YY1-DNA interaction results in a significant change of electronic context as measured by capacitance

Biophys Chem. 2003 Jan 21;103(2):109-15. doi: 10.1016/s0301-4622(02)00236-3.

Abstract

The detailed mechanism behind the processes of DNA-dependent RNA transcription initiation is largely unknown. When transcription initiation factors bind DNA, a significant change in the electrostatic state of the complex can result. Using electrical capacitance measurements of solutions of the YY1 zinc finger transcription initiation factor and the adeno-associated viral P5 promoter DNA, we observed a specific dielectric change when a protein-DNA complex was formed. We propose that complexation results in electrostatic changes that may trigger the markedly different electrical behavior, and offer a possible explanation for our results.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adenoviridae / genetics
  • Animals
  • DNA / chemistry*
  • DNA / metabolism
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / chemistry*
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Electric Capacitance
  • Electrons*
  • Erythroid-Specific DNA-Binding Factors
  • Humans
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • Protein Binding
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Static Electricity
  • Transcription Factors / chemistry*
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • YY1 Transcription Factor

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Erythroid-Specific DNA-Binding Factors
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Transcription Factors
  • YY1 Transcription Factor
  • YY1 protein, human
  • DNA