Single-molecule observation of DNA replication repair pathways in E. coli

The method of action of many antibiotics is to interfere with DNA replication - quinolones trap DNA gyrase and topoisomerase proteins onto DNA while metronidazole causes single and double stranded breaks in DNA. To understand how bacteria respond to these drugs, it is important to understand the repair processes utilised when DNA replication is blocked. We have used tandem lac operators inserted into the chromosome bound by fluorescently labelled lac repressors as a model protein block to replication in E. coli. We have used dual-colour, alternating-laser, single-molecule narrowfield microscopy to quantify the amount of operator at the block and simultaneously image fluorescently labelled DNA polymerase. We anticipate use of this system as a quantitative platform to study replication stalling and repair proteins.