Structure, function and evolution of the XPD family of iron-sulfur-containing 5'-->3' DNA helicases.

Abstract

The XPD (xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group D) helicase family comprises a number of superfamily 2 DNA helicases with members found in all three domains of life. The founding member, the XPD helicase, is conserved in archaea and eukaryotes, whereas the closest homologue in bacteria is the DinG (damage-inducible G) helicase. Three XPD paralogues, FancJ (Fanconi's anaemia complementation group J), RTEL (regular of telomere length) and Chl1, have evolved in eukaryotes and function in a variety of DNA recombination and repair pathways. All family members are believed to be 5'-->3' DNA helicases with a structure that includes an essential iron-sulfur-cluster-binding domain. Recent structural, mutational and biophysical studies have provided a molecular framework for the mechanism of the XPD helicase and help to explain the phenotypes of a considerable number of mutations in the XPD gene that can cause three different genetic conditions: xeroderma pigmentosum, trichothiodystrophy and Cockayne's syndrome. Crystal structures of XPD from three archaeal organisms reveal a four-domain structure with two canonical motor domains and two unique domains, termed the Arch and iron-sulfur-cluster-binding domains. The latter two domains probably collaborate to separate duplex DNA during helicase action. The role of the iron-sulfur cluster and the evolution of the XPD helicase family are discussed.

• Authors: Malcolm F White
• Journal: Biochemical Society transactions (Biochem Soc Trans) Vol. 37 Issue Pt 3 Pg. 547-51 (Jun 2009) ISSN: 1470-8752 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 19442249 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Iron-Sulfur Proteins
• DNA Helicases
• Xeroderma Pigmentosum Group D Protein

Topics

• Archaea (enzymology, genetics)
• Bacteria (enzymology, genetics)
• Binding Sites (genetics)
• Crystallography, X-Ray
• DNA Helicases (chemistry, genetics, metabolism)
• DNA Repair
• Eukaryotic Cells (enzymology, metabolism)
• Evolution, Molecular
• Humans
• Iron-Sulfur Proteins (chemistry, metabolism)
• Models, Molecular
• Mutation
• Protein Binding
• Protein Conformation
• Protein Structure, Tertiary
• Recombination, Genetic
• Xeroderma Pigmentosum Group D Protein (chemistry, genetics, metabolism)