Work

One-Way Traffic of a Viral Motor Channel for Double-Stranded DNA Translocation

Year: 2010

Type: article

Abstract: Linear double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) viruses package their genome into a procapsid using an ATP-driven nanomotor. Here we report that bacteriophage phi29 DNA packaging motor exercises a one-way traffic property for dsDNA translocation from N-terminal entrance to C-terminal exit with a valve mechanism in DNA packaging, as demonstrated by voltage ramping, electrode polarity switching, and sedimentation force assessment. Without the use of gating control as found in other biological channels, the observed single direction dsDNA transportation provides a novel system with a natural valve to control dsDNA loading and gene delivery in bioreactors, liposomes, or high throughput DNA sequencing apparatus.

Source: Nano Letters

DOI: 10.1021/nl101939e

Authors: Peng Jing, Farzin Haque, Dan Shu, Carlo Montemagno, Peixuan Guo

Institution: University of Cincinnati

Language: English

Topic: Nanopore and Nanochannel Transport Studies

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,500

Funders: National Eye Institute, National Institute of General Medical Sciences