Modulated control of DNA supercoiling balance by the DNA-wrapping domain of bacterial gyrase.

ABSTRACT: Negative supercoiling by DNA gyrase is essential for maintaining chromosomal compaction, transcriptional programming, and genetic integrity in bacteria. Questions remain as to how gyrases from different species have evolved profound differences in their kinetics, efficiency, and extent of negative supercoiling. To explore this issue, we analyzed homology-directed mutations in the C-terminal, DNA-wrapping domain of the GyrA subunit of Escherichia coli gyrase (the 'CTD'). The addition or removal of select, conserved basic residues markedly impacts both nucleotide-dependent DNA wrapping and supercoiling by the enzyme. Weakening CTD-DNA interactions slows supercoiling, impairs DNA-dependent ATP hydrolysis, and limits the extent of DNA supercoiling, while simultaneously enhancing decatenation a

SUBMITTER: Hobson MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7038939 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature