Insights into the glycosylase search for damage from single-molecule fluorescence microscopy

- We review single-molecule fluorescence studies of the glycosylase search for damage.
- These studies confirm that glycosylases use sliding and distributive search modes.
- Search behavior is consistent for hOGG1, Nth, Fpg, and Nei glycosylases.
- E. coli DNA glycosylases utilize a wedge residue to search DNA for oxidative damage.
- Single-molecule studies are discussed in the context of the ensemble literature.