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Abstract / Description of output
DNA transposases facilitate genome rearrangements by moving DNA transposons around and between genomes by a cut-and-paste mechanism. DNA transposition proceeds in an ordered series of nucleoprotein complexes that coordinate pairing and cleavage of the transposon ends and integration of the cleaved ends at a new genomic site. Transposition is initiated by transposase recognition of the inverted repeat sequences marking each transposon end. Using a combination of solution scattering and biochemical techniques, we have determined the solution conformations and stoichiometries of DNA-free Mos1 transposase and of the transposase bound to a single transposon end. We show that Mos1 transposase is an elongated homodimer in the absence of DNA and that the N-terminal 55 residues, containing the first helix-turn-helix motif, are required for dimerization. This arrangement is remarkably different from the compact, crossed architecture of the dimer in the Mos1 paired-end complex (PEC). The transposase remains elongated when bound to a single-transposon end in a pre-cleavage complex, and the DNA is bound predominantly to one transposase monomer. We propose that a conformational change in the single-end complex, involving rotation of one half of the transposase along with binding of a second transposon end, could facilitate PEC assembly.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 2020-2033 |
Journal | Nucleic Acids Research |
Volume | 41 |
Issue number | 3 |
Early online date | 22 Dec 2012 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2012 |
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Dive into the research topics of 'Solution conformations of early intermediates in Mos1 transposition'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
- 2 Finished
Activities
- 1 Participation in conference
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Neutrons in Biology and Biotechnology (NIBB)
Julia Richardson (Organiser)
Feb 2014Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Participation in conference