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At least 343 records · Page 19Linked to original sources

Nucleosomes, DNA-binding proteins, and DNA sequence modulate retroviral integration target site selection.

Integration of retroviral DNA can serve as a paradigm for cellular functions that are affected by the packaging of DNA into chromatin. We have used a novel polymerase chain reaction-based assay to survey DNA and chromatin for the precise distribution of many integration sites. Integration into naked DNA targets is non-uniform, implying a nucleotide sequence bias. In chromatin, integration occurs preferentially at positions where the major groove is on the exposed face of the nucleosomal DNA helix, generating a 10 bp periodic spacing of preferred sites. Chromatin assembly enhances the reactivity of many sites, so that integration occurs most frequently at sites in nucleosomal, rather than nucleosome-free, regions of minichromosomes. In contrast, integration is prevented in a region occupied by a site-specific DNA-binding protein. Comparisons of integration events mediated by viral nucleoprotein complexes or by two different retroviral integrases show that the integration machinery also affects target site selection.

Base Sequence↗

The phenylalanyl-tRNA synthetase specifically binds DNA.

The phenylalanyl-tRNA synthetase (FRS) from Thermus thermophilus is modularly composed of several different domains, some of which are not required for aminoacylation. In particular, the enzyme has the structural prerequisites for a DNA-binding protein. We demonstrate by gel retardation and competition experiments that the FRS specifically binds certain DNA sequences of the T. thermophilus genomic DNA. Although the implication of this finding is not yet understood, increasing evidence indicates an alternative function of this enzyme not related to aminoacylation. This might be a fundamental cellular process involved in cell proliferation which is related in bacteria and in humans.

Acylation↗

Molecular analysis of a novel winged helix protein, WIN. Expression pattern, DNA binding property, and alternative splicing within the DNA binding domain.

We have cloned a novel winged helix factor, WIN, from the rat insulinoma cell line, INS-1. Northern blot analysis demonstrated that WIN is highly expressed in a variety of insulinoma cell lines and rat embryonic pancreas and liver. In adults, WIN expression was detected in thymus, testis, lung, and several intestinal regions. We determined the DNA sequences bound in vitro by baculovirus-expressed WIN protein in a polymerase chain reaction-based selection procedure. WIN was found to bind with high affinity to the selected sequence 5'-AGATTGAGTA-3', which is similar to the recently identified HNF-6 binding sequence 5'-DHWATTGAYTWWD-3' (where W = A or T, Y = T or C, H is not G, and D is not C). We have isolated human WIN cDNAs by library screening and 5'-rapid amplification of cDNA ends. Sequence analysis indicates that the carboxyl terminus of human WIN has been previously isolated as a putative phosphorylation substrate, MPM2-reactive phosphoprotein 2 (MPP2); WIN may be regulated by phosphorylation. Alignment of the rat and human WIN cDNAs and their comparison with mouse genomic sequence revealed that the WIN DNA binding domain is encoded by four exons, two of which (exons 4 and 6) are alternatively spliced to generate at least three classes of mRNA transcripts. These transcripts were shown by RNase protection assay to be differentially expressed in different tissues. Alternative splicing within the winged helix DNA binding domain might result in modulation of DNA binding specificity.

Alternative Splicing↗

Three-dimensional structure of complexes of single-stranded DNA-binding proteins with DNA. IKe and fd gene 5 proteins form left-handed helices with single-stranded DNA.

Specimen-tilting in an electron microscope was used to determine the three-dimensional architecture of the helical complexes formed with DNA by the closely related single-stranded DNA binding proteins of fd and IKe filamentous viruses. The fd gene 5 protein is the only member of the DNA-helix-destabilizing class of proteins whose structure has been determined crystallographically, and yet a parameter essential to molecular modeling of the co-operative interaction of this protein with DNA, the helix handedness, has not been available prior to this work. We find that complexes formed by titrating fd viral DNA with either the fd or IKe gene 5 protein have a left-handed helical sense. Complexes isolated from Escherichia coli infected by fd virus are also found to be left-handed helical; hence, the left-handed fd helices are not an artefact of reconstitution in vitro. Because the proteins and nucleic acid of the complexes are composed of asymmetric units which cannot be fitted equivalently to right-handed and left-handed helices, these results rule out a previous computer graphics atomic model for the helical fd complexes: a right-handed helix had been assumed for the model. Our work provides a defined three-dimensional structural framework within which to model the protein-DNA and protein-protein interactions of two structurally related proteins that bind contiguously and co-operatively on single-stranded DNAs.

