An analysis of subunit exchange in the dimeric DNA-binding and DNA-bending protein, TF1

TF1 is the Bacillus subtilis bacteriophage-encoded dimeric type II DNA-binding protein. This relative of the eubacterial HU proteins and of the Escherichia coli integration host factor binds preferentially to 5-(hydroxymethyluracil)-containing DNA. We have examined the dynamics of exchange of monomer subunits between molecules of dimeric TF1. The analysis takes advantage of the fact that replacement of phenylalanine with arginine at amino acid 61 in the beta-loop 'arm' of TF1 alters DNA-bending and -binding properties, generating DNA complexes with distinctively different mobilities in gel electrophoresis. New species of DNA-protein complexes were formed by mixtures of wild type and mutant TF1, reflecting the formation of heterodimeric TF1, and making the dynamics of monomer exchange between TF1 dimers accessible to a simple gel retardation analysis. Exchange was rapid at high protein concentrations, even at 0 degrees C, and is proposed to be capable of proceeding through an interaction of molecules of TF1 dimer rather than exclusively through dissociation into monomer subunits. Evidence suggesting that DNA-bound TF1 dimers do not exchange subunits readily is also presented.