Three-dimensional structure of the human DNA-PKcs/Ku70/Ku80 complex assembled on DNA and its implications for DNA DSB repair

Spagnolo, L. , Rivera-Calzada, A., Pearl, L. H. and Llorca, O. (2006) Three-dimensional structure of the human DNA-PKcs/Ku70/Ku80 complex assembled on DNA and its implications for DNA DSB repair. Molecular Cell, 22(4), pp. 511-519. (doi: 10.1016/j.molcel.2006.04.013) (PMID:16713581)

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Abstract

DNA-PKcs is a large (∼470 kDa) kinase that plays an essential role in the repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) by nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ). DNA-PKcs is recruited to DSBs by the Ku70/Ku80 heterodimer, with which it forms the core of a multiprotein complex that promotes synapsis of the broken DNA ends. We have purified the human DNA-PKcs/Ku70/Ku80 holoenzyme assembled on a DNA molecule. Its three-dimensional (3D) structure at ∼25 Å resolution was determined by single-particle electron microscopy. Binding of Ku and DNA elicits conformational changes in the FAT and FATC domains of DNA-PKcs. Dimeric particles are observed in which two DNA-PKcs/Ku70/Ku80 holoenzymes interact through the N-terminal HEAT repeats. The proximity of the dimer contacts to the likely positions of the DNA ends suggests that these represent synaptic complexes that maintain broken DNA ends in proximity and provide a platform for access of the various enzymes required for end processing and ligation.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Spagnolo, Professor Laura
Authors: Spagnolo, L., Rivera-Calzada, A., Pearl, L. H., and Llorca, O.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Molecular Biosciences
Journal Name:Molecular Cell
Publisher:Cell Press
ISSN:1097-2765
ISSN (Online):1097-4164

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