Hinge residue Ile260 of DNA polymerase β is important for enzyme activity and fidelity

Daniela Starcevic, Shibani Dalal, Joann Sweasy

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

31 Scopus citations

Abstract

DNA polymerases ensure efficient insertion of the correct dNTP into the DNA substrate. They have evolved mechanisms for discriminating among very similar dNTP substrates. DNA polymerase β is a repair polymerase that provides a model system for a direct study of insertion fidelity. In this study, we examined the role of hinge residue Ile260 of the rat Polβ on enzyme activity and accuracy. We changed residue I260 to every other amino acid residue and used genetic screens to assess the activity and fidelity of the resulting mutants. The I260D, -E, -K, -N, and -R mutants are significantly less active than wildtype Polβ. Interestingly, I260H and I260Q are active but exhibit mutator activity. This suggests that the nonpolar nature of residue 260 is important for maintaining the activity and fidelity of Polβ. We employ molecular modeling as an aid in explaining the observed phenotypes and propose a mechanism whereby the positioning of the DNA substrate in the enzyme and within the surface of the hinge may be a key player in forming an optimal active site for phosphodiester bond formation between Watson-Crick base pairs.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)3775-3784
Number of pages10
JournalBiochemistry
Volume44
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 15 2005
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry

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