Figure 4. Model of H-NS complex assembly.

(a) H-NS nucleates at preferred DNA sequences in the genome. (b) H-NS laterally multimerizes laterally along the DNA in the ‘closed’ conformation. (c) In the presence of Mg²⁺ or other H-NS modulators such as Hha, H-NS switches to the ‘open’, bridging capable conformation. (d) H-NS forms DNA bridges in trans. The red asterisk indicates the buckle location. Mg²⁺ ions are shown as green orbs.