The structure of a stable intermediate in the A <--> B DNA helix transition.

Ng, H L; Kopka, M L; Dickerson, R E · Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A · 2000

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

The DNA dodecamer CATGGGCCCATG in a crystal structure of resolution 1.3 A has a conformation intermediate between A and B DNA. This trapping of a stable intermediate suggests that the A and B DNA families are not discrete, as previously believed. The structure supports a base-centered rather than a backbone-centered mechanism for the A <--> B transition mediated by guanine tracts. Interconversion between A and B DNA provides another means for regulating protein-DNA recognition.

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