Branched DNA molecules play critical roles in replication, repair and recombination; they are also key building blocks for the self-assembly of DNA nanostructures and nanomechanical devices. We have combined single-molecule multi-parameter fluorescence detection of FRET and molecular dynamics simulations to determine the global structure of a branched DNA molecule in solution, free of interference from sample heterogeneity and surface effects [1]. We revealed an open, planar structure of a forked DNA molecule with three duplex arms and demonstrated an ion-induced conformational change. These structures serve as the benchmark for our ongoing studies of forked DNA and their interactions with repair enzymes and accessory proteins. Our recent work on three-way DNA junctions, will also be presented.[1] T. Sabir, G.F. Schr�der, A. Toulmin, P. McGlynn and S.W. Magennis, Global structure of forked DNA in solution revealed by high-resolution single-molecule FRET, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2011  , 133, 1188-1191.

Global structure of branched DNA using high-resolution single-molecule FRET

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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