Construction of a Multi RE module: Exploitation of mechanochemistry of restriction endonucleases

We describe the construction of a multi-immobilized restriction endonucleas e module (Multi RE module). We demonstrate that the applied mechanical stre ss enables modulation of enzyme activity and modulation of recognition site selectivity tin oligonucleotides of similar to 200 bp) of immobilized rest riction endonucleases. The central module which is consisted of different s trips of immobilized restriction endonucleases allows limited digestion of a large DNA sample in a controlled manner as a function of applied mechanic al stress on strips. The stress-activity relationship and the effect of rep eated cycles of stress and relaxation on the immobilized strips are present ed here. (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.