A molecular throttle: the recombination hotspot chi controls DNA translocation by the RecBCD helicase

Research points out that RecBCD helicase/nuclease is involved in the initiation of homologous recombination at double-stranded DNA breaks and that its interaction with chi affects translocation by RecBCD. Data indicate that RecBCD pauses precisely at chi during its translocation along DNA molecules. Furthermore, interaction with chi uncouples the RecD motor from RecBCD enzyme resulting in its slower translocase activity.