Homologous pairing in genetic recombination: formation of D loops by combined action of recA protein and a helix-destabilizing protein.

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.77.5.2606
• Publication Date: 2006-05-31T08:13:53Z
• Authors: T Shibata; C DasGupta; R P Cunningham; C M Radding
• Keywords: Branch migration; SOS response; Single-stranded binding protein

Escherichia coli single-strand binding protein (SSB) or phage T4 gene 32 reduced the amount of recA required to catalyze formation D loops from double-stranded DNA and homologous single-stranded fragments. Neither SSB nor alone catalyzed loops, excessive amounts either protein, that were sufficient saturate single strands, inhibited completely. Both stimulatory activity inhibitory resisted boiling, which is consistent with known thermal stability SSB, whereas was inactivated by heating. The in presence both ATP. Spermidine aided combined action forming but Mg2+ as a counterion.