Structural basis for DNA damage-dependent poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation by human PARP-1.
Langelier, M.F., Planck, J.L., Roy, S., Pascal, J.M.(2012) Science 336: 728-732
- PubMed: 22582261 
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1216338
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:  
4DQY - PubMed Abstract: 
Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) (ADP, adenosine diphosphate) has a modular domain architecture that couples DNA damage detection to poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation activity through a poorly understood mechanism. Here, we report the crystal structure of a DNA double-strand break in complex with human PARP-1 domains essential for activation (Zn1, Zn3, WGR-CAT). PARP-1 engages DNA as a monomer, and the interaction with DNA damage organizes PARP-1 domains into a collapsed conformation that can explain the strong preference for automodification. The Zn1, Zn3, and WGR domains collectively bind to DNA, forming a network of interdomain contacts that links the DNA damage interface to the catalytic domain (CAT). The DNA damage-induced conformation of PARP-1 results in structural distortions that destabilize the CAT. Our results suggest that an increase in CAT protein dynamics underlies the DNA-dependent activation mechanism of PARP-1.
Organizational Affiliation: 
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.