Using nanofluidic channels to probe dynamics of RAD51-Filaments

• Using nanochannels, passivated with a lipid bilayer to avoid sticking of proteins, we study Rad51 filaments bound to single- and double stranded DNA. We demonstrate how we can discern different properties of the filaments by studying them at different degrees of confinement. Unlike the bacterial homologue RecA, that forms homogeneous filaments along DNA, Rad51 forms heterogeneous filaments containing both rigid kinks as well as flexible regions. Varying the counterion, the DNA substrate as well as the initial protein concentration, we try to understand the factors governing the structure of the filaments.

Subject headings

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Biologi -- Biokemi och molekylärbiologi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Biological Sciences -- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (hsv//eng)

Keyword

DNA-protein interactions

Lipid passivation

Nanofluidics

Rad51

Publication and Content Type

kon (subject category)

ref (subject category)