At the molecular level, networks are given by multiple interaction of nucleic acids and proteins and by protein-protein interactions. The latter results, for the most part, in formation of multiple protein complexes (MPCs). My research group is interested in studying an MPC formed by components involved in important DNA transactions when cells are exposed to DNA damage. This is a condition that induces the expression of error- prone DNA polymerases, the activity of which might lead to mutations. Our long-term goal is to learn about the mechanisms that regulate the activity of error-prone Y-family DNA polymerases. This will provide a detailed understanding of the mutation pathways in bacteria. In turn, this will lead to a good understanding of the involvement of error prone Y-family DNA polymerases in the evolution of important functions such as antibiotic resistance. Importantly, this project will contribute to the general understanding of mutagenesis, since Y-family polymerases are conserved from bacteria to humans. Bacteria and especially the model system Escherichia coli is perfect to study and ask questions regarding basic conserved biological processes such as those generating mutations, especially in cells under stress. Due to its relative simplicity, studying basic processes in bacteria will render mechanistic insights that would be difficult to attain directly in more complex systems. We propose in this application that protein-protein interactions, and likely MPC formation, modulate the activity of Y-family DNA polymerases allowing to sculpt mutagenesis that might permit survival in conditions of stress. During this research, we will address questions of whether the MPC that we analyzed with purified components display similar features in living cells. Understanding how to control the activity of error-prone DNA polymerases has far reaching implications due to their evolutionary conservation. Therefore, any insights learned during this research can be translated to understand the control of these activities in other cellular systems. Moreover, learning about the functionality and modes of formation of MPCs will allow us to gain insights into the biological rules governing these protein machines, and thus learn how to manipulate them to our advantage.

Public Health Relevance

Antibiotics become ineffective when bacteria acquire resistant mutations. In this project, we will determine the composition and mechanism of the protein complex responsible for generating mutations. This knowledge will facilitate development of approaches to counter the development of antibiotic resistance.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01GM088230-05
Application #
8642651
Study Section
Prokaryotic Cell and Molecular Biology Study Section (PCMB)
Program Officer
Janes, Daniel E
Project Start
2010-04-05
Project End
2015-03-31
Budget Start
2014-04-01
Budget End
2015-03-31
Support Year
5
Fiscal Year
2014
Total Cost
$352,359
Indirect Cost
$113,976
Name
Northeastern University
Department
Biology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
001423631
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02115
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Benson, Ryan W; Cafarelli, Tiziana M; Rands, Thomas J et al. (2014) Selection of dinB alleles suppressing survival loss upon dinB overexpression in Escherichia coli. J Bacteriol 196:3023-35
Macguire, Ashley E; Ching, Meining Carly; Diamond, Brett H et al. (2014) Activation of phenotypic subpopulations in response to ciprofloxacin treatment in Acinetobacter baumannii. Mol Microbiol 92:138-52
Cafarelli, Tiziana M; Rands, Thomas J; Godoy, Veronica G (2014) The DinB•RecA complex of Escherichia coli mediates an efficient and high-fidelity response to ubiquitous alkylation lesions. Environ Mol Mutagen 55:92-102
Cafarelli, Tiziana M; Rands, Thomas J; Benson, Ryan W et al. (2013) A single residue unique to DinB-like proteins limits formation of the polymerase IV multiprotein complex in Escherichia coli. J Bacteriol 195:1179-93
Norton, Matthew D; Spilkia, Allison J; Godoy, Veronica G (2013) Antibiotic resistance acquired through a DNA damage-inducible response in Acinetobacter baumannii. J Bacteriol 195:1335-45
Benson, Ryan W; Cafarelli, Tiziana M; Godoy, Veronica G (2011) SOE-LRed: A simple and time-efficient method to localize genes with point mutations onto the Escherichia coli chromosome. J Microbiol Methods 84:479-81
Benson, Ryan W; Norton, Matthew D; Lin, Ida et al. (2011) An active site aromatic triad in Escherichia coli DNA Pol IV coordinates cell survival and mutagenesis in different DNA damaging agents. PLoS One 6:e19944