Enzymology and Genetic Studies of DNA Polymerases

University Of California Berkeley, Berkeley CA

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

[unreadable] DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This project focuses on three giant motor proteins, toposiomerases, helicases, and FtsK that move DNA through large distances utilizing the energy of NTP hydrolysis and mechanical strain on DNA. We hope to understand how these proteins perform these vital roles in DNA replication and chromosomal segregation. We will use single DNA molecule enzymology complemented with bulk measures. The action of a single enzyme acting on DNA is measured by the resultant changes in DNA force, torque, and extension. The single DNA molecules can be supercoiled or braided at will to generate substrates for the enzymes. We will measure the rates of enzyme action, processivity, stall force, and chirality in interaction with superhelical DNA. These results will then be compared with bulk measures and measures in vivo. The clear medical relevance stems primarily from two sources. First, topoisomerases are the favored targets of antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, and anticancer agents, such as etoposide and adriamyin. The understanding of their unusual dominant poisoning of their targets has greatly aided the development of more potent drugs. Second, interference in proper segregation of chromosomes by mutations that affect motor proteins accompanies and exacerbates human diseases, including cancer and premature aging.