In mammals, DNA methylation is necessary for the maintenance of genomic stability, gene expression regulation, and other processes. During malignant diseases progression, changes in both DNA methylation patterns and DNA methyltransferase (MTase) genes are observed. Human de novo MTase DNMT3A is most frequently mutated in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with a striking prevalence of R882H mutation, which has been extensively studied. Here, we investigate the functional role of the missense mutations (S714C, R635W, R736H, R771L, P777R, and F752V) found in the catalytic domain of DNMT3A in AML patients. These were accordingly mutated in the murine Dnmt3a catalytic domain (S124C, R45W, R146H, R181L, P187R, and F162V) and in addition, one-site CpG-containing DNA substrates were used as a model system. The 3-15-fold decrease (S124C and P187R) or complete loss (F162V, R45W, and R146H) of Dnmt3a-CD methylation activity was observed. Remarkably, Pro 187 and Arg 146 are not located at or near the Dnmt3a functional motives. Regulatory protein Dnmt3L did not enhance the methylation activity of R45W, R146H, P187R, and F162V mutants. The key steps of the Dnmt3a-mediated methylation mechanism, including DNA binding and transient covalent intermediate formation, were examined. There was a complete loss of DNA-binding affinity for R45W located in the AdoMet binding region and for R146H. Dnmt3a mutants studied in vitro suggest functional impairment of DNMT3A during pathogenesis.
In mammals, de novo methylation of cytosines in DNA CpG sites is performed by DNA methyltransferase Dnmt3a. Changes in the methylation status of CpG islands are critical for gene regulation and for the progression of some cancers. Recently, the potential involvement of DNA G-quadruplexes (G4s) in methylation control has been found. Here, we provide evidence for a link between G4 formation and the function of murine DNA methyltransferase Dnmt3a and its individual domains. As DNA models, we used (i) an isolated G4 formed by oligonucleotide capable of folding into parallel quadruplex and (ii) the same G4 inserted into a double-stranded DNA bearing several CpG sites. Using electrophoretic mobility shift and fluorescence polarization assays, we showed that the Dnmt3a catalytic domain (Dnmt3a-CD), in contrast to regulatory PWWP domain, effectively binds the G4 structure formed in both DNA models. The G4-forming oligonucleotide displaced the DNA substrate from its complex with Dnmt3a-CD, resulting in a dramatic suppression of the enzyme activity. In addition, a direct impact of G4 inserted into the DNA duplex on the methylation of a specific CpG site was revealed. Possible mechanisms of G4-mediated epigenetic regulation may include Dnmt3a sequestration at G4 and/or disruption of Dnmt3a oligomerization on the DNA surface.
DNA methylation at cytosine residues in CpG sites by DNA methyltransferases (MTases) is associated with various cell processes. Eukaryotic MTase Dnmt3a is the key enzyme that establishes the de novo methylation pattern. A new in vitro assay for DNA methylation by murine MTase Dnmt3a was developed using methyl-dependent restriction endonucleases (MD-REs), which specifically cleave methylated DNA. The Dnmt3a catalytic domain (Dnmt3a-CD) was used together with KroI and PcsI MD-REs. The assay consists in consecutive methylation and cleavage of fluorescently labeled DNA substrates, then the reaction products are visualized in polyacrylamide gel to determine the DNA methylation efficiency. Each MD-RE was tested with various substrates, including partly methylated ones. PcsI was identified as an optimal MD-RE. PcsI recognizes two methylated CpG sites located 7 bp apart, the distance roughly corresponding to the distance between the active centers of the Dnmt3a-CD tetramer. An optimal substrate was designed to contain two methylated cytosine residues and two target cytosines in the orientation suitable for methylation by Dnmt3a-CD. The assay is reliable, simple, and inexpensive and, unlike conventional methods, does not require radioactive compounds. The assay may be used to assess the effectiveness of Dnmt3a inhibitors as potential therapeutic agents and to investigate the features of the Dnmt3a-CD function.
The photoactivatable modified oligonucleotides were used to investigate direct contacts formed by the type IIE restriction endonuclease EcoRII and the T/A bases of its recognition site (5'-CC T / A GG). EcoRII dimer consists of a central catalytic core, made from two C-terminal endonuclease-like domains (EcoRII-C) from different subunits, and two N-terminal effector DNA binding domains (EcoRII-N). According to co-crystal structure of isolated EcoRII-C with DNA catalytic dimer EcoRII-C flips nucleotides of the central T/A pair into the enzyme binding pockets.Нere, photocross-linking technique was used to investigate the direct contacts formed by extrahelical T/A bases in the protein pockets of full-length EcoRII within the pre-reactive EcoRII-DNA complex obtained in the presence of Ca 2+ in solution. Photoreactive zero-length agent 5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine (IdU) was introduced as single substituent into the central T/A position of EcoRII recognition site or into the flanking nucleotide sequences of 14-mer DNA substrate. The substitution of only dT or dA residues of EcoRII recognition site resulted in formation of photocross-links upon irradiation only in the presence of Ca 2+ . Proteolytic digestion of the enzymeoligonucleotide conjugates followed by MALDI-MS analysis have allowed to identify the 224 VEYD 227 EcoRII region involved in the formation of the cross-links. This region belongs to the Abbreviations: DTT, dithiothreitol; IBA, o-iodosobenzoic acid; IdC, 5-iodo-2'-deoxycytidine; IdU, 5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine; NCS, N-chlorosuccinimide; NTCBA, 2-nitro-5-thiocyanobenzoic acid; ON, oligodeoxynucleotide; PAAG, polyacrylamide gel; PAGE, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis; SDS, sodium dodecylsulfate; Tris, tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane.
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