Interactions between branched DNAs and peptide inhibitors of DNA repair.

ABSTRACT: The RecG helicase of Escherichia coli unwinds both Holliday junction (HJ) and replication fork DNA substrates. Our lab previously identified and characterized peptides (WRWYCR and KWWCRW) that block the activity of RecG on these substrates. We determined that the peptides bind HJ DNA and prevent the binding of RecG. Herein, we present further evidence that the peptides are competitive inhibitors of RecG binding to its substrates. We have generated structural models of interactions between WRWYCR and a junction substrate. Using the fluorescent probe 2-aminopurine, we show that inhibitors interact with highest affinity with HJs (K(d) = 14 nM) and approximately 4- to 9-fold more weakly with replication fork substrates. The fluorescence assay results agree with the structural model, and predic

SUBMITTER: Kepple KV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2532710 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature