title: Molecular flip-flops formed by overlapping Fis sites.
abstract: The DNA-binding protein Fis frequently uses pairs of sites 7 or 11 base pairs (bp) apart. Two overlapping Fis sites separated by 11 bp are found in the Escherichia coli origin of chromosomal replication. Only one of these sites is bound by Fis at a time, so the structure is a molecular flip-flop that could direct alternative firing of replication complexes in opposite directions. Alternatively, the flip-flop could represent part of an on-off switch for replication. Because they can be used to create precise switched states, molecular flip-flops could be used as the basis of a novel molecular computer.
authors: Intramural Research Support Program, SAIC, NCI Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702-1201, USA.
authors: Paul N
authors: PN
authors: Hengen
authors: Ilya G
authors: IG
authors: Lyakhov
authors: Lisa E
authors: LE
authors: Stewart
authors: Thomas D
authors: TD
authors: Schneider
mesh_terms: D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D001483:Base Sequence; D001665:Binding Sites / Q000235:genetics; D001667:Binding, Competitive; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D019281:Dimerization; D024202:Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000235:genetics; D035021:Factor For Inversion Stimulation Protein / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D008957:Models, Genetic; D008958:Models, Molecular; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009841:Oligonucleotides / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D011485:Protein Binding; D018741:Replication Origin / Q000235:genetics; D012689:Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid
chemical_list: D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; C066312:DnaA protein, Bacteria; D035021:Factor For Inversion Stimulation Protein; D009841:Oligonucleotides