Sequential binding of SeqA to paired hemi-methylated GATC sequences mediates formation of higher order complexes

J Biol Chem. 2003 Sep 12;278(37):34983-9. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M304923200. Epub 2003 Jun 24.

Abstract

Preferential binding of the SeqA protein to hemi-methylated GATC sequences functions as a negative regulator for Escherichia coli initiation of chromosomal replication at oriC and is implicated in segregating replicated chromosomes for cell division. We demonstrate that sequential binding of one SeqA tetramer to a set of two hemi-methylated sites mediates formation of higher-order complexes. The absence of cross-binding to separate DNAs suggests that two monomers of a SeqA tetramer bind to two hemi-methylated sites on DNA. The interaction among SeqA proteins bound to at least six adjacent hemi-methylated sites induces aggregation of free proteins to bound proteins. Aggregation might be indicative of SeqA foci, which appear to track replication forks in vivo. Studies of the properties of SeqA binding will contribute to our understanding of the function of SeqA.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins
  • Base Sequence
  • Binding Sites
  • Biotinylation
  • DNA Footprinting
  • DNA, Bacterial / chemistry*
  • DNA, Bacterial / metabolism
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Escherichia coli / genetics
  • Escherichia coli / metabolism*
  • Escherichia coli Proteins / metabolism*
  • Methylation
  • Mutagenesis, Site-Directed
  • Oligodeoxyribonucleotides / chemistry*
  • Oligodeoxyribonucleotides / metabolism
  • Replication Origin / genetics
  • Restriction Mapping
  • Transcription Factors / chemistry
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism*

Substances

  • Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins
  • DNA, Bacterial
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Escherichia coli Proteins
  • Oligodeoxyribonucleotides
  • SeqA protein, E coli
  • Transcription Factors