Probing RNA translocases with DNA

Methods Mol Biol. 2015:1259:275-91. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4939-2214-7_17.

Abstract

For some helicases, it is possible to investigate RNA translocase activity on DNA substrates because the enzyme acts on both substrates. Potassium permanganate (KMnO4) footprinting is a method used to chemically probe the conformation of DNA as well as the binding of proteins. Combining footprinting methods with rapid mixing methods that utilize a chemical quench-flow instrument can enable tracking of the translocase with nucleotide resolution.

MeSH terms

  • DNA / metabolism*
  • Nucleic Acid Conformation
  • Potassium Permanganate / chemistry
  • RNA Helicases / metabolism*

Substances

  • Potassium Permanganate
  • DNA
  • RNA Helicases