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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2016 Sep 1.
Published in final edited form as: DNA Repair (Amst). 2015 Jun 16;33:43–59. doi: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2015.06.003

Figure 3. Gladiators and WRN helicase inhibition by a polyaromatic hydrocarbon DNA adduct.

Figure 3

Inhibition of WRN helicase activity by a trans-opened BcPh DE adduct residing in the strand opposite to the one WRN translocates is dependent on its stereochemistry and the orientation it projects in the axis of the DNA double helix. Like a gladiator faced toward its enemy to engage in battle (Panel A), the BcPh lesion projecting toward the advancing helicase is thwarted. However, a BcPh lesion projecting in the opposite direction relative to the advancing helicase does not inhibit DNA unwinding, analogous to a rear-facing guard who allows the gladiator to pass by him without being stopped (Panel B). See text for details.