DNA bases that are alkylated or deaminated are removed by DNA glycosylase repair enzymes. In structures of several other DNA glycosylases, the modified base inserts into the active site. These authors solve the structure of glycosylase AlkD, find that the modified base is extruded in an extrahelical position and propose a model for how this solvent-exposed position allows cleavage of N3- and N7-alkylated bases specifically.
- Emily H. Rubinson
- A. S. Prakasha Gowda
- Brandt F. Eichman