Fig. 8: Proposed model of YoaA-χ and SSB interactions.
From: The YoaA-χ helicase modulates the dynamics of single-stranded DNA binding protein on DNA
SSB preferentially binds near the junction of pre-formed forked DNA substrates. Once bound at the ss/ds DNA junction, SSB interacts with both 5ˈ and 3ˈ DNA overhangs and hinders YoaA-χ from accessing the duplex, preventing unwinding. In contrast, SSB bound on a 5ˈ overhang without a 3ˈ overhang does not block YoaA-χ from accessing the duplex, resulting in unimpeded unwinding. On ssDNA, YoaA-χ is capable of pulling SSB behind it during translocation due to YoaA and SSB binding on opposite interfaces of χ Created in BioRender. Padgett-Pagliai, K. (2025) https://BioRender.com/w15ivvp.
