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Despite sharing common features with the helix–turn–helix family of transcription factors, ribbon–helix–helix proteins recognize different operator sequences, bind to both symmetric and asymmetric DNA sites, bend DNA by varying amounts and make unique protein–protein interactions to stabilize their complexes with DNA.
Mathematical models of infectious disease dynamics are valuable tools for understanding the dynamics of outbreaks and designing effective interventions. Focusing on community-acquired meticillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureusas a case study, the authors explain how to construct and apply a simple transmission model of an emerging pathogen.