Type III restriction enzymes communicate in 1D without looping between their target sites.
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ABSTRACT: To cleave DNA, Type III restriction enzymes must communicate the relative orientation of two asymmetric recognition sites over hundreds of base pairs. The basis of this long-distance communication, for which ATP hydrolysis by their helicase domains is required, is poorly understood. Several conflicting DNA-looping mechanisms have been proposed, driven either by active DNA translocation or passive 3D diffusion. Using single-molecule DNA stretching in combination with bulk-solution assays, we provide evidence that looping is both highly unlikely and unnecessary, and that communication is strictly confined to a 1D route. Integrating our results with previous data, a simple communication scheme is concluded based on 1D diffusion along DNA.
SUBMITTER: Ramanathan SP
PROVIDER: S-EPMC2633214 | biostudies-literature |
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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