DNA strand exchange mediated by a RAD51-ssDNA nucleoprotein filament with polarity opposite to that of RecA

Patrick Sung, Donald L. Robberson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

437 Scopus citations

Abstract

Yeast RAD51 gene functions in genetic recombination and DNA double-strand break repair. In vitro, in the presence of ATP and replication protein A, RAD51 protein pairs single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) with homologous double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) and catalyzes strand exchange between the synapsed DNA partners. Electron microscopic analyses showthat RAD51 forms helical filaments on both ssDNA and dsDNA, in which the DNA is highly extended. However, results presented here indicate that only the RAD51-ssDNA nucleoprotein filament is functionally relevant. Strand exchange is arrested when heterology is encountered in the duplex partner, and analysis of the configuration of the terminal joint thus formed reveals that pairing and strand exchange initiate at the 5′ end of the complementary strand in the linear duplex, a reaction polarity opposite to that of the bacterial prototype RecA.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)453-461
Number of pages9
JournalCell
Volume82
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 11 1995
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

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