Single-molecule sorting reveals how ubiquitylation affects substrate recognition and activities of FBH1 helicase

Nucleic Acids Res. 2013 Apr 1;41(6):3576-87. doi: 10.1093/nar/gkt056. Epub 2013 Feb 7.

Abstract

DNA repair helicases function in the cell to separate DNA duplexes or remodel nucleoprotein complexes. These functions are influenced by sensing and signaling; the cellular pool of a DNA helicase may contain subpopulations of enzymes carrying different post-translational modifications and performing distinct biochemical functions. Here, we report a novel experimental strategy, single-molecule sorting, which overcomes difficulties associated with comprehensive analysis of heterologously modified pool of proteins. This methodology was applied to visualize human DNA helicase F-box-containing DNA helicase (FBH1) acting on the DNA structures resembling a stalled or collapsed replication fork and its interactions with RAD51 nucleoprotein filament. Individual helicase molecules isolated from human cells with their native post-translational modifications were analyzed using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy. Separation of the activity trajectories originated from ubiquitylated and non-ubiquitylated FBH1 molecules revealed that ubiquitylation affects FBH1 interaction with the RAD51 nucleoprotein filament, but not its translocase and helicase activities.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Binding Sites
  • DNA / metabolism
  • DNA Helicases / chemistry
  • DNA Helicases / metabolism*
  • DNA Replication
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / chemistry
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Rad51 Recombinase / metabolism
  • Ubiquitination*

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • DNA
  • Rad51 Recombinase
  • DNA Helicases
  • FBH1 protein, human