Probing RNA translocases with DNA

Abstract

For some helicases, it is possible to investigate RNA translocase activity on DNA substrates because the enzyme acts on both substrates. Potassium permanganate (KMnO4) footprinting is a method used to chemically probe the conformation of DNA as well as the binding of proteins. Combining footprinting methods with rapid mixing methods that utilize a chemical quench-flow instrument can enable tracking of the translocase with nucleotide resolution.