Crystal structure of the left-handed archaeal RadA helical filament: Identification of a functional motif for controlling quaternary structures and enzymatic functions of RecA family proteins

Li Tzu Chen, Tzu Ping Ko, Yuan Chih Chang, Kuei An Lin, Chia Seng Chang, Andrew H.J. Wang, Ting Fang Wang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

37 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The RecA family of proteins mediates homologous recombination, an evolutionarily conserved pathway that maintains genomic stability by protecting against DNA double strand breaks. RecA proteins are thought to facilitate DNA strand exchange reactions as closed-rings or as right-handed helical filaments. Here, we report the crystal structure of a left-handed Sulfolobus solfataricus RadA helical filament. Each protomer in this left-handed filament is linked to its neighbour via interactions of a b-strand polymerization motif with the neighbouring ATPase domain. Immediately following the polymerization motif, we identified an evolutionarily conserved hinge region (a subunit rotation motif) in which a 3608 clockwise axial rotation accompanies stepwise structural transitions from a closed ring to the AMP-PNP right-handed filament, then to an overwound right-handed filament and finally to the left-handed filament. Additional structural and functional analyses of wild-type and mutant proteins confirmed that the subunit rotation motif is crucial for enzymatic functions of RecA family proteins. These observations support the hypothesis that RecA family protein filaments may function as rotary motors.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1787-1801
Number of pages15
JournalNucleic Acids Research
Volume35
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2007
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Genetics

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Crystal structure of the left-handed archaeal RadA helical filament: Identification of a functional motif for controlling quaternary structures and enzymatic functions of RecA family proteins'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this