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DNA-binding proteins similar to HU domains This subfamily consists of DNA-binding proteins similar to HU domains. HU is a conserved nucleoid-associated protein (NAP) which binds non-specifically to duplex DNA with a particular preference for targeting nicked and bent DNA. It is highly basic and contributes to chromosomal compaction and maintenance of negative supercoiling, thus often referred to as histone-like protein. HU can induce DNA bends, condense DNA in a fiber and also interact with single stranded DNA. It contains two homologous subunits, alpha and beta, typically forming homodimers (alpha-alpha and beta-beta), except in E. coli and other enterobacteria, which form heterodimers (alpha-beta).
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