DNA recognition by Escherichia coli CbpA protein requires a conserved arginine-minor-groove interaction
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Authors
Colleges, School and Institutes
External organisations
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Gorlaeus Laboratories, Leiden University, Leiden
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Delft
Abstract
Curved DNA binding protein A (CbpA) is a co-chaperone and nucleoid associated DNA binding protein conserved in most γ-proteobacteria. Best studied in Escherichia coli, CbpA accumulates to >2500 copies per cell during periods of starvation and forms aggregates with DNA. However, the molecular basis for DNA binding is unknown; CbpA lacks motifs found in other bacterial DNA binding proteins. Here, we have used a combination of genetics and biochemistry to elucidate the mechanism of DNA recognition by CbpA. We show that CbpA interacts with the DNA minor groove. This interaction requires a highly conserved arginine side chain. Substitution of this residue, R116, with alanine, specifically disrupts DNA binding by CbpA, and its homologues from other bacteria, whilst not affecting other CbpA activities. The intracellular distribution of CbpA alters dramatically when DNA binding is negated. Hence, we provide a direct link between DNA binding and the behaviour of CbpA in cells.
Details
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 2282-2292 |
Journal | Nucleic Acids Research |
Volume | 43 |
Issue number | 4 |
Early online date | 10 Feb 2015 |
Publication status | Published - 27 Feb 2015 |