DNA, Bacterial↗

Human hepatitis B virus X protein augments the DNA binding of nuclear factor for IL-6 through its basic-leucine zipper domain.

The X gene product of human hepatitis B virus, HBx, transactivates the expression of viral and cellular genes through a wide variety of cis elements, including the nuclear factor for IL-6 (NF-IL6) binding sites, although HBx does not appear to bind DNA directly. We previously reported that HBx transactivated the interleukin 8 promoter through NF-kappaB binding site and C/EBP-like binding site (NF-IL6 binding site). In this study, the interactions were examined between NF-IL6 and HBx using recombinant proteins. In a DNA-protein binding assay, the formation of a specific complex between NF-IL6 and a DNA probe harboring an NF-IL6 binding site was increased by the addition of either the full or the C-terminal 104 amino acids of HBx. A direct protein-protein binding assay (far-Western blot) revealed the direct interaction between the C-terminal 104 amino acids of HBx and the basic region-leucine zipper domain of NF-IL6. These results indicate that HBx alters the DNA-binding affinity of NF-IL6 through the direct interaction between the C-terminal domain of HBx and the basic region-leucine zipper domain of NF-IL6.

Binding Sites↗

[Identification of a highly conserved domain that suppresses the DNA-binding domain-DNA interactions in the androgen receptor].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the gene regulation of androgen receptor (AR). METHODS: Gel shift assay, protein-protein pull down assay, western blot and technique of site-directed mutagenesis were used to study the gene regulation of AR. RESULTS: The N terminal of AR contained an inhibitory domain located in an 81-amino acid segment lying upstream of the DNA-binding domain (DBD). The inhibitory domain interacted directly with DBD and repressed DBD binding to the ARE. Mutations of the conserved amino acid residues (K520E and R538E) within the inhibitory domain decreased its inhibiting ability in vitro and increased AR trans-activation in vivo. CONCLUSION: These data demonstrated the existence of a novel inhibitory domain in the N-terminal part of AR, which might play important role in the regulation of AR trans-activation.

Adult↗

Identification of a highly conserved domain in the androgen receptor that suppresses the DNA-binding domain-DNA interactions.

The androgen receptor (AR) is a ligand-regulated and sequence-specific transcription factor that activates or represses expression of target genes. Here, we show that the N terminus of AR contains an inhibitory domain located in an 81-amino acid segment lying upstream of the DNA-binding domain (DBD). The inhibitory domain interacted directly with DBD and repressed DBD binding to the androgen response element. Mutations of the conserved amino acid residues (K520E and R538E) within the inhibitory domain decreased its inhibiting ability in vitro and increased AR trans-activation in vivo. These data demonstrate the existence of a novel inhibitory domain in the N-terminal part of AR, which might play important roles in the regulation of AR trans-activation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Refined structure, DNA binding studies, and dynamics of the bacteriophage Pf3 encoded single-stranded DNA binding protein.

The solution structure of the 18-kDa single-stranded DNA binding protein encoded by the filamentous Pseudomonas bacteriophage Pf3 has been refined using 40 ms 15N- and 13C-edited NOESY spectra and many homo- and heteronuclear J-couplings. The structures are highly precise, but some variation was found in the orientation of the beta-hairpin denoted the DNA binding wing with respect to the core of the protein. Backbone dynamics of the protein was investigated in the presence and absence of DNA by measuring the R1 and R2 relaxation rates of the 15N nuclei and the 15N-1H NOE. It was found that the DNA binding wing is much more flexible than the rest of the protein, but its mobility is largely arrested upon binding of the protein to d(A)6. This confirms earlier hypotheses on the role of this hairpin in the function of the protein, as will be discussed. Furthermore, the complete DNA binding domain of the protein has been mapped by recording two-dimensional TOCSY spectra of the protein in the presence and absence of a small amount of spin-labeled oligonucleotide. The roles of specific residues in DNA binding were assessed by stoichiometric titration of d(A)6, which indicated for instance that Phe43 forms base stacking interactions with the single-stranded DNA. Finally, all results were combined to form a set of experimental restraints, which were subsequently used in restrained molecular dynamics calculations aimed at building a model for the Pf3 nucleoprotein complex. Implying in addition some similarities to the well-studied M13 complex, a plausible model could be constructed that is in accordance with the experimental data.

