scholarly journals Binding of the Vestigial co-factor switches the DNA-target selectivity of the Scalloped selector protein

Development ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 128 (17) ◽  
pp. 3295-3305 ◽  
Author(s):  
Georg Halder ◽  
Sean B. Carroll
Keyword(s):  
Dna Binding ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Binding Specificity ◽  
General Mechanism ◽  
Binding Selectivity ◽  
Binding Domains ◽  
Dna Binding Specificity ◽  
Selector Protein

The formation and identity of organs and appendages are regulated by specific selector genes that encode transcription factors that regulate potentially large sets of target genes. The DNA-binding domains of selector proteins often exhibit relatively low DNA-binding specificity in vitro. It is not understood how the target selectivity of most selector proteins is determined in vivo. The Scalloped selector protein controls wing development in Drosophila by regulating the expression of numerous target genes and forming a complex with the Vestigial protein. We show that binding of Vestigial to Scalloped switches the DNA-binding selectivity of Scalloped. Two conserved domains of the Vestigial protein that are not required for Scalloped binding in solution are required for the formation of the heterotetrameric Vestigial-Scalloped complex on DNA. We suggest that Vestigial affects the conformation of Scalloped to create a wing cell-specific DNA-binding selectivity. The modification of selector protein DNA-binding specificity by co-factors appears to be a general mechanism for regulating their target selectivity in vivo.

scholarly journals Role of the PAS Domain in Regulation of Dimerization and DNA Binding Specificity of the Dioxin Receptor

1998 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 4079-4088 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ingemar Pongratz ◽  
Camilla Antonsson ◽  
Murray L. Whitelaw ◽  
Lorenz Poellinger
Keyword(s):  
Dna Binding ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Binding Specificity ◽  
Pas Domain ◽  
Bhlh Domain ◽  
Dna Binding Specificity ◽  
Dioxin Receptor

ABSTRACT The dioxin receptor is a ligand-regulated transcription factor that mediates signal transduction by dioxin and related environmental pollutants. The receptor belongs to the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH)–Per-Arnt-Sim (PAS) family of factors, which, in addition to the bHLH motif, contain a PAS region of homology. Upon activation, the dioxin receptor dimerizes with the bHLH-PAS factor Arnt, enabling the receptor to recognize xenobiotic response elements in the vicinity of target genes. We have studied the role of the PAS domain in dimerization and DNA binding specificity of the dioxin receptor and Arnt by monitoring the abilities of the individual bHLH domains and different bHLH-PAS fragments to dimerize and bind DNA in vitro and recognize target genes in vivo. The minimal bHLH domain of the dioxin receptor formed homodimeric complexes, heterodimerized with full-length Arnt, and together with Arnt was sufficient for recognition of target DNA in vitro and in vivo. In a similar fashion, only the bHLH domain of Arnt was necessary for DNA binding specificity in the presence of the dioxin receptor bHLH domain. Moreover, the bHLH domain of the dioxin receptor displayed a broad dimerization potential, as manifested by complex formation with, e.g., the unrelated bHLH-Zip transcription factor USF. In contrast, a construct spanning the dioxin receptor bHLH domain and an N-terminal portion of the PAS domain failed to form homodimers and was capable of dimerizing only with Arnt. Thus, the PAS domain is essential to confer dimerization specificity of the dioxin receptor.

Cooperative interactions between paired domain and homeodomain

Development ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 122 (9) ◽  
pp. 2639-2650 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Jun ◽  
C. Desplan
Keyword(s):  
Dna Binding ◽  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Cooperative Interaction ◽  
Paired Domain ◽  
Cooperative Interactions ◽  
Dna Binding Domains ◽  
Binding Domains

The Pax proteins are a family of transcriptional regulators involved in many developmental processes in all higher eukaryotes. They are characterized by the presence of a paired domain (PD), a bipartite DNA binding domain composed of two helix-turn-helix (HTH) motifs, the PAI and RED domains. The PD is also often associated with a homeodomain (HD) which is itself able to form homo- and hetero-dimers on DNA. Many of these proteins therefore contain three HTH motifs each able to recognize DNA. However, all PDs recognize highly related DNA sequences, and most HDs also recognize almost identical sites. We show here that different Pax proteins use multiple combinations of their HTHs to recognize several types of target sites. For instance, the Drosophila Paired protein can bind, in vitro, exclusively through its PAI domain, or through a dimer of its HD, or through cooperative interaction between PAI domain and HD. However, prd function in vivo requires the synergistic action of both the PAI domain and the HD. Pax proteins with only a PD appear to require both PAI and RED domains, while a Pax-6 isoform and a new Pax protein, Lune, may rely on the RED domain and HD. We propose a model by which Pax proteins recognize different target genes in vivo through various combinations of their DNA binding domains, thus expanding their recognition repertoire.

