Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Binding Of Transcription Factor Gabr To Dna Requires Recognition Of Dna Shape At A Location Distinct From Its Cognate Binding Site, Dali Liu, Walid A. Al-Zyoud, Robert Mg. Hynson, Lorraine A. Ganuelas, Adelle Cf. Coster, Anthony P. Duff, Matthew Ab. Baker, Alastair G. Stewart, Eleni Giannoulatou, Joshua Wk> Ho, Katharina Gaus, Lawrence K. Lee, Till Böcking

Chemistry: Faculty Publications and Other Works

Mechanisms for transcription factor recognition of specific DNA base sequences are well characterized and recent studies demonstrate that the shape of these cognate binding sites is also important. Here, we uncover a new mechanism where the transcription factor GabR simultaneously recognizes two cognate binding sites and the shape of a 29 bp DNA sequence that bridges these sites. Small-angle X-ray scattering and multi-angle laser light scattering are consistent with a model where the DNA undergoes a conformational change to bend around GabR during binding. In silico predictions suggest that the bridging DNA sequence is likely to be bendable in one …