forkhead associated (FHA) domain found in aprataxin, bifunctional polynucleotide phosphatase/kinase (PNKP), and similar proteins
The subfamily includes aprataxin and PNKP. Aprataxin (EC 3.6.1.71/EC 3.6.1.72), also called forkhead-associated domain histidine triad-like protein (FHA-HIT), is a DNA-binding protein involved in single-strand DNA break repair, double-strand DNA break repair, and base excision repair. It catalyzes the release of adenylate groups covalently linked to 5'-phosphate termini, resulting in the production of 5'-phosphate termini that can be efficiently rejoined. It can also hydrolyze adenosine 5'-monophosphoramidate (AMP-NH(2)) and diadenosine tetraphosphate (AppppA), but with lower catalytic activity. Likewise, it catalyzes the release of 3'-linked guanosine (DNAppG) and inosine (DNAppI) from DNA but has higher specific activity with 5'-linked adenosine (AppDNA). PNKP (EC 3.1.3.32/EC 2.7.1.78), also called DNA 5'-kinase/3'-phosphatase, or polynucleotide kinase-3'-phosphatase, plays a key role in the repair of DNA damage, functioning as part of both the non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) and base excision repair (BER) pathways. Through its two catalytic activities, PNKP ensures that DNA termini are compatible with extension and ligation by either removing 3'-phosphates from, or by phosphorylating 5'-hydroxyl groups on, the ribose sugar of the DNA backbone. Both aprataxin and PNKP contain an FHA domain at their N-terminus. The FHA domain is a small phosphopeptide recognition module.
Jiyao W et al.(2023). "The conserved domain database in 2023.",