scholarly journals In vitro DNA-binding profile of transcription factors: methods and new insights

2011 ◽  
Vol 210 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jinke Wang ◽  
Jie Lu ◽  
Guangming Gu ◽  
Yingxun Liu
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factors ◽  
Dna Binding ◽  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Binding Sites ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Binding Specificity ◽  
Cell Physiology ◽  
Binding Profile ◽  
Dna Binding Specificity

The DNA-binding specificity of transcription factors (TFs) has broad impacts on cell physiology, cell development and in evolution. However, the DNA-binding specificity of most known TFs still remains unknown. The specificity of a TF protein is determined by its relative affinity to all possible binding sites. In recent years, the development of several in vitro techniques permits high-throughput determination of relative binding affinity of a TF to all possible k bp-long DNA sequences, thus greatly promoting the characterization of DNA-binding specificity of many known TFs. All DNA sequences that can be bound by a TF with various binding affinities form their DNA-binding profile (DBP). The DBP is important to generate an accurate DNA-binding model, identify all DNA-binding sites and target genes of TFs in the whole genome, and build transcription regulatory network. This study reviewed these techniques, especially two master techniques: double-stranded DNA microarray and systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment in combination with parallel DNA sequencing techniques (SELEX-seq).

scholarly journals NAD+ Modulates p53 DNA Binding Specificity and Function

2004 ◽  
Vol 24 (22) ◽  
pp. 9958-9967 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin G. McLure ◽  
Masatoshi Takagi ◽  
Michael B. Kastan
Keyword(s):  
Dna Damage ◽  
Dna Binding ◽  
Binding Specificity ◽  
Binding Activity ◽  
Vitamin B ◽  
Cancer Therapies ◽  
Dna Binding Activity ◽  
Dna Binding Specificity

ABSTRACT DNA damage induces p53 DNA binding activity, which affects tumorigenesis, tumor responses to therapies, and the toxicities of cancer therapies (B. Vogelstein, D. Lane, and A. J. Levine, Nature 408:307-310, 2000; K. H. Vousden and X. Lu, Nat. Rev. Cancer 2:594-604, 2002). Both transcriptional and transcription-independent activities of p53 contribute to DNA damage-induced cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and aneuploidy prevention (M. B. Kastan et al., Cell 71:587-597, 1992; K. H. Vousden and X. Lu, Nat. Rev. Cancer 2:594-604, 2002). Small-molecule manipulation of p53 DNA binding activity has been an elusive goal, but here we show that NAD+ binds to p53 tetramers, induces a conformational change, and modulates p53 DNA binding specificity in vitro. Niacinamide (vitamin B3) increases the rate of intracellular NAD+ synthesis, alters radiation-induced p53 DNA binding specificity, and modulates activation of a subset of p53 transcriptional targets. These effects are likely due to a direct effect of NAD+ on p53, as a molecule structurally related to part of NAD+, TDP, also inhibits p53 DNA binding, and the TDP precursor, thiamine (vitamin B1), inhibits intracellular p53 activity. Niacinamide and thiamine affect two p53-regulated cellular responses to ionizing radiation: rereplication and apoptosis. Thus, niacinamide and thiamine form a novel basis for the development of small molecules that affect p53 function in vivo, and these results suggest that changes in cellular energy metabolism may regulate p53.

scholarly journals Structure-based analyses of Salmonella RcsB variants unravel new features of the Rcs regulon

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juanjo Huesa ◽  
Joaquín Giner-Lamia ◽  
M Graciela Pucciarelli ◽  
Francisco Paredes-Martínez ◽  
Francisco García-del Portillo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Binding ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Structural Data ◽  
Enteric Bacteria ◽  
Target Sequence ◽  
Active Conformation ◽  
Functional Studies ◽  
Binding Domains

