H3TH domain of Flap Endonuclease-1, a structure-specific, divalent-metal-ion dependent, 5' nuclease: Eukaryotic homologs.
Members of this subgroup include the H3TH (helix-3-turn-helix) domains of eukaryotic Flap endonuclease-1 (FEN1), 5' nucleases. FEN1 is involved in multiple DNA metabolic pathways, including DNA replication processes (5' flap DNA endonuclease activity and double stranded DNA 5'-exonuclease activity) and DNA repair processes (long-patch base excision repair) in eukaryotes and archaea. Interaction between FEN1 and PCNA (Proliferating cell nuclear antigen) is an essential prerequisite to FEN1's DNA replication functionality and stimulates FEN1 nuclease activity by 10-50 fold. These nucleases contain a PIN (PilT N terminus) domain with a helical arch/clamp region/I domain (not included here) and inserted within the PIN domain is an atypical helix-hairpin-helix-2 (HhH2)-like region. This atypical HhH2 region, the H3TH domain, has an extended loop with at least three turns between the first two helices, and only three of the four helices appear to be conserved. Both the H3TH domain and the helical arch/clamp region are involved in DNA binding. Studies suggest that a glycine-rich loop in the H3TH domain contacts the phosphate backbone of the template strand in the downstream DNA duplex. The nucleases within this subfamily have a carboxylate rich active site that is involved in binding essential divalent metal ion cofactors (Mg2+ or Mn2+) required for nuclease activity. The first metal binding site is composed entirely of Asp/Glu residues from the PIN domain, whereas, the second metal binding site is composed generally of two Asp residues from the PIN domain and one Asp residue from the H3TH domain. Together with the helical arch and network of amino acids interacting with metal binding ions, the H3TH region defines a positively charged active-site DNA-binding groove in structure-specific 5' nucleases. Also, FEN1 has a C-terminal extension containing residues forming the consensus PIP-box - Qxx(M/L/I)xxF(Y/F) which serves to anchor FEN1 to PCNA.
Feature 1:putative DNA binding site [nucleic acid binding site]
Evidence:
Comment:Together with the helical arch and network of amino acids interacting with metal binding ions, the H3TH region defines a positively charged active-site DNA-binding groove in structure-specific 5' nucleases.
Comment:Studies suggest that a glycine-rich loop in the H3TH domain contacts the phosphate backbone of the template strand in the downstream DNA duplex.
Jiyao W et al.(2023). "The conserved domain database in 2023.",