Identification of putative DnaN-binding motifs in plasmid replication initiation proteins.
Recently the plasmid RK2 replication initiation protein, TrfA, has been shown to bind to the beta subunit of DNA Polymerase III (DnaN) via a short pentapeptide with the consensus QL[S/D]LF. A second consensus peptide, the hexapeptide QLxLxL, has also been demonstrated to mediate binding to DnaN. Here we describe the results of a comprehensive survey of replication initiation proteins encoded by bacterial plasmids to identify putative DnaN-binding sites. Both pentapeptide and hexapeptide motifs have been identified in a number of families of replication initiation proteins. The distribution of sites is sporadic and closely related families of proteins may differ in the presence, location, or type of putative DnaN-binding motif. Neither motif has been identified in replication initiation proteins encoded by plasmids that replicate via rolling circles or strand displacement. The results suggest that the recruitment of DnaN to the origin of replication of a replisome by plasmid replication initiation proteins is not generally required for plasmid replication, but that in some cases it may be beneficial for efficiency of replication initiation.
Dalrymple
Brian P
BP
CSIRO Livestock Industries, Queensland Bioscience Precinct, 306 Carmody Road, St Lucia, Qld. 4067, Australia.
Kongsuwan
Kritaya
K
Wijffels
Gene
G
D020816:Amino Acid Motifs; D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D004258:DNA Polymerase III / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D010957:Plasmids; D011485:Protein Binding; D021122:Protein Subunits / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D021122:Protein Subunits; D004258:DNA Polymerase III