Geometry of Braided DNA Dictates Supercoiling Partition.

ABSTRACT: During DNA replication, the replisome must rotate relative to the DNA substrate, generating supercoiling that must be partitioned in front of or behind the replisome. Supercoiling partitioned behind the replisome may intertwine (or braid) daughter DNA molecules and restrict chromosome segregation. Supercoiling partitioning and torsional resistance at the replisome should depend on the geometry of the two daughter DNA molecules, determined by their end separations. However, experimental investigation of DNA braiding under well-defined DNA geometry has proven challenging. Here, we present methods to engineer braiding substrates of defined geometry, from minimal to significant end separations. We then directly measured the torque required to braid these substrates using an angular optical tra

SUBMITTER: Hong Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11482784 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature