Mechanisms of fast and stringent search in homologous pairing of double-stranded DNA.

ABSTRACT: Self-organization in the cell relies on the rapid and specific binding of molecules to their cognate targets. Correct bindings must be stable enough to promote the desired function even in the crowded and fluctuating cellular environment. In systems with many nearly matched targets, rapid and stringent formation of stable products is challenging. Mechanisms that overcome this challenge have been previously proposed, including separating the process into multiple stages; however, how particular in vivo systems overcome the challenge remains unclear. Here we consider a kinetic system, inspired by homology dependent pairing between double stranded DNA in bacteria. By considering a simplified tractable model, we identify different homology testing stages that naturally occur in the system. In

SUBMITTER: Bitran A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5360337 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature