in different DNA-bound states using a combination of small angle X-ray and neutron scattering (SAXS, SANS) and NMR spectroscopy.
Aim 2 addresses the role of interactions with RPA in promoting the loading of primase on the template using a combination of biochemical mapping and structural analyses by NMR, modeling, SAXS and SANS. Once primase is loaded on the DNA template, it synthesizes a ~10 nucleotide primer and then transfers the primed template to DNA polymerase a for primer extension. The means by which primase recognizes the template and counts the length of the primer remains a complete mystery.
Aim 3 proposes to elucidate the structural basis for these processes by determining x-ray crystal structures of primase in different DNA bound states. Together, these results will inform the structural basis for the hand-off of ssDNA from RPA to DNA primase and counting of the RNA primer, which are critical steps in the replication of DNA.

Public Health Relevance

Faithful replication and maintenance of our genomes requires the action of complex multi-protein machinery. Defects in components of this machinery lead to mutation and ultimately cancer and other diseases associated with genomic instabilities. Investigating the structure and coordinated action of the complex of proteins involved in initiating replication in humans will provide detailed mechanistic insight into the action of the multi-protein machinery at the replication fork, the most critical site for propagation and maintenance of the genome.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
2R01GM065484-09A1
Application #
8237799
Study Section
Macromolecular Structure and Function B Study Section (MSFB)
Program Officer
Reddy, Michael K
Project Start
2003-02-01
Project End
2015-12-31
Budget Start
2012-01-01
Budget End
2012-12-31
Support Year
9
Fiscal Year
2012
Total Cost
$336,180
Indirect Cost
$120,680
Name
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Department
Biochemistry
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
004413456
City
Nashville
State
TN
Country
United States
Zip Code
37212
Guilliam, Thomas A; Brissett, Nigel C; Ehlinger, Aaron et al. (2017) Molecular basis for PrimPol recruitment to replication forks by RPA. Nat Commun 8:15222
Thompson, Matthew K; Ehlinger, Aaron C; Chazin, Walter J (2017) Analysis of Functional Dynamics of Modular Multidomain Proteins by SAXS and NMR. Methods Enzymol 592:49-76
O'Brien, Elizabeth; Holt, Marilyn E; Thompson, Matthew K et al. (2017) Response to Comments on ""The [4Fe4S] cluster of human DNA primase functions as a redox switch using DNA charge transport"". Science 357:
Holt, Marilyn E; Salay, Lauren E; Chazin, Walter J (2017) A Polymerase With Potential: The Fe-S Cluster in Human DNA Primase. Methods Enzymol 595:361-390
O'Brien, Elizabeth; Holt, Marilyn E; Thompson, Matthew K et al. (2017) The [4Fe4S] cluster of human DNA primase functions as a redox switch using DNA charge transport. Science 355:
Bass, Thomas E; Luzwick, Jessica W; Kavanaugh, Gina et al. (2016) ETAA1 acts at stalled replication forks to maintain genome integrity. Nat Cell Biol 18:1185-1195
Patrone, James D; Pelz, Nicholas F; Bates, Brittney S et al. (2016) Identification and Optimization of Anthranilic Acid Based Inhibitors of Replication Protein?A. ChemMedChem 11:893-9
Meyer, Peter A; Socias, Stephanie; Key, Jason et al. (2016) Data publication with the structural biology data grid supports live analysis. Nat Commun 7:10882
Zhao, Weixing; Vaithiyalingam, Sivaraja; San Filippo, Joseph et al. (2015) Promotion of BRCA2-Dependent Homologous Recombination by DSS1 via RPA Targeting and DNA Mimicry. Mol Cell 59:176-87
Ning, Boting; Feldkamp, Michael D; Cortez, David et al. (2015) Simian virus Large T antigen interacts with the N-terminal domain of the 70 kD subunit of Replication Protein A in the same mode as multiple DNA damage response factors. PLoS One 10:e0116093

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