Single-molecule studies of DNA replisome function

Senthil K. Perumal, Hongjun Yue, Zhenxin Hu, Michelle M. Spiering, Stephen J. Benkovic

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

Fast and accurate replication of DNA is accomplished by the interactions of multiple proteins in the dynamic DNA replisome. The DNA replisome effectively coordinates the leading and lagging strand synthesis of DNA. These complex, yet elegantly organized, molecular machines have been studied extensively by kinetic and structural methods to provide an in-depth understanding of the mechanism of DNA replication. Owing to averaging of observables, unique dynamic information of the biochemical pathways and reactions is concealed in conventional ensemble methods. However, recent advances in the rapidly expanding field of single-molecule analyses to study single biomolecules offer opportunities to probe and understand the dynamic processes involved in large biomolecular complexes such as replisomes. This review will focus on the recent developments in the biochemistry and biophysics of DNA replication employing single-molecule techniques and the insights provided by these methods towards a better understanding of the intricate mechanisms of DNA replication.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1094-1112
Number of pages19
JournalBiochimica et Biophysica Acta - Proteins and Proteomics
Volume1804
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2010

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Biophysics
  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology

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