Abstract RcsB is a transcriptional regulator that controls expression of numerous genes in enteric bacteria. RcsB accomplishes this role alone or in combination with auxiliary transcriptional factors independently or dependently of phosphorylation. To understand the mechanisms by which RcsB regulates such large number of genes, we performed structural studies as well as in vitro and in vivo functional studies with different RcsB variants. Our structural data reveal that RcsB binds promoters of target genes such as rprA and flhDC in a dimeric active conformation. In this state, the RcsB homodimer docks the DNA-binding domains into the major groove of the DNA, facilitating an initial weak read-out of the target sequence. Interestingly, comparative structural analyses also show that DNA binding may stabilize an active conformation in unphosphorylated RcsB. Furthermore, RNAseq performed in strains expressing wild-type or several RcsB variants provided new insights into the contribution of phosphorylation to gene regulation and assign a potential role of RcsB in controlling iron metabolism. Finally, we delimited the RcsB box for homodimeric active binding to DNA as the sequence TN(G/A)GAN4TC(T/C)NA. This RcsB box was found in promoter, intergenic and intragenic regions, facilitating both increased or decreased gene transcription.

scholarly journals Systematic in vitro profiling of off-target affinity, cleavage and efficiency for CRISPR enzymes

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (9) ◽  
pp. 5037-5053 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liyang Zhang ◽  
H Tomas Rube ◽  
Christopher A Vakulskas ◽  
Mark A Behlke ◽  
Harmen J Bussemaker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Binding ◽  
Binding Specificity ◽  
In Vitro Assays ◽  
Target Discrimination ◽  
Dna Binding Specificity ◽  
Affinity Cleavage ◽  
Target Activity ◽  
Insight Into

Abstract CRISPR RNA-guided endonucleases (RGEs) cut or direct activities to specific genomic loci, yet each has off-target activities that are often unpredictable. We developed a pair of simple in vitro assays to systematically measure the DNA-binding specificity (Spec-seq), catalytic activity specificity (SEAM-seq) and cleavage efficiency of RGEs. By separately quantifying binding and cleavage specificity, Spec/SEAM-seq provides detailed mechanistic insight into off-target activity. Feature-based models generated from Spec/SEAM-seq data for SpCas9 were consistent with previous reports of its in vitro and in vivo specificity, validating the approach. Spec/SEAM-seq is also useful for profiling less-well characterized RGEs. Application to an engineered SpCas9, HiFi-SpCas9, indicated that its enhanced target discrimination can be attributed to cleavage rather than binding specificity. The ortholog ScCas9, on the other hand, derives specificity from binding to an extended PAM. The decreased off-target activity of AsCas12a (Cpf1) appears to be primarily driven by DNA-binding specificity. Finally, we performed the first characterization of CasX specificity, revealing an all-or-nothing mechanism where mismatches can be bound, but not cleaved. Together, these applications establish Spec/SEAM-seq as an accessible method to rapidly and reliably evaluate the specificity of RGEs, Cas::gRNA pairs, and gain insight into the mechanism and thermodynamics of target discrimination.

Equivalent mutations in the two repeats of yeast TATA-binding protein confer distinct TATA recognition specificities

1994 ◽  
Vol 14 (6) ◽  
pp. 3719-3728
Author(s):  
K M Arndt ◽  
C R Wobbe ◽  
S Ricupero-Hovasse ◽  
K Struhl ◽  
F Winston
Keyword(s):  
Dna Binding ◽  
Transcription Initiation ◽  
Mutational Analysis ◽  
Binding Protein ◽  
Binding Specificity ◽  
Tata Box ◽  
Dna Binding Specificity ◽  
Tata Element

To investigate the process of TATA box recognition by the TATA box-binding protein (TBP), we have performed a detailed genetic and biochemical analysis of two Saccharomyces cerevisiae TBP mutants with altered DNA-binding specificity. The mutant proteins have amino acid substitutions (Leu-205 to Phe and Leu-114 to Phe) at equivalent positions within the two repeats of TBP that are involved in TATA element binding. In an in vivo assay that employs a nearly complete set of single point mutations of the consensus TATAAA sequence, one of the TBP mutants (TBP-L114F) recognizes the sequence TATAAG, while the other TBP mutant (TBP-L205F) recognizes one substitution at the first position of the TATA element, CATAAA, and three substitutions at the 3' end of the TATA box. Specificity patterns determined from in vitro transcription experiments with purified recombinant wild-type TBP and TBP-L205F agree closely with those observed in vivo, indicating that altered TATA utilization in the mutant strains is a direct consequence of altered TATA recognition by the mutant TBPs. The distinct TATA recognition patterns exhibited by TBP-L114F and TBP-L205F strongly suggest that in vivo, TBP binds to the TATA element in a specific orientation. The orientation predicted from these studies is further supported by the identification of intragenic suppressors that correct the defect of TBP-L205F. This orientation is consistent with that observed in vitro by crystallographic analyses of TBP-TATA box complexes. Finally, the importance of altered DNA-binding specificity in transcriptional regulation at the S. cerevisiae his4-912 delta promoter was addressed for TBP-L205F. A mutational analysis of this promoter region demonstrates that the nonconsensus TATA element CATAAA is required for a transcriptional effect of TBP-L205F in vivo. This finding suggests that the interaction of TBP with nonconsensus TATA elements may play an important regulatory role in transcription initiation.

