[Specificity of DNA-peptide and DNA-histone interactions in ultraviolet Raman resonance spectroscopy]

Resonance Raman spectra of complexes between DNA and peptides on one hand, DNA and histones on the other, were obtained. Our work has clearly shown a DNA-base recognition by various protides. The basic residues selectively modify the environment of DNA bases: G-C bases for the lysine residues, A-T bases for the arginine residues, wether the residues are alone or included in a protein. This selectivity of interaction has allowed us to confirm the particular role played by H4 in the structure of nucleosomes and specially of the arginine residues.