The DDN catalytic motif is required for Metnase functions in non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) repair and replication restart

Abstract

Background: Metnase, a transposase-containing DNA repair protein, retains DNA cleavage activity with a DDN motif. Results: Substitution with the ancestral transposase DDD/DDE catalytic motif results in a decrease in ssDNA binding and ss-overhang cleavage activities. Conclusion: The DDN motif is required for Metnase DNA repair activities. Significance: Understanding the requirements for catalytic activity provides insights on how Metnase functions as a DNA repair protein. © 2014 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc. Published in the U.S.A.