The binding of SeqA protein to hemimethylated GATC sequences is important in the negative modulation of chromosomal initiation at oriC, and in the formation of SeqA foci necessary for Escherichia coli chromosome segregation [3]. SeqA tetramers are able to aggregate or multimerise in a reversible, concentration-dependent manner [3]. Apart from its function in the control of DNA replication, SeqA may also be a specific transcription factor [4].

1: High-affinity binding of hemimethylated oriC by Escherichia coli membranes is mediated by a multiprotein system that includes SeqA and a newly identified factor, SeqB. Shakibai N, Ishidate K, Reshetnyak E, Gunji S, Kohiyama M, Rothfield L; Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1998;95:11117-11121. PMID:9736699

2: E. coli SeqA protein binds oriC in two different methyl-modulated reactions appropriate to its roles in DNA replication initiation and origin sequestration. Slater S, Wold S, Lu M, Boye E, Skarstad K, Kleckner N; Cell 1995;82:927-936. PMID:7553853

3: SeqA protein aggregation is necessary for SeqA function. Lee H, Kang S, Bae SH, Choi BS, Hwang DS; J Biol Chem 2001;276:34600-34606. PMID:11457824

4: SeqA, the Escherichia coli origin sequestration protein, is also a specific transcription factor. Slominska M, Wegrzyn A, Konopa G, Skarstad K, Wegrzyn G; Mol Microbiol 2001;40:1371-1379. PMID:11442835