Integration host factor

UniProtKB accession:  P71658

Grouped By:  Matching UniProtKB accession

UniProtKB description:  A nucleoid-associated protein (NAP) required for septum formation and normal cell division as well as for DNA segregation. Binds about 135 sites across the chromosome, most of which are genes involved in virulence; most DNA-binding sites are immediately upstream of transcription start sites. When mIHF is depleted most of the genes are down-regulated (PubMed:30242166). Binds supercoiled and linear dsDNA in a concentration-dependent manner, probably non-sequence specifically. Binding compacts DNA, protecting it from degradation. Initial binding to supercoiled DNA opens it fully, followed by bending and compaction. Bends and thus compacts linear DNA (PubMed:23922883). Binds DNA via 2 sites, forms left-handed loops on linear DNA; at low concentrations unwinds larger cosmids (42.6 kb) then collapses and condenses DNA as protein levels rise. Forms mostly left-handed loops on condensing cosmid DNA (PubMed:31846718).