The energetic basis of specificity in the Eco RI endonuclease--DNA interaction

Science. 1990 Nov 9;250(4982):776-86. doi: 10.1126/science.2237428.

Abstract

High sequence selectivity in DNA-protein interactions was analyzed by measuring discrimination by Eco RI endonuclease between the recognition site GAATTC and systematically altered DNA sites. Base analogue substitutions that preserve the sequence-dependent conformational motif of the GAATTC site permit deletion of single sites of protein-base contact at a cost of +1 to +2 kcal/mol. However, the introduction of any one incorrect natural base pair costs +6 to +13 kcal/mol in transition state interaction energy, the resultant of the following interdependent factors: deletion of one or two hydrogen bonds between the protein and a purine base; unfavourable steric apposition between a group on the protein and an incorrectly placed functional group on a base; disruption of a pyrimidine contact with the protein; loss of some crucial interactions between protein and DNA phosphates; and an increased energetic cost of attaining the required DNA conformation in the transition state complex. Eco RI endonuclease thus achieves stringent discrimination by both "direct readout" (protein-base contracts) and "indirect readout" (protein-phosphate contacts and DNA conformation) of the DNA sequence.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Base Sequence
  • Binding Sites
  • DNA / chemistry
  • DNA / genetics
  • DNA / metabolism*
  • Deoxyribonuclease EcoRI / chemistry
  • Deoxyribonuclease EcoRI / metabolism*
  • Energy Transfer
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Nucleic Acid Conformation
  • Phosphates / metabolism
  • Substrate Specificity

Substances

  • Phosphates
  • DNA
  • Deoxyribonuclease EcoRI