PROTEIN-DNA RECOGNITION: THE INTERACTION OF Jac, cI AND Z. coli RNA POLYMERASE WITH OPERATORS AND PROMOTERS

Abstract

Current methods for synthesizing DNA utilize protected deoxynucleoside phosphoramidites as synthons and a glass or silica gel solid support as the synthesis matrix. Syntheses are extremely rapid (5-10 minutes per cycle) and lead to high yields of deoxyoligonucleotides containing 20-100 mononucleotides each. Using these methods to synthesize modified DNAs, the interaction of Z. coli RNA polymerase and cI repressor with lambda Pp promoter has been studied. Results identify certain 5-methyl groups located in the -35 region of the promoter and Opl that are important protein recognition sites. These results correlate quite nicely to previous research with Jac repressor. Additional data suggest possible insights regarding the formation of open promoter complexes.