Proteomic analysis of complexes formed by human topoisomerase I

Alicja Czubaty1, Agnieszka Girstun, Barbara Kowalska-Loth

  • 1Institute of Biochemistry, Warsaw University, ul. Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warszawa, Poland.

Insights

Researchers identified 36 nuclear proteins interacting with human topoisomerase I, primarily involved in RNA metabolism. The N-terminal and cap regions of topoisomerase I are key binding sites, with RRM domains crucial for interaction.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Proteomics
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Human topoisomerase I is a nuclear enzyme crucial for DNA relaxation and SR protein phosphorylation.
  • It engages in various protein-protein interactions, suggesting a broader functional role.
  • Understanding these interactions is key to elucidating topoisomerase I's cellular functions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To perform a comprehensive proteomic analysis to identify protein partners of human topoisomerase I.
  • To map the specific regions of topoisomerase I involved in these protein interactions.
  • To characterize the functional roles of the identified interacting proteins.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized co-immunoprecipitation with anti-topoisomerase I antibodies on HeLa nuclear extracts.
  • Employed affinity chromatography with topoisomerase I fragments and mass spectrometry for protein identification.
  • Performed docking calculations to analyze protein-domain interactions.

Main Results:

  • Identified 36 nuclear proteins associated with topoisomerase I, including 29 novel partners.
  • The N-terminal domain and the cap region of the core domain were identified as primary binding sites.
  • A significant portion of cap-binding proteins possess RRM domains, implicated in interaction with the cap region.

Conclusions:

  • Human topoisomerase I interacts with a diverse set of nuclear proteins, predominantly involved in RNA metabolism.
  • The N-terminal and cap regions are critical interaction hubs for topoisomerase I.
  • RRM domains are likely key mediators of interaction between topoisomerase I and associated proteins.