Replication of [AT/TA]25 Microsatellite Sequences by Human DNA Polymerase δ Holoenzymes Is Dependent on dNTP and RPA Levels

Fragile sites are unstable genomic regions that are prone to breakage during stressed DNA replication. Several common fragile sites (CFS) contain A+T-rich regions including perfect [AT/TA] microsatellite repeats that may collapse into hairpins when in single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) form and coincide with chromosomal hotspots for breakage and rearrangements. While many factors contribute to CFS instability, evidence exists for replication stalling within [AT/TA] microsatellite repeats. Currently, it is unknown how stress causes replication stalling within [AT/TA] microsatellite repeats. To investigate this, we utilized FRET to characterize the structures of [AT/TA]25 sequences and also reconstituted lagging strand replication to characterize the progression of pol δ holoenzymes through A+T-rich sequences. The results indicate that [AT/TA]25 sequences adopt hairpins that are unwound by the major ssDNA-binding complex, RPA, and the progression of pol δ holoenzymes through A+T-rich sequences saturated with RPA is dependent on the template sequence and dNTP concentration. Importantly, the effects of RPA on the replication of [AT/TA]25 sequences are dependent on dNTP concentration, whereas the effects of RPA on the replication of A+T-rich, nonstructure-forming sequences are independent of dNTP concentration. Collectively, these results reveal complexities in lagging strand replication and provide novel insights into how [AT/TA] microsatellite repeats contribute to genome instability.