Zhang, HuidongLee, Seung-JooZhu, BinTran, Ngoc Q.Tabor, StanleyRichardson, Charles C.2019-10-052011Zhang, H., S.-J. Lee, B. Zhu, N. Q. Tran, S. Tabor, and C. C. Richardson. 2011. “Helicase-DNA Polymerase Interaction Is Critical to Initiate Leading-Strand DNA Synthesis.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 108 (23): 9372–77. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1106678108.0027-84240744-28311091-6490http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:41483343Interactions between gene 4 helicase and gene 5 DNA polymerase (gp5) are crucial for leading-strand DNA synthesis mediated by the replisome of bacteriophage T7. Interactions between the two proteins that assure high processivity are known but the interactions essential to initiate the leading-strand DNA synthesis remain unidentified. Replacement of solution-exposed basic residues (K587, K589, R590, and R591) located on the front surface of gp5 with neutral asparagines abolishes the ability of gp5 and the helicase to mediate strand-displacement synthesis. This front basic patch in gp5 contributes to physical interactions with the acidic C-terminal tail of the helicase. Nonetheless, the altered polymerase is able to replace gp5 and continue ongoing strand-displacement synthesis. The results suggest that the interaction between the C-terminal tail of the helicase and the basic patch of gp5 is critical for initiation of strand-displacement synthesis. Multiple interactions of T7 DNA polymerase and helicase coordinate replisome movement.en-USJournal Article2019-10-0510.1073/pnas.1106678108