The visual detection of specific double-stranded DNA sequences possesses great potential for the development of diagnostics. Zinc finger domains provide a powerful scaffold for creating custom DNA-binding proteins that recognize specific DNA sequences. We previously demonstrated sequence-enabled reassembly of TEM-1 β-lactamase (SEER-LAC), a system consisting of two inactive fragments of β-lacta...

Allosteric communication between two ligand-binding sites in a protein is a central aspect of biological regulation that remains mechanistically unclear. Here we show that perturbations in equilibrium picosecond-nanosecond motions impact zinc (Zn)-induced allosteric inhibition of DNA binding by the Zn efflux repressor CzrA (chromosomal zinc-regulated repressor). DNA binding leads to an unantici...

Understanding the factors that determine protein stability is interesting because it directly reflects the evolutionary pressure coming from function and environment. Here, we have combined experimental and computational methods to study the stability of IscU, a bacterial scaffold protein highly conserved in most organisms and an essential component of the iron-sulfur cluster biogenesis pathway...

The eukaryotic DNA replication protein Mcm10 associates with chromatin in early S-phase and is required for assembly and function of the replication fork protein machinery. Xenopus laevis (X) Mcm10 binds DNA via a highly conserved internal domain (ID) and a C-terminal domain (CTD) that is unique to higher eukaryotes. Although the structural basis of the interactions of the ID with DNA and polym...

Targeted manipulation of complex genomes often requires the introduction of a double-strand break at defined locations by site-specific DNA endonucleases. Here, we describe a monomeric nuclease domain derived from GIY-YIG homing endonucleases for genome-editing applications. Fusion of the GIY-YIG nuclease domain to three-member zinc-finger DNA binding domains generated chimeric GIY-zinc finger ...

There are urgent demands for satisfactory antibacterial activity and mechanical properties of bone scaffolds. In this study, zinc oxide whisker (ZnOw) was introduced into calcium sulfate/bioglass scaffolds. Antimicrobial behavior was analyzed using Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The results showed that the scaffolds presented a strong antibacterial activity af...

Abstract The regeneration and repair of bone defects require implanting artificial materials with excellent mechanical biological properties similar to human bones. However, the compressive strength bioactivities 3D printing biodegradable like PVA are usually not enough for weight-bearing defect repair. In this study, we added AZP (amorphous zinc phosphate) nanoparticles increase scaffolds fill...

The human CCCTC-binding factor, CTCF, organizes and regulates transcription of the genome by colocalizing distant DNA elements on the same and even different chromosomes. This protein consists of 11 zinc fingers flanked by polypeptide segments of unknown structure and function. We purified recombinant terminal fragments and observed that both are extended, monomeric, and predominantly consist o...

We demonstrate a versatile, bottom-up method of forming metal and semiconducting nanoparticles by exposing precursor metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) to an electron beam. Using a transmission electron microscope to initiate and observe growth, we show that the composition, size, and morphology of the nanoparticles are determined by the chemistry and structure of the MOF, as well as the electron ...