MD and MC Studies of Hu and IHF Complexes with Unusual Forms of DNA

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DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The objective of the proposed fellowship research is to elucidate the complex formation of the eubacterial proteins HU and IMF to unusual forms of DNA using the theory and methodologies of computational biophysics. Specific systems to be considered involve the proteins binding to highly bent forms of the DNA double helix that play a role in transcriptional regulation, site specific recombination and the initiation of replication, and to the four-way Holliday junction formed when DNA undergoes genetic recombination. The specific methods to be used are computationally intensive molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo simulations which require supercomputer facilities. The proteins, DNA, solvent water, and experimental salt conditions will be treated with a discrete all-atom model in the calculation of energies and forces. HU- and IHF-DNA complex formation at a high level of computational rigor and, in the process, enables the analysis of the free energy of binding in terms of the chemical forces acting at critical junctures. The new knowledge obtained in this research will provide a basis for the interpretation of experimental results and an understanding of the mechanisms of action in these biological processes at the sub-molecular level. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Special proteins activate DNA and facilitate gene expression. The goal of this proposal is to use modern computational techniques to learn how these proteins interact with DNA. Understanding the control over these interactions is critical in the development of agents used to fight disease.