The unusual UBZ domain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae polymerase η.
Journal Article (Journal Article)
Recent research has revealed the presence of ubiquitin-binding domains in the Y family polymerases. The ubiquitin-binding zinc finger (UBZ) domain of human polymerase η is vital for its regulation, localization, and function. Here, we elucidate structural and functional features of the non-canonical UBZ motif of Saccharomyces cerevisiae pol η. Characterization of pol η mutants confirms the importance of the UBZ motif and implies that its function is independent of zinc binding. Intriguingly, we demonstrate that zinc does bind to and affect the structure of the purified UBZ domain, but is not required for its ubiquitin-binding activity. Our finding that this unusual zinc finger is able to interact with ubiquitin even in its apo form adds support to the model that ubiquitin binding is the primary and functionally important activity of the UBZ domain in S. cerevisiae polymerase η. Putative ubiquitin-binding domains, primarily UBZs, are identified in the majority of known pol η homologs. We discuss the implications of our observations for zinc finger structure and pol η regulation.
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Woodruff, RV; Bomar, MG; D'Souza, S; Zhou, P; Walker, GC
Published Date
- November 10, 2010
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 9 / 11
Start / End Page
- 1130 - 1141
PubMed ID
- 20837403
Pubmed Central ID
- PMC2970701
Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)
- 1568-7856
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1016/j.dnarep.2010.08.001
Language
- eng
Conference Location
- Netherlands