JBC, Vol. 254, Issue 22, 11193-11195, Nov, 1979
Search for a DNA gyrase in mammalian mitochondria
F. J. Castora and M. V. Simpson
Incorporation of labeled deoxynucleoside triphosphates into mtDNA by
isolated rat liver mitochondria has been shown previously to reflect DNA
replication. We have used this system to seek evidence for a mtDNA gyrase.
Coumermycin, novobiocin, nalidixic acid, and oxolinic acid are known to be
inhibitors of Escherichia coli gyrase, to inhibit E. coli DNA replication,
to abolish colicin E1 replication, and to depress the supercoiling of phage
lambda DNA, the last two via inhibition of the DNA gyrase. Our results show
that these agents inhibit [3H]dATP incorporation into bulk mtDNA at
concentrations similar to those used for E. coli. Analysis by sucrose
gradient sedimentation confirms the inhibition and shows further that the
synthesis of the highly supercoiled form of mtDNA (i.e. 39 S DNA) is
depressed relative to other mtDNA forms (i.e. 27 S DNA), suggesting an
inhibition of the supercoiling process. Analysis of the DNA by
CsCl/propidium diiodide centrifugation shows, in addition, that incubation
with coumermycin results in the appearance of a mtDNA form shown to be
relaxed mtDNA. The results are consistent with the occurrence of a mtDNA
gyrase and its operation in mtDNA replication.