positive regulation of DNA helicase activity

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

Any process that activates or increases the frequency, rate or extent of ATP-dependent DNA helicase activity. [GOC:rb, GOC:TermGenie, PMID:13679365, PMID:19734539]

Positive regulation of DNA helicase activity is a crucial process in DNA replication, repair, and recombination. DNA helicases are molecular motors that unwind the double-stranded DNA helix, separating the two strands to provide access to the genetic information encoded within. These enzymes play a vital role in a variety of cellular processes, including DNA replication, repair, recombination, and transcription. The positive regulation of DNA helicase activity involves the precise control of the initiation, progression, and termination of helicase activity. This control ensures that the unwinding of DNA occurs at the appropriate time and place, preventing damage to the genome and facilitating the efficient execution of various DNA-dependent processes. A key factor in the positive regulation of DNA helicase activity is the interaction of helicases with other proteins. These interactions can involve the recruitment of helicases to specific DNA regions, the activation of their catalytic activity, or the modulation of their processivity. For instance, in DNA replication, the origin recognition complex (ORC) binds to specific DNA sequences called origins of replication, initiating the assembly of the pre-replication complex (pre-RC). The pre-RC contains various factors, including helicases, that are necessary for the initiation of DNA unwinding. Other proteins involved in positive regulation of DNA helicase activity include: - **Replication protein A (RPA):** This single-stranded DNA binding protein stabilizes the unwound DNA strands, preventing their re-annealing and providing a suitable substrate for other DNA processing enzymes. - **DNA polymerase:** DNA polymerases are responsible for synthesizing new DNA strands using the unwound template strands as a guide. The interaction of DNA polymerase with helicases ensures coordinated DNA unwinding and synthesis. - **Topoisomerases:** These enzymes relieve the torsional stress that builds up during DNA unwinding, preventing the formation of supercoils and ensuring efficient DNA replication. - **Checkpoint proteins:** These proteins monitor the integrity of the replication process and activate checkpoints if errors are detected. Checkpoints can halt DNA replication and activate repair pathways to ensure the fidelity of DNA duplication. The regulation of DNA helicase activity is a complex process involving multiple factors and interactions. These interactions are tightly controlled and coordinated to ensure that DNA unwinding occurs efficiently, accurately, and in a timely manner, allowing for the proper execution of DNA replication, repair, and recombination.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (1)