From DNA sequence recognition to directional chromosome segregation: Information transfer in the translocase protein SpoIIIE

• Main Author: Besprozvannaya, Marina
• Other Authors: Burton, Briana
• Language: en_US
• Published: Harvard University 2014
• Subjects: Biochemistry; Molecular biology; Microbiology; ATPase molecular motors; Bacillus subtilis; chromosome segregation; directional DNA translocation; SpoIIIE/FtsK; sporulation
• Online Access: http://dissertations.umi.com/gsas.harvard:11373; http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:12274593

Faithful chromosome segregation is essential for all living organisms. Bacterial chromosome segregation utilizes highly conserved directional SpoIIIE/FtsK translocases to move large DNA molecules between spatially separated compartments. These translocases employ an accessory DNA-interacting domain (gamma) that dictates the direction of DNA transport by recognizing specific DNA sequences. To date it remains unclear how these translocases use DNA sequence information as a trigger to expend chemical energy (ATP turnover) and thereby power mechanical work (DNA movement). In this thesis, I undertook a mechanistic study of directional DNA movement by SpoIIIE from the Gram-positive model bacterium Bacillus subtilis. Specifically, I was interested in understanding the information transfer within the protein from sequence recognition, to ATP turnover, and ultimately to chromosome translocation. How do DNA sequences trigger directional chromosome movement?