scholarly journals Equivalent mutations in the two repeats of yeast TATA-binding protein confer distinct TATA recognition specificities.

1994 ◽  
Vol 14 (6) ◽  
pp. 3719-3728 ◽  
Author(s):  
K M Arndt ◽  
C R Wobbe ◽  
S Ricupero-Hovasse ◽  
K Struhl ◽  
F Winston
Keyword(s):  
Dna Binding ◽  
Transcription Initiation ◽  
Mutational Analysis ◽  
Binding Protein ◽  
Binding Specificity ◽  
Tata Box ◽  
Dna Binding Specificity ◽  
Tata Element

To investigate the process of TATA box recognition by the TATA box-binding protein (TBP), we have performed a detailed genetic and biochemical analysis of two Saccharomyces cerevisiae TBP mutants with altered DNA-binding specificity. The mutant proteins have amino acid substitutions (Leu-205 to Phe and Leu-114 to Phe) at equivalent positions within the two repeats of TBP that are involved in TATA element binding. In an in vivo assay that employs a nearly complete set of single point mutations of the consensus TATAAA sequence, one of the TBP mutants (TBP-L114F) recognizes the sequence TATAAG, while the other TBP mutant (TBP-L205F) recognizes one substitution at the first position of the TATA element, CATAAA, and three substitutions at the 3' end of the TATA box. Specificity patterns determined from in vitro transcription experiments with purified recombinant wild-type TBP and TBP-L205F agree closely with those observed in vivo, indicating that altered TATA utilization in the mutant strains is a direct consequence of altered TATA recognition by the mutant TBPs. The distinct TATA recognition patterns exhibited by TBP-L114F and TBP-L205F strongly suggest that in vivo, TBP binds to the TATA element in a specific orientation. The orientation predicted from these studies is further supported by the identification of intragenic suppressors that correct the defect of TBP-L205F. This orientation is consistent with that observed in vitro by crystallographic analyses of TBP-TATA box complexes. Finally, the importance of altered DNA-binding specificity in transcriptional regulation at the S. cerevisiae his4-912 delta promoter was addressed for TBP-L205F. A mutational analysis of this promoter region demonstrates that the nonconsensus TATA element CATAAA is required for a transcriptional effect of TBP-L205F in vivo. This finding suggests that the interaction of TBP with nonconsensus TATA elements may play an important regulatory role in transcription initiation.

Gene regulation by Sp1 and Sp3

2004 ◽  
Vol 82 (4) ◽  
pp. 460-471 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lin Li ◽  
Shihua He ◽  
Jian-Min Sun ◽  
James R Davie
Keyword(s):  
Gene Regulation ◽  
Transcription Factors ◽  
Dna Binding ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Cellular Localization ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Binding Domains

The Sp family of transcription factors is united by a particular combination of three conserved Cys2His2 zinc fingers that form the sequence-specific DNA-binding domain. Within the Sp family of transcription factors, Sp1 and Sp3 are ubiquitously expressed in mammalian cells. They can bind and act through GC boxes to regulate gene expression of multiple target genes. Although Sp1 and Sp3 have similar structures and high homology in their DNA binding domains, in vitro and in vivo studies reveal that these transcription factors have strikingly different functions. Sp1 and Sp3 are able to enhance or repress promoter activity. Regulation of the transcriptional activity of Sp1 and Sp3 occurs largely at the post-translational level. In this review, we focus on the roles of Sp1 and Sp3 in the regulation of gene expression.Key words: Sp1, Sp3, gene regulation, sub-cellular localization.

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