What is a DNA translocase?
DNA translocases are motor proteins that convert the chemical energy of ATP hydrolysis into directional movement along DNA. We have used DNA curtains to study the movement of the motor proteins RecBCD and FtsK.
What does the FtsK protein do?
FtsK is a multifunctional protein that acts in Escherichia coli cell division and chromosome segregation. Its C-terminal domain is required for XerCD-mediated recombination between dif sites that resolve chromosome dimers formed by recombination between sister chromosomes.
What is FtsK?
FtsK, and specifically its C-domain, functions as DNA pump, interacts with other cell division proteins, and intervenes in the regulation of the Xer recombination process. FtsK belongs to the AAA (ATPase Associated with various cellular Activities) superfamily and is present in most bacteria.
Who discovered the DNA?
Many people believe that American biologist James Watson and English physicist Francis Crick discovered DNA in the 1950s. In reality, this is not the case. Rather, DNA was first identified in the late 1860s by Swiss chemist Friedrich Miescher.
How many DNA polymerases do humans have?
The human genome encodes at least 14 DNA-dependent DNA polymerases — a surprisingly large number. These include the more abundant, high-fidelity enzymes that replicate the bulk of genomic DNA, together with eight or more specialized DNA polymerases that have been discovered in the past decade.
Where does the translocation of FTSK take place?
Translocation stops specifically at Xer-dif sites, where FtsK interacts with the Xer recombinase, allowing activation of chromosome unlinking by recombination. FtsK orienting polar sequences (KOPS) guide the direction of DNA translocation.
How does the FtsK gene affect Escherichia coli?
“A mutation in the ftsK gene of Escherichia coli affects cell-cell separation, stationary-phase survival, stress adaptation, and expression of the gene encoding the stress protein UspA.” Complete GO annotation on QuickGO
How is FtsK used to remove proteins from DNA?
FtsK can remove proteins from DNA as it translocates, but translocation stops specifically at XerCD-dif site, thereby preventing removal of XerC and XerD from dif. Stoppage of translocation is accompanied by a reduction in ATPase activity. Also stimulates topoisomerase 4 activity. Required for the targeting of FtsQ, FtsL and FtsI to the septum.
Where does translocation take place at the C terminus?
The C-terminus functions as a DNA motor that moves dsDNA in an ATP-dependent manner towards the dif recombination site, which is located within the replication terminus region. Translocation stops specifically at Xer-dif sites, where FtsK interacts with the Xer recombinase, allowing activation of chromosome unlinking by recombination.