Crystallography, X-Ray↗

DNA-binding surface of RecA protein photochemical cross-linking of the first DNA binding site on RecA filament.

The first DNA-binding site (site I) of RecA protein on the filament has been mapped. RecA protein was covalently cross-linked with a 55-base synthetic single-stranded DNA which was a good substrate for the RecA-mediated strand exchange reaction. The cross-linking sites of protein were determined in the regions spanning RecA residues 64-68, 89-106, 178-183, 199-216 and 257-280. The cross-linking in the residues 64-68, 89-106, 199-216 and 257-280 would be due to the cross-linking of Tyr65, Tyr103, disordered loop 2, and Tyr264, respectively. These regions form a DNA-binding surface centered around the beta-sheet spanning residues 243-257. In the P6(1) crystal filament, the DNA-binding surface is near the RecA-RecA interface but are not in the filament axis. The data implicate a mechanism whereby the DNA binding surface would be led into the filament axis by a conformational change from inactive filament as the P6(1) structure to active filament as the RecA-DNA-ATP complex.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Development of DNA delivery system using Pseudomonas exotoxin A and a DNA binding region of human DNA topoisomerase I.

Gene therapy is defined as the delivery of a functional gene for expression in somatic tissues with the intent to cure a disease. Thus, highly efficient gene transfer is essential for gene therapy. Receptor-mediated gene delivery can offer high efficiency in gene transfer, but several technical difficulties need to be solved. In this study, we first examined the DNA binding regions of the human DNA topoisomerase I (Topo I), using agarose gel mobility shift assay, in order to identify sites of noncovalent binding of human DNA Topo I to plasmid DNA. We identified four DNA binding regions in human DNA Topo I. They resided in aa 51-200, 271-375, 422-596, and 651-696 of the human DNA Topo I. We then used one of the four regions as a DNA binding protein fragment in the construction of a DNA delivery vehicle. Based on the known functional property of each Pseudomonas exotoxin A (PE) domain and human DNA Topo I, we fused the receptor binding and membrane translocation domains of PE with a highly positively charged DNA binding region of the N-terminal 198 amino acid residues of human DNA Topo I. The resulting recombinant protein was examined for DNA binding in vitro and transfer efficiency in cultured cells. The results show that this DNA delivery protein is a general DNA delivery vehicle without DNA sequence, topology, and cell-type specificity. The DNA delivery protein could be used to target genes of interest into cells for genetic and biochemical studies. Therefore, this technique can potentially be applied to cancer gene therapy.

ADP Ribose Transferases↗

Expression and purification of the DNA-binding domain of SRF: SRF-DB, a part of a DNA-binding protein which can act as a dominant negative mutant in vivo.

We have developed an approach which allows functional in vivo examination of DNA-binding proteins through microinjection of polypeptides containing the DNA-binding domain into living fibroblasts. The present analysis utilizes serum response factor (SRF), a transcription factor that binds to the serum response element. We have expressed in bacteria a 30-kDa portion of this protein (amino acids 113 to 265) containing the DNA-binding domain of SRF (SRF-DB) and purified it to homogeneity by a single DNA affinity chromatography step using the high-affinity SRF-binding site (ACT.L). We have tested the efficiency of SRF-DB to prevent endogenous SRF function through analysis of c-fos expression and DNA synthesis stimulated by fetal calf serum, two events known to require SRF. Injection of purified SRF-DB into rat embryo fibroblasts inhibits c-fos induction by growth factors. Moreover, DNA synthesis, induced after serum addition, is also suppressed by SRF-DB injection. This implies that overproduction of SRF-DB makes the cell deficient in the function of wild-type SRF and that SRF-DB acts as a dominant negative mutant. These data show that, for the study of DNA-binding proteins, expressing and using portions of the protein that corresponds to the DNA-binding domain present a useful method for generating dominant negative mutants and illustrate the potential application of the DNA-binding region to facilitate the study of events at the DNA/protein level.

