Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

A fast and direct method for the monitoring of enzymatic DNA hydrolysis was developed using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. We incorporated the use of a robotic chip-based electrospray ionization source for increased reproducibility and throughput. The mass spectrometry method allows the detection of DNA fragments and intact non-covalent protein-DNA complexes in a single experiment. We used the method to monitor in real-time single-stranded (ss) DNA hydrolysis by colicin E9 DNase and to characterize transient non-covalent E9 DNase-DNA complexes present during the hydrolysis reaction. The mass spectra showed that E9 DNase interacts with ssDNA in the absence of a divalent metal ion, but is strictly dependent on Ni2+ or Co2+ for ssDNA hydrolysis. We demonstrated that the sequence selectivity of E9 DNase is dependent on the ratio protein:ssDNA or the ssDNA concentration and that only 3'-hydroxy and 5'-phosphate termini are produced. It was also shown that the homologous E7 DNase is reactive with Zn2+ as transition metal ion and that this DNase displays a different sequence selectivity. The method described is of general use to analyze the reactivity and specificity of nucleases.

Original publication

DOI

10.1093/nar/gni099

Type

Journal article

Journal

Nucleic Acids Res

Publication Date

13/06/2005

Volume

33

Keywords

Colicins, DNA, Single-Stranded, Endodeoxyribonucleases, Escherichia coli Proteins, Hydrolysis, Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization, Substrate Specificity, Time Factors