Structure of the MutLα C-terminal domain reveals how Mlh1 contributes to Pms1 endonuclease site

Nat Struct Mol Biol. 2013 Apr;20(4):461-8. doi: 10.1038/nsmb.2511. Epub 2013 Feb 24.

Abstract

Mismatch-repair factors have a prominent role in surveying eukaryotic DNA-replication fidelity and in ensuring correct meiotic recombination. These functions depend on MutL-homolog heterodimers with Mlh1. In humans, MLH1 mutations underlie half of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancers (HNPCCs). Here we report crystal structures of the MutLα (Mlh1-Pms1 heterodimer) C-terminal domain (CTD) from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, alone and in complex with fragments derived from Mlh1 partners. These structures reveal structural rearrangements and additional domains in MutLα as compared to the bacterial MutL counterparts and show that the strictly conserved C terminus of Mlh1 forms part of the Pms1 endonuclease site. The structures of the ternary complexes between MutLα(CTD) and Exo1 or Ntg2 fragments reveal the binding mode of the MIP-box motif shared by several Mlh1 partners. Finally, the structures provide a rationale for the deleterious impact of MLH1 mutations in HNPCCs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / chemistry*
  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / metabolism
  • DNA Repair Enzymes / chemistry*
  • DNA Repair Enzymes / metabolism
  • Endonucleases / chemistry*
  • Endonucleases / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Models, Molecular
  • MutL Protein Homolog 1
  • MutL Proteins
  • Nuclear Proteins / chemistry*
  • Nuclear Proteins / metabolism
  • Protein Structure, Secondary

Substances

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • MLH1 protein, human
  • MutLalpha protein, human
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Endonucleases
  • MutL Protein Homolog 1
  • MutL Proteins
  • DNA Repair Enzymes

Associated data

  • PDB/4E4W
  • PDB/4FMN
  • PDB/4FMO