Molecular insights into DNA binding and anchoring by the Bacillus subtilis sporulation kinetochore-like RacA protein.

ABSTRACT: During Bacillus subtilis sporulation, segregating sister chromosomes are anchored to cell poles and the chromosome is remodeled into an elongated structure called the axial filament. Data indicate that a developmentally regulated protein called RacA is involved in these functions. To gain insight into how RacA performs these diverse processes we performed a battery of structural and biochemical analyses. These studies show that RacA contains an N-terminal winged-helix-turn-helix module connected by a disordered region to a predicted coiled-coil domain. Structures capture RacA binding the DNA using distinct protein-protein interfaces and employing adjustable DNA docking modes. This unique DNA binding mechanism indicates how RacA can both specifically recognize its GC-rich centromere and als

SUBMITTER: Schumacher MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4914108 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature