DNA recognition by beta-sheets
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Updated: Oct 28, 2026

Characterization of pH-Dependent Reversible Self-Assembly of Amyloid Beta 1-40-Coated Gold Colloids
Published on: March 21, 2025
M Tateno1, K Yamasaki, N Amano
1AIST-NIBHT CREST Centre of Structural Biology, Tsukuba, Japan.
Abstract:
The modes of DNA recognition by beta-sheets are analyzed by using the known crystal and solution three-dimensional structures of DNA-protein complexes. Close fitting of the protein surface and the DNA surface determines the binding geometry. Interaction takes place so that essentially the N-to-C direction of the beta-strands either follows or crosses the DNA groove. Upon following the major groove a two-stranded antiparallel beta-sheet dives into the groove and contacts DNA bases with its convex side facing the DNA, while upon following the minor groove, it binds around the sugar-phosphate backbones, with its opposite concave side shielding the DNA. In order for the beta-strands crossing the minor groove to interact with the DNA, the dinucleotide steps need to almost totally helically untwist and roll around major groove. The beta-sheet, on the other hand, needs to adopt a concave curvature on the binding surface in the direction that follows the DNA minor groove, and a convex surface in the direction that bridges the sugar-phosphate backbones across the groove. The result is to produce a hyperbolic paraboloidal DNA-binding surface.
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