title: Superfamily I helicases as modular components of DNA-processing machines.
abstract: Helicases are a ubiquitous and abundant group of motor proteins that couple NTP binding and hydrolysis to processive unwinding of nucleic acids. By targeting this activity to a wide range of specific substrates, and by coupling it with other catalytic functionality, helicases fulfil diverse roles in virtually all aspects of nucleic acid metabolism. The present review takes a look back at our efforts to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of UvrD-like DNA helicases. Using these well-studied enzymes as examples, we also discuss how helicases are programmed by interactions with partner proteins to participate in specific cellular functions.
authors.affiliation: DNA:Protein Interactions Unit, School of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK. Mark.Dillingham@bristol.ac.uk
authors.forename: Mark S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Dillingham
mesh_terms: D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D004247:DNA / Q000378:metabolism*; D004265:DNA Helicases / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D029968:Escherichia coli Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D008958:Models, Molecular; D005810:Multigene Family / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D009692:Nucleic Acid Heteroduplexes / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D000072260:RNA Splicing Factors; D017385:Sequence Homology; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D029968:Escherichia coli Proteins; D009692:Nucleic Acid Heteroduplexes; D000072260:RNA Splicing Factors; C107467:SF1 protein, human; D014157:Transcription Factors; D004247:DNA; C506746:UvrD protein, E coli; D004265:DNA Helicases