CGC Bibliography Paper 3088

A new DNA-binding motif in the SKN-1 binding domain DNA complex.

Rupert PB, Daughdrill GW, Bowerman B, Matthews BW

Medline:
98290451
Citation:
Nature Structural Biology 5: 484-491 1998
Type:
ARTICLE
Genes:
skn-1
Abstract:
The DNA-binding domain of Skn-1, a developmental transcription factor that specifies mesoderm in C. elegans, is shown by X-ray crystallography to have a novel fold in which a compact, monomeric, four-helix unit organizes two DNA-contact elements. At the C-terminus, a helix extends from the domain to occupy the major groove of DNA in a manner similar to bZip proteins. Skn-1, however, lacks the leucine zipper found in all bZips. Additional contacts with the DNA are made by a short basic segment at the N-terminus of the domain, reminiscent of the 'homeodomain arm'.