Rise of the terminator protein tus: A versatile tool in the biotechnologist's toolbox

• Published in: Analytica chimica acta 2022-06, Vol.1213, p.339946-339946, Article 339946
• Main Authors: Toft, Casey J., Sorenson, Alanna E., Schaeffer, Patrick M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: DNA Replication; DNA-Binding Proteins - genetics; Escherichia coli - genetics; Escherichia coli Proteins - metabolism; Immuno-PCR; Protease assay; Protein array; Proteomics; Replication fork barrier; Streptavidin-biotin; Tus-Ter
• ISSN: 0003-2670; 1873-4324
• DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2022.339946

Tus is a protein involved in DNA replication termination that binds specific DNA sequences (Ter) located around the terminus region of the chromosome in Enterobacterales. Tus and Ter form a unique monomeric protein-DNA complex which is one of strongest of its kind. A fascinating aspect of Tus-Ter is its ability to dramatically change conformation into a locked structure upon progression of a replication fork towards the non-permissive face of the complex. Over the last two decades, several new technologies have emerged harnessing the unique and interesting properties of this fascinating DNA-binding protein. This review highlights the important properties of the Tus-Ter complex and their exploitation for the development of diverse and novel ultrasensitive detection devices as well as innovative genomic and proteomic platform technologies. A variety of ex vivo and in vivo bioanalytical applications are discussed, including immuno-PCR diagnostic, bioassay and protein array technologies that are broadly relevant to the fields of cancer biology, microbiology and immunology. A perspective on future research and applications is provided. [Display omitted] •This review showcases applications of the bacterial Tus-Ter interaction.•Ex vivo and in vivo bioanalytical applications are discussed in detail.•A perspective on future research and developments is provided.