Single-molecule dynamics of the DNA-EcoRII protein complexes revealed with high-speed atomic force microscopy.

ABSTRACT: The study of interactions of protein with DNA is important for gaining a fundamental understanding of how numerous biological processes occur, including recombination, transcription, repair, etc. In this study, we use the EcoRII restriction enzyme, which employs a three-site binding mechanism to catalyze cleavage of a single recognition site. Using high-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM) to image single-molecule interactions in real time, we were able to observe binding, translocation, and dissociation mechanisms of the EcoRII protein. The results show that the protein can translocate along DNA to search for the specific binding site. Also, once specifically bound at a single site, the protein is capable of translocating along the DNA to locate the second specific binding site. Further

SUBMITTER: Gilmore JL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2784205 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature