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Bent DNA functions as a replication enhancer in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
J S Williams1, T T Eckdahl, J N Anderson
1Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907.
Molecular and Cellular Biology
|July 1, 1988
Summary
DNA bending is essential for Saccharomyces cerevisiae autonomously replicating sequences (ARSs). Synthetic bent DNA restored ARS function, suggesting the bent DNA structure is crucial for replication origins.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Yeast Genetics
- DNA Structure
Background:
- Bent DNA is a conserved feature of Saccharomyces cerevisiae autonomously replicating sequences (ARSs).
- Bending elements are located within ARS subdomains known as replication enhancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To directly test the functional role of DNA bending in ARS activity.
- To investigate if the bent DNA structure itself is critical for ARS function.
Main Methods:
- Analyzing ARS activity of plasmids with synthetic bent DNA replacing the natural bending element in yeast ARS1.
- Comparing ARS activity between plasmids with and without the natural bending locus.
Main Results:
- Deletion of the natural bending locus significantly impaired ARS activity.
- Restoration of ARS activity to near wild-type levels was achieved using synthetic bent DNA.
- Sequence patterns responsible for DNA bending were common to both natural and synthetic elements.
Conclusions:
- The bent DNA structure, rather than specific sequences alone, is crucial for ARS function.
- DNA bending plays a significant role in the initiation of DNA replication in yeast.