PMID: 18974222 , Related PDB ids: 2VS7, 2VS8

Authors:

Marcaida MJ, Prieto J, Redondo P, Nadra AD, Alibes A, Serrano L, Grizot S, Duchateau P, Paques F, Blanco FJ, Montoya G

Title:

Crystal structure of I-DmoI in complex with its target DNA provides new insights into meganuclease engineering.

Journal:

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2008 Nov 4;105(44):16888-93. Epub 2008 Oct 30.

Abstract:

Homing endonucleases, also known as meganucleases, are sequence-specific enzymes with large DNA recognition sites. These enzymes can be used to induce efficient homologous gene targeting in cells and plants, opening perspectives for genome engineering with applications in a wide series of fields, ranging from biotechnology to gene therapy. Here, we report the crystal structures at 2.0 and 2.1 A resolution of the I-DmoI meganuclease in complex with its substrate DNA before and after cleavage, providing snapshots of the catalytic process. Our study suggests that I-DmoI requires only 2 cations instead of 3 for DNA cleavage. The structure sheds light onto the basis of DNA binding, indicating key residues responsible for nonpalindromic target DNA recognition. In silico and in vivo analysis of the I-DmoI DNA cleavage specificity suggests that despite the relatively few protein-base contacts, I-DmoI is highly specific when compared with other meganucleases. Our data open the door toward the generation of custom endonucleases for targeted genome engineering using the monomeric I-DmoI scaffold.