Damage in DNA can lead to errors in replication and transcription, consequently compromising the integrity of the genome. We have proposed a model where repair proteins, containing redox-active [4Fe-4S]2+clusters, utilize DNA charge transport (CT) to scan DNA for lesions. Based on this model, repair proteins that perform DNA CT efficiently will redistribute onto strands that contain lesions/mismatches that inhibit CT. Using single-molecule atomic force microscopy (AFM) we have probed the redistribution of repair proteins from distinct repair pathways (nucleotide excision repair and base excision repair). Our results not only show a general link between the ability of a repair protein to carry out DNA CT and its ability to redistribute onto DNA strands near damage but also provide evidence for coordinated DNA CT between repair proteins.

DNA charge transport as a first step in lesion detection by repair proteins: Atomic force microscopy to visualize enzyme distribution

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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