Locus-Specific Analysis of Replication Dynamics and Detection of DNA-RNA Hybrids by Immuno Electron Microscopy

AUTHORS

Stoy HHenriette , S Lang KKevin , Merrikh HHoura , Lopes MMassimo . Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.). 2022 5 1; 2528(). 67-89

PMID: 35704186[PubMed].

ABSTRACT

DNA-RNA hybrids can interfere with DNA replication, but the underlying intermediates and molecular mechanisms have remained elusive. Here, we describe a single molecule approach that allows to monitor DNA-RNA hybrids locus-specifically in the context of ongoing replication. Using restriction digestion, gel electrophoresis and gel elution, this workflow allows to efficiently isolate replication intermediates and to study replication dynamics across a specific genomic locus. Here, we applied this procedure to isolate a bacterial genomic locus carrying an inducible transcription-replication conflict. Moreover, we combined electron microscopy with S9.6-Gold immuno-labeling to detect DNA-RNA hybrids on the isolated replication intermediates. With some limitations, this approach may be adapted to locus-specific replication analyses in different organisms.

Tags: 2022