Systematic DNA nicking reveals the structural logic of protein recognition.

ABSTRACT: Transcription factors (TFs) bind to specific genomic sites to regulate gene expression^1,2. These interactions almost universally require DNA deformation and the accumulation of local mechanical strain within the double helix. As a result, TF-DNA recognition is determined not only by the linear base sequence but also by the spatial alignment of bases and phosphates, as well as their ability to adopt and retain structural deformations³. However, the sequence-centric focus of existing studies makes it challenging to directly probe DNA structural determinants and to decouple their impact from alterations in base sequences, limiting our ability to unravel the key factors influencing binding beyond the sequence identity and leaving significant gaps in our understanding of t

SUBMITTER: Yao YM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12236790 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature