Transcriptional Regulation in the Cell Cycle
Abstract
The major focus of work in this laboratory concerns the relationship between molecular structure and biological function. The research includes molecular biological studies in which alternative conformations of the nucleic acids may play an important role. In addition, there are a variety of x-ray diffraction studies of nucleic acids and related compounds in order to uncover the role that molecular conformation plays in interactions. In previous years, attention was directed towards understanding the physical and chemical events that were important in the interconversion of right-handed B-DNA to left-handed Z-DNA. However, a significant component of the work of the laboratory now focuses on the biological activities of the left-handed Z form of DNA. Toward that end, several investigations involve the isolation and purification of various Z-DNA binding proteins. We seek to uncover their biological function. New methodologies have been created for isolating these proteins and separating them from the more numerous B-DNA binding proteins. There is also some evidence that the Z-DNA conformation plays a role in homologous genetic recombination. Accordingly, a number of studies have been carried out on this system. X-ray diffraction studies have been carried out on fragments of DNA with a view towards understanding the role of nucleotide sequence in DNA conformation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 30, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA209686
Entities
People
- Alexander Rich
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology