A Redox Role for the [4Fe4S] Cluster of Yeast DNA Polymerase δ

J Am Chem Soc. 2017 Dec 20;139(50):18339-18348. doi: 10.1021/jacs.7b10284. Epub 2017 Dec 6.

Abstract

A [4Fe4S]2+ cluster in the C-terminal domain of the catalytic subunit of the eukaryotic B-family DNA polymerases is essential for the formation of active multi-subunit complexes. Here we use a combination of electrochemical and biochemical methods to assess the redox activity of the [4Fe4S]2+ cluster in Saccharomyces cerevisiae polymerase (Pol) δ, the lagging strand DNA polymerase. We find that Pol δ bound to DNA is indeed redox-active at physiological potentials, generating a DNA-mediated signal electrochemically with a midpoint potential of 113 ± 5 mV versus NHE. Moreover, biochemical assays following electrochemical oxidation of Pol δ reveal a significant slowing of DNA synthesis that can be fully reversed by reduction of the oxidized form. A similar result is apparent with photooxidation using a DNA-tethered anthraquinone. These results demonstrate that the [4Fe4S] cluster in Pol δ can act as a redox switch for activity, and we propose that this switch can provide a rapid and reversible way to respond to replication stress.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • DNA Polymerase III / isolation & purification
  • DNA Polymerase III / metabolism*
  • Iron-Sulfur Proteins / chemistry
  • Iron-Sulfur Proteins / metabolism*
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / enzymology*

Substances

  • Iron-Sulfur Proteins
  • DNA Polymerase III