Structural insights into 5' flap DNA unwinding and incision by the human FAN1 dimer.
Publication Type:
Journal ArticleSource:
Nat Commun, Volume 5, p.5726 (2014)Keywords:
Crystallography, X-Ray, DNA, DNA Damage, DNA Repair, Escherichia coli, Exodeoxyribonucleases, Gene Expression, Humans, Models, Molecular, Mutation, Nucleic Acid Conformation, Protein Binding, Protein Multimerization, Protein Structure, Secondary, Protein Structure, Tertiary, Recombinant ProteinsAbstract:
<p>Human FANCD2-associated nuclease 1 (FAN1) is a DNA structure-specific nuclease involved in the processing of DNA interstrand crosslinks (ICLs). FAN1 maintains genomic stability and prevents tissue decline in multiple organs, yet it confers ICL-induced anti-cancer drug resistance in several cancer subtypes. Here we report three crystal structures of human FAN1 in complex with a 5' flap DNA substrate, showing that two FAN1 molecules form a head-to-tail dimer to locate the lesion, orient the DNA and unwind a 5' flap for subsequent incision. Biochemical experiments further validate our model for FAN1 action, as structure-informed mutations that disrupt protein dimerization, substrate orientation or flap unwinding impair the structure-specific nuclease activity. Our work elucidates essential aspects of FAN1-DNA lesion recognition and a unique mechanism of incision. These structural insights shed light on the cellular mechanisms underlying organ degeneration protection and cancer drug resistance mediated by FAN1.</p>