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How Proteins Slide on DNA

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Biophysics of DNA-Protein Interactions

Part of the book series: Biological and Medical Physics, Biomedical Engineering ((BIOMEDICAL))

Abstract

Protein–DNA interactions are required for all the major functions of DNA: ­transcription and regulation, replication and repair, even the packaging of DNA into chromosomes. Not only are protein–DNA interactions crucial for all these cellular activities, but they are also, in our view, among the most fascinating macromolecular­ interactions because of their dynamics. In this chapter, we focus on DNA sliding by proteins, particularly diffusive sliding. Such sliding is typically part of the search for a target on the DNA itself or for another protein bound to the DNA. Of particular interest here are the proteins known as DNA sliding clamps that can remain bound to the DNA while diffusing vast distances along the double helix of DNA. We do not yet know the detailed mechanisms of protein sliding on DNA, but we aim to familiarize the reader with what is known observationally and to provide some discussion of potential mechanisms.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 7000 East Avenue, Livermore, CA, 94550, USA

    Daniel Barsky

Authors
  1. Daniel Barsky
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  2. Ted A. Laurence
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  3. Česlovas Venclovas
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Daniel Barsky .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. Physics, Northeastern University, Forsyth Street 110, Boston, 02115, Massachusetts, USA

    Mark C. Williams

  2. College of Medicine, Dept. Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, First Street SW., 200, Rochester, 55905, Minnesota, USA

    L. James Maher III

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Barsky, D., Laurence, T.A., Venclovas, Č. (2010). How Proteins Slide on DNA. In: Williams, M., Maher, L. (eds) Biophysics of DNA-Protein Interactions. Biological and Medical Physics, Biomedical Engineering. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-92808-1_3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-92808-1_3

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  • Online ISBN: 978-0-387-92808-1

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