Obtaining artificial proteins that mimic the DNA binding properties of natural transcription factors could open new ways of manipulating gene expression at will. In this context it is particularly interesting to develop simple synthetic systems. Inspired by the modularity of natural transcription factors, we have designed synthetic miniproteins that combine the zinc finger module of the transcription factor GAGA and AT-hook peptide domains. These constructs are capable of binding to composite DNA sequences of up to 14 base pairs with high affinity and good selectivity. In particular, we have synthesized three different chimeras and characterized their DNA binding properties by electrophoresis and fluorescence anisotropy. We have also used, for the first time in the study of peptide-based DNA binders, nanopore force spectroscopy to obtain further data on the DNA interaction.

中文翻译：

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基于锌指的 DNA 结合小蛋白。使用纳米孔评估相互作用†

获得模拟天然转录因子的 DNA 结合特性的人造蛋白质可以开辟随意操纵基因表达的新方法。在这种情况下，开发简单的合成系统特别有趣。受天然转录因子模块化的启发，我们设计了结合转录因子 GAGA 的锌指模块和 AT-hook 肽结构域的合成小蛋白。这些构建体能够以高亲和力和良好的选择性与多达 14 个碱基对的复合 DNA 序列结合。特别是，我们合成了三种不同的嵌合体，并通过电泳和荧光各向异性表征了它们的 DNA 结合特性。我们还首次在基于肽的 DNA 结合剂的研究中使用，