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Eukaryotic DNA replication is one of the most complex molecular mechanisms known. Many of the molecular components serve multiple purposes to maintain the delicate balance between unwinding DNA and synthesizing strands simultaneously while ensuring structural stability and genome integrity.
Dynamic single-molecule microscopy enables direct real-time observation of key molecular players and additional factors throughout the process, thus delivering crucial insights into their dynamics and function at different stages of replication.
Case study
Using dynamic single-molecule microscopy, the lab of Shixin Liu (The Rockefeller University New York) was able to simultaneously visualize how Smc5/6 acted on single stranded (ss) and double stranded DNA (dsDNA).
Single molecule fluorescence and force microscopy revealed that:
• Smc5/6 can move over dsDNA in a dynamic manner
• It binds stably to protect junction DNA by preventing ssDNA annealing
Characterization of this previously unknown multifaceted DNA association behavior of Smc5/6 offers a framework for comprehending its various roles in viral DNA restriction and genome maintenance.
Quantification of the Smc5/6 fluorescence signals at a junction DNA site (marked by the black arrow in panel c) over time, indicating accumulation of the complex.
Representative kymograph of a DNA tether in the presence of 20 nM Cy3-Smc5/6 (green) and 2 mM ATP. Force-induced DNA melting creates ssDNA-dsDNA interfaces (forks). Red arrows indicate twin-streaks emerging from an internal DNA nick, and blue arrows indicate single streaks emerging from untethered DNA termini.
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Genome replication and gene expression are carried out by macromolecular machines that exist at nanometer scale and generate piconewton forces. Challenged by the hierarchical chromatin organization and omnipresent thermal fluctuations, these DNA-based machines still accomplish their tasks with remarkable efficiency and accuracy. We leverage single-molecule techniques, particularly correlative fluorescence and force microscopy (smCFFM), to probe the dynamics and mechanics of replication, transcription, and chromatin machinery. These investigations have yielded new insights into the principles of genetic and epigenetic inheritance.
Understanding the steps and factors that influence originrecognition and licensing is a key challenge in DNA replication research. Modelsystems like yeast tend to exhibit different behavior compared to othereukaryotic cells which makes it difficult to develop a uniform model.
Case study
Being able to directly observe loading and dynamic movementof origin recognition complexes and other molecular players in the context ofnucleosomes and bare DNA, the labs of Shixin Liu (The Rockefeller UniversityNew York) and Nynke Dekker (University of Oxford) were able to identify andquantify previously unknown fundamental mechanisms via DSM microscopy:
These and other findings enabledby DSM microscopy have fundamentally driven our understanding of replicationinitiation forward, also closing a gap between different mechanisms of originrecognition and replisome formation.
(a) Cartoon DNA containing an ARS sequence sparsely loaded with nucleosomes (green) and incubated with ORC (red) and Cdc6. (b) A representative kymograph showing a λARS1 DNA tether loaded with multiple nucleosomes (positions indicated by green arrowheads), all of which were located at non-ARS1 sites except one. Each nucleosome was observed to be stably bound by ORC (red). Figure from Li, S., Wasserman, M.R., Yurieva, O. et al. Nucleosome-directed replication origin licensing independent of a consensus DNA sequence. Nat Commun 13, 4947 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-32657-7
Samples of tracking data (i) and confocal images (ii) illustrating dynamics of ORC initially bound within the origin sequence (a) or at a non-specific location (b). Figure from Sánchez, H., McCluskey, K., van Laar, T. et al. DNA replication origins retain mobile licensing proteins. Nat Commun 12, 1908 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-22216-x
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Chromatin replication is a highly complex process and is crucial for genome integrity, and thus the proper functioning and survival of any organism. Copying chromatinized DNA with its sophisticated structural elements like nucleosomes and structural maintenance of chromatin (SMC) protein-induced loops as well as various modifications and possible damage sites poses quite a challenge to the molecular replication system (replisome).
In this webinar, Prof. Nynke Dekker explains how she and her team have used Dynamic Single-Molecule (DSM) microscopy to identify and quantify fundamental molecular interactions between the origin recognition complex (ORC) and minichromosome maintenance protein (MCM) complex in the context of nucleosomes.
In cells, DNA replication occurs in a complex environment of DNA structures and in parallel to processes like transcription and DNA repair. Moreover, correction steps ensuring the proper reproduction of the genome need to be carried out throughout the replication process. Direct insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms are key to our understanding of replication as an integrated cellular process.
Case study
Check our blog post to learn more about polymerase exchangeand its memory function https://lumicks.com/dna-polymerase-exchange-dynamics-discovered/
Further reading
Guo et al. Advanced Science (2023) (PI/author: Bo Sun)
Belan et al. Molecular Cell (2022) (PI/author: Steve West,Simon Boulton, David Rueda)
Xu et al. Nature Communications (2024) (PI/author: GijsWuite)
Kymographs showing the extension of 3ʹ DNA end at the edge of the ssDNA gap by POLQ PD. dsDNA (green) in the presence or absence of 1 nM RPA-EGFP or 10 μM POLQ inhibitor (POLQi). When present, RPA signal is shown in blue indicating ssDNA. DNA extension rate was measured as a slope of the border of spreading dsDNA signal. Figure from Belan et al., POLQ seals post-replicative ssDNA gaps to maintain genome stability in BRCA-deficient cancer cells, Molecular Cell (2022), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molcel.2022.11.008
Schematic diagram of possible outcomes of T7 DNAP synthesis encountering a leading-strand G4 in the optical tweezer assay. A T-shaped DNA template harboring a leading-strand G4 is suspended between two optical traps while DNAP activity is monitored with fluorescence imaging. Figure from Guo, L. et al. Joint Efforts of Replicative Helicase and SSB Ensure Inherent Replicative Tolerance of G‐Quadruplex. Advanced Science 2307696 (2023). doi:10.1002/advs.202307696
The C-Trap® provides the world’s first dynamic single-molecule microscope to allow simultaneous manipulation and visualization of single-molecule interactions in real time.