Structural basis of DNA synthesis opposite 8-oxoguanine by human PrimPol primase-polymerase

Nat Commun. 2021 Jun 29;12(1):4020. doi: 10.1038/s41467-021-24317-z.

Abstract

PrimPol is a human DNA polymerase-primase that localizes to mitochondria and nucleus and bypasses the major oxidative lesion 7,8-dihydro-8-oxoguanine (oxoG) via translesion synthesis, in mostly error-free manner. We present structures of PrimPol insertion complexes with a DNA template-primer and correct dCTP or erroneous dATP opposite the lesion, as well as extension complexes with C or A as a 3'-terminal primer base. We show that during the insertion of C and extension from it, the active site is unperturbed, reflecting the readiness of PrimPol to accommodate oxoG(anti). The misinsertion of A opposite oxoG(syn) also does not alter the active site, and is likely less favorable due to lower thermodynamic stability of the oxoG(syn)•A base-pair. During the extension step, oxoG(syn) induces an opening of its base-pair with A or misalignment of the 3'-A primer terminus. Together, the structures show how PrimPol accurately synthesizes DNA opposite oxidatively damaged DNA in human cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Base Pairing / genetics*
  • DNA Damage / genetics*
  • DNA Primase / metabolism*
  • DNA Replication / physiology*
  • DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase / metabolism*
  • Guanine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Guanine / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Mitochondria / enzymology
  • Mitochondria / genetics
  • Multifunctional Enzymes / metabolism*
  • Oxidative Stress / genetics
  • Protein Conformation
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism

Substances

  • 7,8-dihydro-8-oxoguanine
  • Multifunctional Enzymes
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • Guanine
  • DNA Primase
  • PrimPol protein, human
  • DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase