Ligase substrate specificity and bias

We are using PacBio sequencing to profile the substrate specificity of DNA ligases on end-joining substrates. Our single molecule sequence method allows us to investigate the ability of DNA ligase to discriminate against mismatches (fidelity) and sequence preferences of the enzyme (bias). We are extending this analysis to profile a variety of DNA ligases and end types, as well as to develop a deeper understanding of kinetics and thermodynamics of ligation.