Evidence for a HeLa nuclear protein that binds specifically to the single-stranded d(CCCTAA)n telomeric motif

Nucleic Acids Res. 1996 Oct 15;24(20):4029-33. doi: 10.1093/nar/24.20.4029.

Abstract

In recent years several telomere binding proteins from eukaryotic organisms have been identified that are able to recognise specifically the duplex telomeric DNA repeat or the G-rich 3'-ending single strand. In this paper we present experimental evidence that HeLa nuclear extracts contain a protein that binds with high specificity to the single-stranded complementary d(CCCTAA)n repeat. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays show that the oligonucleotide d(CCCTAACCCTAACCCTAACCCT) forms a stable complex with this protein in the presence of up to 1000-fold excesses of single-stranded DNA and RNA competitors, but is prevented from doing so in the presence of its complementary strand. SDS-PAGE experiments after UV cross-linking of the complex provide an estimate of 50 kDa for the molecular weight of this protein.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • DNA, Single-Stranded / chemistry
  • DNA, Single-Stranded / metabolism
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Nuclear Proteins / chemistry
  • Nuclear Proteins / metabolism*
  • Oligodeoxyribonucleotides / chemistry
  • Oligodeoxyribonucleotides / metabolism
  • Repetitive Sequences, Nucleic Acid / genetics
  • Ultraviolet Rays

Substances

  • DNA, Single-Stranded
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Oligodeoxyribonucleotides