Revealing Atomic-scale Molecular Diffusion of a Plant Transcription Factor WRKY domain protein along DNA

Transcription factor (TF) target search on genome is highly essential for gene expression and regulation. High-resolution determination of TF diffusion along DNA remains technically challenging. Here we constructed a TF model system of the plant WRKY domain protein in complex with DNA from crystallography and demonstrated microsecond diffusion dynamics of WRKY on the DNA employing all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Notably, we found that WRKY preferentially binds to the Crick strand of DNA with significantly stronger energetic association than to the Watson strand. The preferential binding becomes highly prominent from non-specific to specific DNA binding, but less distinct from static binding to diffusive movements of WRKY on the DNA. Remarkably, without employing acceleration forces or bias, we captured a complete one-base pair (bp) stepping cycle of WRKY tracking along major groove of DNA with homogenous (AT)n sequence, as individual protein-DNA contacts break and reform at the binding interface. Continuous tracking of WRKY forward or backward, with occasional sliding as well as strand crossing to the minor groove of DNA, have also been captured in the simulation. The processive diffusion of WRKY had been confirmed by accompanied single-molecule fluorescence assays and coarse-grained (CG) structural simulations. The study thus provides unprecedented structural dynamics details on the TF diffusion, suggests how TF possibly approaches to gene target, and supports further high-precision experimental follow-up. The stochastic movements revealed in the TF diffusion also provide general clues on how other nucleic acid walkers step and slide along DNA. Significance StatementHow transcription factors search for target genes impact on how quickly and accurately the genes are transcribed and expressed. To locate target sufficiently fast, 1D diffusion of the protein along DNA appears essential. Experimentally, it remains challenging to determine diffusional steps of protein on DNA. Here, we report all-atom equilibrium simulations of a WRKY protein binding and diffusing on DNA, revealing structural dynamics details which have not been identified previously. We unprecedently demonstrate a complete stepping cycle of the protein for one base pair on DNA within microseconds, along with stochastic stepping or sliding, directional switching, and strand crossing. Additionally, we have found preferential DNA strand association of WRKY. These suggest how protein factors approach toward target DNA sequences.