Structural analysis of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase in higher and lower eukaryotes

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Evolutionary Biology

Background:

• Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) plays a vital role in DNA repair and genomic stability.
• Understanding the evolutionary distribution and structural conservation of PARP is essential for comprehending its function across diverse organisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a phylogenetic survey of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase across various organisms.
• To determine the structural characteristics and evolutionary conservation of the enzyme's catalytic peptides.

Main Methods:

• Enzyme activity analysis using in situ renaturation after electrophoresis in denaturing conditions (activity gel).
• Immunological detection using antiserum against calf thymus poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase.

Main Results:

• Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase activity and a catalytic peptide (Mr = 115,000-120,000) were detected in vertebrates, arthropods, and mollusks.
• The enzyme was absent in echinoderms, nematodes, platyhelminths, thallophytes (including yeast), and bacteria.
• Immunoreactive peptides were found in vertebrates but not in non-vertebrate organisms.

Conclusions:

• The structure of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase is conserved down to mollusks.
• This conservation suggests a significant role for PARP in the DNA metabolism of multicellular organisms.
• The findings provide insights into the evolutionary history and functional importance of PARP.