PCNA binding proteins in Drosophila melanogaster : the analysis of a conserved PCNA binding domain

The eukaryotic polymerase processivity factor, PCNA, interacts with cell cycle regulatory proteins such as p21^(WAF1/Cip1) and Gadd45, as well as with proteins involved in the mechanics of DNA repair and replication. A conserved PCNA-binding motif is found in a subset of PCNA-interacting proteins, including p21, suggesting that the regulation of these interactions is important for the co-ordination of DNA replication and repair. We have identified several classes of protein which bind to Drosophila PCNA. Two of these proteins contain the consensus PCNA-binding domain: one is the Dacapo protein, a Drosophila homologue of p21^(WAF1/Cip1), and the second is the transposase encoded by the Pogo DNA transposon. A conserved PCNA-binding domain is also present in a human relative of Pogo, named Tigger, suggesting that this domain has a functional role in this class of transposable element. This raises interesting possibilities for a novel method of transposition in which the transposase might be targeted to replicating DNA. Finally, we have investigated the use of this conserved PCNAbinding domain as a predictor of PCNA-binding capacity

PCNA binding proteins in Drosophila melanogaster : the analysis of a conserved PCNA binding domain

The eukaryotic polymerase processivity factor, PCNA, interacts with cell cycle regulatory proteins such as p21^(WAF1/Cip1) and Gadd45, as well as with proteins involved in the mechanics of DNA repair and replication. A conserved PCNA-binding motif is found in a subset of PCNA-interacting proteins, including p21, suggesting that the regulation of these interactions is important for the co-ordination of DNA replication and repair. We have identified several classes of protein which bind to Drosophila PCNA. Two of these proteins contain the consensus PCNA-binding domain: one is the Dacapo protein, a Drosophila homologue of p21^(WAF1/Cip1), and the second is the transposase encoded by the Pogo DNA transposon. A conserved PCNA-binding domain is also present in a human relative of Pogo, named Tigger, suggesting that this domain has a functional role in this class of transposable element. This raises interesting possibilities for a novel method of transposition in which the transposase might be targeted to replicating DNA. Finally, we have investigated the use of this conserved PCNAbinding domain as a predictor of PCNA-binding capacity

Peptide aptamers define distinct EB1- and EB3-binding motifs and interfere with microtubule dynamics

EB1 is a conserved protein that plays a central role in regulating microtubule dynamics and organization. It binds directly to microtubule plus ends and recruits other plus end–localizing proteins. Most EB1-binding proteins contain a Ser–any residue–Ile-Pro (SxIP) motif. Here we describe the isolation of peptide aptamers with optimized versions of this motif by screening for interaction with the Drosophila EB1 protein. The use of small peptide aptamers to competitively inhibit protein interaction and function is becoming increasingly recognized as a powerful technique. We show that SxIP aptamers can bind microtubule plus ends in cells and functionally act to displace interacting proteins by competitive binding. Their expression in developing flies can interfere with microtubules, altering their dynamics. We also identify aptamers binding to human EB1 and EB3, which have sequence requirements similar to but distinct from each other and from Drosophila EB1. This suggests that EB1 paralogues within one species may interact with overlapping but distinct sets of proteins in cells

Mapping and mutation of the conserved DNA polymerase interaction motif (DPIM) located in the C-terminal domain of fission yeast DNA polymerase δ subunit Cdc27

BACKGROUND: DNA polymerases α and δ play essential roles in the replication of chromosomal DNA in eukaryotic cells. DNA polymerase α (Pol α)-primase is required to prime synthesis of the leading strand and each Okazaki fragment on the lagging strand, whereas DNA polymerase δ (Pol δ) is required for the elongation stages of replication, a function it appears capable of performing on both leading and lagging strands, at least in the absence of DNA polymerase ε (Pol ε). RESULTS: Here it is shown that the catalytic subunit of Pol α, Pol1, interacts with Cdc27, one of three non-catalytic subunits of fission yeast Pol δ, both in vivo and in vitro. Pol1 interacts with the C-terminal domain of Cdc27, at a site distinct from the previously identified binding sites for Cdc1 and PCNA. Comparative protein sequence analysis identifies a protein sequence motif, called the DNA polymerase interaction motif (DPIM), in Cdc27 orthologues from a wide variety of eukaryotic species, including mammals. Mutational analysis shows that the DPIM in fission yeast Cdc27 is not required for effective DNA replication, repair or checkpoint function. CONCLUSIONS: The absence of any detectable phenotypic consequences arising from mutation of the DPIM suggests that despite its evolutionary conservation, the interaction between the two polymerases mediated by this motif is a non-essential one

PCNA dependent cellular activities tolerate dramatic perturbations in PCNA client interactions

Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is an essential cofactor for DNA replication and repair, recruiting multiple proteins to their sites of action. We examined the effects of the PCNA(S228I) mutation that causes PCNA-associated DNA repair disorder (PARD). Cells from individuals affected by PARD are sensitive to the PCNA inhibitors T3 and T2AA, showing that the S228I mutation has consequences for undamaged cells. Analysis of the binding between PCNA and PCNA-interacting proteins (PIPs) shows that the S228I change dramatically impairs the majority of these interactions, including that of Cdt1, DNMT1, PolD3(p66) and PolD4(p12). In contrast p21 largely retains the ability to bind PCNA(S228I). This property is conferred by the p21 PIP box sequence itself, which is both necessary and sufficient for PCNA(S228I) binding. Ubiquitination of PCNA is unaffected by the S228I change, which indirectly alters the structure of the inter-domain connecting loop. Despite the dramatic in vitro effects of the PARD mutation on PIP-degron binding, there are only minor alterations to the stability of p21 and Cdt1 in cells from affected individuals. Overall our data suggests that reduced affinity of PCNA(S228I) for specific clients causes subtle cellular defects in undamaged cells which likely contribute to the etiology of PARD

Lysyl hydroxylase 3 localizes to epidermal basement membrane and Is reduced in patients with Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa

Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is caused by mutations in COL7A1 resulting in reduced or absent type VII collagen, aberrant anchoring fibril formation and subsequent dermal-epidermal fragility. Here, we identify a significant decrease in PLOD3 expression and its encoded protein, the collagen modifying enzyme lysyl hydroxylase 3 (LH3), in RDEB. We show abundant LH3 localising to the basement membrane in normal skin which is severely depleted in RDEB patient skin. We demonstrate expression is in-part regulated by endogenous type VII collagen and that, in agreement with previous studies, even small reductions in LH3 expression lead to significantly less secreted LH3 protein. Exogenous type VII collagen did not alter LH3 expression in cultured RDEB keratinocytes and we show that RDEB patients receiving bone marrow transplantation who demonstrate significant increase in type VII collagen do not show increased levels of LH3 at the basement membrane. Our data report a direct link between LH3 and endogenous type VII collagen expression concluding that reduction of LH3 at the basement membrane in patients with RDEB will likely have significant implications for disease progression and therapeutic intervention