Hin-mediated DNA knotting and recombining promote replicon dysfunction and mutation
2007
Hin-mediated DNA knotting and recombination promote replicon dysfunction and mutation
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Deibler Richard W, Mann Jennifer K, Sumners De Witt L, Zechiedrich Lynn
Primary Institution: Baylor College of Medicine
Hypothesis
What are the physiological consequences of DNA knotting and recombination in cells?
Conclusion
DNA reactivity leading to recombined and knotted DNA is potentially toxic and may help drive genetic evolution.
Supporting Evidence
- Hin-mediated DNA knotting and recombination promote replicon loss by blocking DNA replication.
- Hin-mediated DNA knotting and recombination block gene transcription.
- Hin-mediated DNA knotting and recombination cause genetic rearrangements at a rate three to four orders of magnitude higher than unknotted plasmids.
Takeaway
When DNA gets tangled and recombined, it can cause problems for the cell, making it harder for the cell to copy its DNA and make proteins.
Methodology
The study analyzed the effects of recombined and knotted plasmids in E. coli using the Hin site-specific recombination system.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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