The human RecQ helicases BLM and RECQL4 cooperate to preserve genome stability.

ABSTRACT: Bacteria and yeast possess one RecQ helicase homolog whereas humans contain five RecQ helicases, all of which are important in preserving genome stability. Three of these, BLM, WRN and RECQL4, are mutated in human diseases manifesting in premature aging and cancer. We are interested in determining to which extent these RecQ helicases function cooperatively. Here, we report a novel physical and functional interaction between BLM and RECQL4. Both BLM and RECQL4 interact in vivo and in vitro. We have mapped the BLM interacting site to the N-terminus of RECQL4, comprising amino acids 361-478, and the region of BLM encompassing amino acids 1-902 interacts with RECQL4. RECQL4 specifically stimulates BLM helicase activity on DNA fork substrates in vitro. The in vivo interaction between RECQL4 and

SUBMITTER: Singh DK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3413146 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature