PICH: A DNA Translocase Specially Adapted for Processing Anaphase Bridge DNA
Research output: Contribution to journal › Journal article › peer-review
The Plk1-interacting checkpoint helicase (PICH) protein localizes to ultrafine anaphase bridges (UFBs) in mitosis alongside a complex of DNA repair proteins, including the Bloom's syndrome protein (BLM). However, very little is known about the function of PICH or how it is recruited to UFBs. Using a combination of microfluidics, fluorescence microscopy, and optical tweezers, we have defined the properties of PICH in an in vitro model of an anaphase bridge. We show that PICH binds with a remarkably high affinity to duplex DNA, resulting in ATP-dependent protein translocation and extension of the DNA. Most strikingly, the affinity of PICH for binding DNA increases with tension-induced DNA stretching, which mimics the effect of the mitotic spindle on a UFB. PICH binding also appears to diminish force-induced DNA melting. We propose a model in which PICH recognizes and stabilizes DNA under tension during anaphase, thereby facilitating the resolution of entangled sister chromatids.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Molecular Cell |
Volume | 51 |
Issue number | 5 |
Pages (from-to) | 691-701 |
Number of pages | 11 |
ISSN | 1097-2765 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 12 Sep 2013 |
- Adenosine Triphosphate, Anaphase, Animals, Chromatids, DNA Helicases, Humans, Microscopy, Fluorescence, Nucleic Acid Heteroduplexes, Nucleosomes, Protein Transport, Recombinant Proteins
Research areas
ID: 88641264