DNA Synthesis across an Abasic Lesion by Human DNA Polymerase I

Journal Article · Fri May 22 04:00:00 EDT 2009 · Structure

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.str.2009.02.015· OSTI ID:1005626

Nair, Deepak T; Johnson, Robert E; Prakash, Louise; Prakash, Satya; Aggarwal, Aneel K

Abasic sites are among the most abundant DNA lesions formed in human cells, and they present a strong block to replication. DNA polymerase{sup I} (Pol{sup I}) is one of the few DNA Pols that does not follow the A-rule opposite an abasic site. We present here three structures of human Pol in complex with DNAs containing an abasic lesion and dGTP, dTTP, or dATP as the incoming nucleotide. The structures reveal a mechanism of translesion synthesis across an abasic lesion that differs from that in other Pols. Both the abasic lesion and the incoming dNTPs are intrahelical and are closely apposed across a constricted active site cleft. The dNTPs partake in distinct networks of hydrogen bonds in the 'void' opposite the lesion. These different patterns of hydrogen bonds, as well as stacking interactions, may underlie Pol's small preference for insertion of dGTP over other nucleotides opposite this common lesion.

• Research Organization: Argonne National Laboratory (ANL)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 1005626
• Journal Information: Structure, Journal Name: Structure Journal Issue: (4) ; 04, 2009 Vol. 17
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: ENGLISH

Related Subjects

08 HYDROGEN
ANIMAL CELLS
DNA
HUMAN POPULATIONS
HYDROGEN
INTERACTIONS
NUCLEOTIDES
SYNTHESIS