Issue 22, 2024

Effect of base methylation on binding and mobility of bacterial protein Hfq on double-stranded DNA

Abstract

Regulation of protein mobility is a fundamental aspect of cellular processes. In this study, we examined the impact of DNA methylation on the diffusion of nucleoid associated protein Hfq. This protein is one of the most abundant proteins that shapes the bacterial chromosome and is involved in several aspects of nucleic acid metabolism. Fluorescence microscopy was employed to monitor the movement of Hfq along double-stranded DNA, which was stretched due to confinement within a nanofluidic channel. The mobility of Hfq is significantly influenced by DNA methylation. Our results underscore the importance of bacterial epigenetic modifications in governing the movement of nucleoid associated proteins such as Hfq. Increased levels of methylation result in enhanced binding affinity, which in turn slows down the diffusion of Hfq on DNA. The reported control of protein mobility by DNA methylation has potential implications for the mechanisms involved in target DNA search processes and dynamic modelling of the bacterial chromosome.

Graphical abstract: Effect of base methylation on binding and mobility of bacterial protein Hfq on double-stranded DNA

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
27 Jul 2024
Accepted
30 Sep 2024
First published
01 Oct 2024

Lab Chip, 2024,24, 5137-5144

Effect of base methylation on binding and mobility of bacterial protein Hfq on double-stranded DNA

J. Easo George, R. Basak, I. Yadav, C. J. Tan, J. A. van Kan, F. Wien, V. Arluison and J. R. C. van der Maarel, Lab Chip, 2024, 24, 5137 DOI: 10.1039/D4LC00628C

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