Fluorescence‐detected interactions of oligonucleotides in RecA complexes

A technique has been developed to probe directly RecA-DNA interactions by the use of the fluorescent chromophore, (+)anti-benzo(a)pyrene-7,8-dihydrodiol-9,10-epoxide (BPDE), covalently attached to DNA. The 24-mer oligonucleotide 5′-d(CTACTAAACAT TACAAATCATCC) was specifically modified on the exocyclic nitrogen of the central guanine, to yield a trans-adduct. Upon interaction of the modified oligonucleotide with RecA we find an increase in BPDE fluorescence and a rather high fluorescence anisotropy, suggesting a restricted motion of the BPDE-oligonucleotide in the protein filament. In the presence of the cofactor ATPγS, binding of two oligonuclotides, identical or complementary in sequence, in the RecA filament is possible. The RecA-DNA complex is, however, more stable when the sequences are complementary; in addition, a shift in the BPDE emission peaks is observed. In the presence of ATP (and an ATP regeneration system), the RecA-DNA interaction between two complementary oligonucleotides is changed, and we now find protein-mediated renaturation to occur.