The mitochondrial single-stranded DNA-binding protein (mtSSB) regulates the function of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) replisome. In vitro, mtSSB stimulates the activity of enzymatic components of the replisome, namely mtDNA helicase and DNA polymerase gamma (Pol γ). We have demonstrated that the stimulatory properties of mtSSB result from its ability to organize the single-stranded DNA template in a specific manner. Here we present methods employing electron microscopy and enzymatic assays to characterize and classify the mtSSB-DNA complexes and their effects on the activity of Pol γ.
Keywords: DNA polymerase γ; Electron microscopy; Mitochondrial DNA replication; Mitochondrial single-stranded DNA-binding protein; Nucleoprotein complexes.