Cooperative RecA clustering: the key to efficient homology searching.

ABSTRACT: The mechanism by which pre-synaptic RecA nucleoprotein filaments efficiently locate sequence homology across genomic DNA remains unclear. Here, using atomic force microscopy, we directly investigate the intermediates of the RecA-mediated homologous recombination process and find it to be highly cooperative, involving multiple phases. Initially, the process is dominated by a rapid 'association' phase, where multiple filaments interact on the same dsDNA simultaneously. This cooperative nature is reconciled by the observation of localized dense clusters of pre-synaptic filaments interacting with the observed dsDNA molecules. This confinement of reactive species within the vicinity of the dsDNA, is likely to play an important role in ensuring that a high interaction rate between the nucleoprot

SUBMITTER: Lee AJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5714135 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature