R-Loop in the replication origin of human mitochondrial DNA is resolved by RecG, a Holliday junction-specific helicase

Takashi Ohsato, Tsuyoshi Muta, Atsushi Fukuoh, Hideo Shinagawa, Naotaka Hamasaki, Dongchon Kang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Stable RNA-DNA hybrids (R-loops) prime the initiation of replication in Escherichia coli cells. The R-loops are resolved by Escherichia coli RecG protein, a Holliday junction specific helicase. A stable RNA-DNA hybrid formation in the mitochondrial D-loop region is also implicated in priming the replication of mitochondrial DNA. Consistent with this hypothesis, the 3' ends of the mitochondrial R-loop formed by in vitro transcription are located close to the initiation sites of the mitochondrial DNA replication. This mitochondrial R-loop is resolved by RecG in a dose-dependent manner. Since the resolution by RecG requires ATP, the resolution is dependent on the helicase activity of RecG. A linear RNA-DNA heteroduplex is not resolved by RecG, suggesting that RecG specifically recognizes the higher structure of the mitochondrial R-loop. This is the first example that R-loops of an eukaryotic origin is sensitive to a junction-specific helicase. The resolution of the mitochondrial R-loop by RecG suggests that the replication-priming R-loops have a common structural feature recognized by RecG.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-5
Number of pages5
JournalBiochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
Volume255
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 5 1999

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Biophysics
  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'R-Loop in the replication origin of human mitochondrial DNA is resolved by RecG, a Holliday junction-specific helicase'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this