The structure of the E. coli recA protein monomer and polymer.
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Story RM, Weber IT, Steitz TA
The structure of the E. coli recA protein monomer and polymer.
Nature. 1992 Jan 23;355(6358):318-25. doi: 10.1038/355318a0.
- PubMed ID
- 1731246 [ View in PubMed]
- Abstract
The crystal structure of the recA protein from Escherichia coli at 2.3-A resolution reveals a major domain that binds ADP and probably single- and double-stranded DNA. Two smaller subdomains at the N and C termini protrude from the protein and respectively stabilize a 6(1) helical polymer of protein subunits and interpolymer bundles. This polymer structure closely resembles that of recA/DNA filaments determined by electron microscopy. Mutations in recA protein that enhance coprotease, DNA-binding and/or strand-exchange activity can be explained if the interpolymer interactions in the crystal reflect a regulatory mechanism in vivo.