Several cellular signaling pathways are regulated by ADP-ribosylation, a posttranslational modification catalyzed by members of the ARTD superfamily. Tankyrases are distinguishable from the rest of this family by their unique domain organization, notably the sterile alpha motif responsible for oligomerization and ankyrin repeats mediating protein-protein interactions. Tankyrases are involved in various cellular functions, such as telomere homeostasis, Wnt/β-catenin signaling, glucose metabolism, and cell cycle progression. In these processes, Tankyrases regulate the interactions and stability of target proteins by poly (ADP-ribosyl)ation. Modified proteins are subsequently recognized by the E3 ubiquitin ligase RNF146, poly-ubiquitinated and predominantly guided to 26S proteasomal degradation. Several small molecule inhibitors have been described for Tankyrases; they compete with the co-substrate NAD+ for binding to the ARTD catalytic domain. The recent, highly potent and selective inhibitors possess several properties of lead compounds and can be used for proof-of-concept studies in cancer and other Tankyrase linked diseases.

Dps-like proteins are key factors involved in the protection of prokaryotic cells from oxidative damage. They act by either oxidizing iron to prevent the formation of oxidative radicals or by forming Dps-DNA complexes to physically protect DNA. All Dps-like proteins are characterized by a common three-dimensional architecture and are found as spherical dodecamers with a hollow central cavity. Despite their structural similarities, recent biochemical and structural data have suggested different functions among members of the family that range from protection inside the cells in response to various stress signals to adhesion and virulence during bacterial infections. Moreover, the Dps-like proteins have lately attracted considerable interest in the field of nanotechnology owing to their ability to act as protein cages for iron and various other metals. A better understanding of their function and mechanism could therefore lead to novel applications in biotechnology and nanotechnology.

Human ARTD2 (or PARP2) is an ADP-ribosyltransferase, which is catalytically activated by binding to damaged DNA. ARTD2 subsequently ADP-ribosylates itself and other proteins, initiating a cascade of events leading to DNA repair. In contrast to ARTD1, the founding member of the enzyme family, ARTD2 does not have specialized zinc-fingers for detecting DNA damage. The domain organization of ARTD2 includes disordered N-terminus, WGR and catalytic domains. However, the N-terminus of ARTD2 is not strictly required for the DNA dependent activity. While it is known that ARTD2 requires the WGR domain for efficient DNA binding and subsequent catalytic activation, the mechanism of DNA damage detection and subsequent catalytic activation are not completely understood. Here, we report crystal structures of ARTD2 WGR domain bound to double-strand break mimicking DNA oligonucleotides. Notably, the crystal structures revealed DNA binding mode of ARTD2 involving DNA end to end interaction. Structures demonstrate how ARTD2 recognizes nicked DNA, how it interacts with the 5′-phosphate group, and how it can mediate joining of DNA ends in vitro. Extensive mutagenesis of the ARTD2-DNA interface combined with activity, binding, and stoichiometry measurements demonstrate that the WGR domain is the key for DNA break detection.