Lysozyme association with nucleic acids

Lysozyme is well known for the ability to hydrolyze the cell wall of bacter ia. Based on the similarity of structure between lysozyme and histones as s een from the results of X-ray crystal structure determinations, we have pos tulated that binding to nucleic acids may be another biological function of lysozyme. We have therefore begun a systematic study of the interactions o f lysozyme and related molecules with nucleic acids, and present here a pre liminary report. Binding to DNA and RNA has been demonstrated from gel elec trophoresis, enzyme activity, and coprecipitation studies. We suggest that this function of lysozyme will provide an explanation why Lee-Huang et al. (1999) [Proc, Natl. Acad, Sci, USA 96, 2678-2681] were able to call lysozym e a "killer protein" against the AIDS virus, and may provide a new avenue o f research on AIDS therapy. (C) 1999 Academic Press.