Observation of hidden dynamics underlying facilitated dissociation of proteins from DNA.

Using NMR and stopped-flow fluorescence, this study reveals hidden dynamics of the transcription factor CREB bound to DNA. Before fully dissociating from DNA, CREB undergoes many cycles of microscopic dissociation and reassociation. The hidden rebinding dynamics allows competitor proteins to displace CREB efficiently, providing a mechanistic basis for facilitated dissociation.