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A protein that looks like DNA! The fundamental interactions required for DNA mimicry

ReferenceC17860
Principal Investigator / Supervisor Dr David Dryden
Co-Investigators /
Co-Supervisors
Institution University of Edinburgh
DepartmentSch of Chemistry
Funding typeResearch
Value (£) 164,924
StatusCompleted
TypeResearch Grant
Start date 01/06/2003
End date 31/05/2006
Duration36 months

Abstract

We have solved the first structure of a protein that mimics B-form DNA. This structural mimicry enables it to inhibit totally the activity of an entire group of DNA-binding enzymes, the type I DNA restriction and modification enzymes. We wish to combine rigorous thermodynamic and kinetic approaches with protein engineering to determine how the DNA mimicry operates and to compare this novel mechanism with the normal DNA binding process of the R and M enzymes. An understanding of how DNA mimicry by proteins is achieved in structural, energetic and kinetic terms will provide a foundation for the development of a new area of proteinaceous DNA mimics to produce research tools, diagnostic tests and, possibly, therapeutic materials.

Summary

unavailable
Committee Closed Committee - Biochemistry & Cell Biology (BCB)
Research TopicsX – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research PriorityX – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative X - not in an Initiative
Funding SchemeX – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme
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