Phosphorylation of the synthetic octapeptide pyroGlu-ASP-ASP-SER-ASP-GLU-GLU-ASN and binding to DNA in presence of divalent cations.

Small acidic peptides involved in gene expression have been isolated from prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Synthetic peptides, designed on the basis of native peptides characteristics, show a biological activity similar to that of native peptides in in vitro reconstituted systems. These synthetic peptides are able to bind to DNA in presence of divalent cations (Cu2+, Fe2+, Mg2+) and salt/ethanol.