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Packing DNA with proteins

In regard of the CIPSNAC objectives, “ Group DNA” and especially the recently recruited ER went down two routes of research. One was a rather unconventional approach to DNA packing by binding and polymerizing RecA protein around DNA, which also might have possible outcome in the CIPSNAC field of interest like biochips. It will immediately result in publications on kinetics of RecA binding to DNA, and eventually in description of liquid crystalline phases we prepared from these complexes. A possible application is envisaged for this system in the field of DNA sensing. ER T.Vuletic has already submitted a related project proposal in his country of origin, where continued cooperation with CIPSNAC collaborators is envisaged. The other route, the research into the phase behavior of DNA/polycation systems is of definitive fundamental interest, with repercussions for gene delivery systems, as another field of research for the Network. While this is the subject of a Ph.D. student A.Toma and her supervisor E.Raspaud ; ER R.C.Evans has recently come over from CIPSNAC node in Coimbra, Portugal, to help open up fluorescence studies, a feat made possible by her previous training as CIPSNAC ESR in Coimbra. The accomplished successful fluorescence labeling of protamines (proteins - polycations) will lead to a novel way of study of DNA/protamine complexation process.

RecA protein; liquid crystals; persistence length; protein-DNA interaction

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