Two replication initiators - one mechanism for replication origin opening?

Plasmid. 2014 Nov:76:72-8. doi: 10.1016/j.plasmid.2014.10.003. Epub 2014 Oct 18.

Abstract

DNA replication initiation has been well-characterized; however, studies in the past few years have shown that there are still important discoveries to be made. Recent publications concerning the bacterial DnaA protein have revealed how this replication initiator, via interaction with specific sequences within the origin region, causes local destabilization of double stranded DNA. Observations made in the context of this bacterial initiator have also been converging with those recently made for plasmid Rep proteins. In this mini review we discuss the relevance of new findings for the RK2 plasmid replication initiator, TrfA, with regard to new data on the structure of complexes formed by the chromosomal replication initiator DnaA. We discuss structure-function relationships of replication initiation proteins.

Keywords: DNA replication initiation; DnaA; Plasmid RK2; Rep proteins.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Proteins / genetics
  • Bacterial Proteins / metabolism
  • DNA Helicases / genetics
  • DNA Helicases / metabolism
  • DNA Replication
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Escherichia coli Proteins / genetics
  • Escherichia coli Proteins / metabolism*
  • Plasmids / genetics*
  • Replication Origin*

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • DnaA protein, Bacteria
  • Escherichia coli Proteins
  • TrfA protein, E coli
  • rep protein, E coli
  • DNA Helicases