Argonaute bypasses cellular obstacles without hindrance during target search

Tao Ju Cui, Misha Klein, Jorrit W. Hegge, Stanley D. Chandradoss, John Oost, Martin Depken () and Chirlmin Joo ()
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Tao Ju Cui: Delft University of Technology
Misha Klein: Delft University of Technology
Jorrit W. Hegge: Wageningen University
Stanley D. Chandradoss: Delft University of Technology
John Oost: Wageningen University
Martin Depken: Delft University of Technology
Chirlmin Joo: Delft University of Technology

Nature Communications, 2019, vol. 10, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Abstract Argonaute (Ago) proteins are key players in both gene regulation (eukaryotes) and host defense (prokaryotes). Acting on single-stranded nucleic-acid substrates, Ago relies on base pairing between a small nucleic-acid guide and its complementary target sequences for specificity. To efficiently scan nucleic-acid chains for targets, Ago diffuses laterally along the substrate and must bypass secondary structures as well as protein barriers. Using single-molecule FRET in conjunction with kinetic modelling, we reveal that target scanning is mediated through loose protein-nucleic acid interactions, allowing Ago to slide short distances over secondary structures, as well as to bypass protein barriers via intersegmental transfer. Our combined single-molecule experiment and kinetic modelling approach may serve as a platform to dissect search processes and study the effect of sequence on search kinetics for other nucleic acid-guided proteins.

Date: 2019
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12415-y

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