Bacterial single-stranded (ss) DNA-binding proteins (SSBs) bind and protect ssDNA intermediates formed during cellular DNA replication, recombination and repair reactions. SSBs also form complexes with an array of genome maintenance enzymes via their conserved C-terminal tail (SSB-Ct) elements. In many cases, complex formation with SSB stimulates the biochemical activities of its protein partne...

A sensitive and rapid in situ method was developed to visualize sites of single-stranded (ss) DNA in cultured cells and in experimental test animals. Anti-bromodeoxyuridine antibody recognizes the halogenated base analog incorporated into chromosomal DNA only when substituted DNA is in the single strand form. After treatment of cells with DNA-damaging agents or gamma irradiation, ssDNA molecule...

We study the dynamics of a linearly distributed line charge such as single stranded DNA (ssDNA) in a nanoscale, linear 2D Paul trap in vacuum. Using molecular dynamics simulations we show that a line charge can be trapped effectively in the trap for a well defined range of stability parameters. We investigated (i) a flexible bonded string of charged beads and (ii) a ssDNA polymer of variable le...

Immunoglobulin diversification is driven by activation-induced deaminase (AID), which converts cytidine to uracil within the Ig variable (IgV) regions. Central to the recruitment of AID to the IgV genes are factors that regulate the generation of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), the enzymatic substrate of AID Here, we report that chicken DT40 cells lacking variant histone H3.3 exhibit reduced IgV s...

We have investigated the structure of single-stranded (ss) DNA self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold by combining peak force tapping, Kelvin probe and phase contrast atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques. The adhesion, surface potential and phase shift signals show heterogeneities in the DNA film structure at two levels: microscale and nanoscale; which cannot be clearly discerned in the t...

We report single-molecule measurements on the folding and unfolding conformational equilibrium distributions and dynamics of a disulfide crosslinked version of the two-stranded coiled coil from GCN4. The peptide has a fluorescent donor and acceptor at the N termini of its two chains and a Cys disulfide near its C terminus. Thus, folding brings the two N termini of the two chains close together,...

Structural studies of the Bacillus stearothermophilus PcrA protein along with biochemical studies of the single-stranded (ss) DNA translocation activity of PcrA monomers have led to the suggestion that a PcrA monomer possesses processive helicase activity in vitro. Yet definitive studies testing whether the PcrA monomer possesses processive helicase activity have not been performed. Here we sho...

Single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) with repetitive sequence was demonstrated to be a versatile nanotemplate for introducing biological activity in a self-assembled manner. Re-functionalization and rejuvenation of the ssDNA nanotemplate were achieved under mild biological conditions without using high temperature and strong alkaline treatment to denature DNA.

Using single stranded DNA (ssDNA) as a distance controller and Au nanoparticles (NPs) functionalized with ssDNA as novel energy-transfer nanoprobes, an ultrasensitive energy-transfer based photoelectrochemical protein biosensor was realized.

Self-assembly of structurally tunned nearly monodispersed HgTe ssDNA nanostars of average size 1.4 nm have been achieved by manipulating HgTe nanoparticles using single stranded (ss) DNA under galvanostatic condition. The nanostars are linked with one another by ssDNA of length 0.35 nm. Whereas, HgTe nanoparticles without ssDNA complexation show a polycrystalline character with size in the rang...