Replication of [AT/TA]25 Microsatellite Sequences by Human DNA Polymerase δ Holoenzymes Is Dependent on dNTP and RPA Levels

Biochemistry. 2024 Apr 16;63(8):969-983. doi: 10.1021/acs.biochem.4c00006. Epub 2024 Mar 26.

Abstract

Fragile sites are unstable genomic regions that are prone to breakage during stressed DNA replication. Several common fragile sites (CFS) contain A+T-rich regions including perfect [AT/TA] microsatellite repeats that may collapse into hairpins when in single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) form and coincide with chromosomal hotspots for breakage and rearrangements. While many factors contribute to CFS instability, evidence exists for replication stalling within [AT/TA] microsatellite repeats. Currently, it is unknown how stress causes replication stalling within [AT/TA] microsatellite repeats. To investigate this, we utilized FRET to characterize the structures of [AT/TA]25 sequences and also reconstituted lagging strand replication to characterize the progression of pol δ holoenzymes through A+T-rich sequences. The results indicate that [AT/TA]25 sequences adopt hairpins that are unwound by the major ssDNA-binding complex, RPA, and the progression of pol δ holoenzymes through A+T-rich sequences saturated with RPA is dependent on the template sequence and dNTP concentration. Importantly, the effects of RPA on the replication of [AT/TA]25 sequences are dependent on dNTP concentration, whereas the effects of RPA on the replication of A+T-rich, nonstructure-forming sequences are independent of dNTP concentration. Collectively, these results reveal complexities in lagging strand replication and provide novel insights into how [AT/TA] microsatellite repeats contribute to genome instability.

MeSH terms

  • DNA Polymerase III* / genetics
  • DNA Polymerase III* / metabolism
  • DNA Replication*
  • DNA, Single-Stranded / genetics
  • Holoenzymes / genetics
  • Humans
  • Microsatellite Repeats
  • Nucleotides

Substances

  • DNA Polymerase III
  • DNA, Single-Stranded
  • Holoenzymes
  • Nucleotides
  • RPA1 protein, human