Integrating prokaryotes and eukaryotes: DNA transposases in light of structure.

ABSTRACT: DNA rearrangements are important in genome function and evolution. Genetic material can be rearranged inadvertently during processes such as DNA repair, or can be moved in a controlled manner by enzymes specifically dedicated to the task. DNA transposases comprise one class of such enzymes. These move DNA segments known as transposons to new locations, without the need for sequence homology between transposon and target site. Several biochemically distinct pathways have evolved for DNA transposition, and genetic and biochemical studies have provided valuable insights into many of these. However, structural information on transposases - particularly with DNA substrates - has proven elusive in most cases. On the other hand, large-scale genome sequencing projects have led to an explosion in t

SUBMITTER: Hickman AB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3107681 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature