An Essential DnaB Helicase of Bacillus anthracis: Identification, Characterization, and Mechanism of Action

We have described a novel essential replicative DNA helicase from Bacillus anthracis, the identification of its gene, and the elucidation of its enzymatic characteristics. Anthrax DnaB helicase (DnaBBA) is a 453-amino-acid, 50-kDa polypeptide with ATPase and DNA helicase activities. DnaBBA displayed distinct enzymatic and kinetic properties. DnaBBA has low single-stranded DNA (ssDNA)-dependent ATPase activity but possesses a strong 5′→3′ DNA helicase activity. The stimulation of ATPase activity appeared to be a function of the length of the ssDNA template rather than of ssDNA binding alone. The highest specific activity was observed with M13mp19 ssDNA. The results presented here indicated that the ATPase activity of DnaBBA was coupled to its migration on an ssDNA template rather than to DNA binding alone. It did not require nucleotide to bind ssDNA. DnaBBA demonstrated a strong DNA helicase activity that required ATP or dATP. Therefore, DnaBBA has an attenuated ATPase activity and a highly active DNA helicase activity. Based on the ratio of DNA helicase and ATPase activities, DnaBBA is highly efficient in DNA unwinding and its coupling to ATP consumption.