Animals↗

Pax-3-DNA interaction: flexibility in the DNA binding and induction of DNA conformational changes by paired domains.

The mouse Pax-3 gene encodes a protein that is a member of the Pax family of DNA binding proteins. Pax-3 contains two DNA binding domains: a paired domain (PD) and a paired type homeodomain (HD). Both domains are separated by 53 amino acids and interact synergistically with a sequence harboring an ATTA motif (binding to the HD) and a GTTCC site (binding to the PD) separated by 5 base pairs. Here we show that the interaction of Pax-3 with these two binding sites is independent of their angular orientation. In addition, the protein spacer region between the HD and the PD can be shortened without changing the spatial flexibility of the two DNA binding domains which interact with DNA. Furthermore, by using circular permutation analysis we determined that binding of Pax-3 to a DNA fragment containing a specific binding site causes conformational changes in the DNA, as indicated by the different mobilities of the Pax-3-DNA complexes. The ability to change the conformation of the DNA was found to be an intrinsic property of the Pax-3 PD and of all Pax proteins that we tested so far. These in vitro studies suggest that interaction of Pax proteins with their specific sequences in vivo may result in an altered DNA conformation.

Animals↗

Consequences of molecular engineering enhanced DNA binding in a DNA repair enzyme.

Facilitated one-dimensional diffusion is a general mechanism utilized by several DNA-interactive proteins as they search for their target sites within large domains of nontarget DNA. T4 endonuclease V is a protein which scans DNA in a nonspecifically bound state and processively incises DNA at ultraviolet (UV)-induced pyrimidine dimer sites. An electrostatic contribution to this mechanism of target location has been established. Previous studies indicate that a decrease in the affinity of endonuclease V for nontarget DNA results in a decreased ability to scan DNA and a concomitant decrease in the ability to enhance UV survival in repair-deficient Escherichia coli. This study was designed to question the contrasting effect of an increase in the affinity of endonuclease V for nontarget DNA. With this as a goal, a gradient of increasingly basic amino acid content was created along a proposed endonuclease V-nontarget DNA interface. This incremental increase in positive charge correlated with the stepwise enhancement of nontarget DNA binding, yet inversely correlated with enhanced UV survival in repair-deficient E. coli. Further analysis suggests that the observed reduction in UV survival is consistent with the hypothesis that enhanced nontarget DNA affinity results in reduced pyrimidine dimer-specific recognition and/or binding. The net effect is a reduction in the efficiency of pyrimidine dimer incision.

Base Sequence↗

RAV1, a novel DNA-binding protein, binds to bipartite recognition sequence through two distinct DNA-binding domains uniquely found in higher plants.

We have cloned and characterized two novel DNA binding proteins designated RAV1 and RAV2 from Arabidopsis thaliana. RAV1 and RAV2 contain two distinct amino acid sequence domains found only in higher plant species. The N-terminal regions of RAV1 and RAV2 are homologous to the AP2 DNA-binding domain present in a family of transcription factors represented by the Arabidopsis APETALA2 and tobacco EREBP proteins, while the C-terminal region exhibits homology to the highly conserved C-terminal domain, designated B3, of VP1/ABI3 transcription factors. Binding site selection assays using a recombinant glutathione S-transferase fusion protein have revealed that RAV1 binds specifically to bipartite recognition sequences composed of two unrelated motifs, 5'-CAACA-3' and 5'-CACCTG-3', separated by various spacings in two different relative orientations. Analyses using various deletion derivatives of the RAV1 fusion protein show that the AP2 and B3-like domains of RAV1 bind autonomously to the CAACA and CACCTG motifs, respectively, and together achieve a high affinity and specificity of binding. From these results, we suggest that the AP2 and B3-like domains of RAV1 are connected by a highly flexible structure enabling the two domains to bind to the CAACA and CACCTG motifs in various spacings and orientations.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Sequence-specific DNA binding of individual cut repeats of the human CCAAT displacement/cut homeodomain protein.

CCAAT displacement protein (CDP), a nuclear protein of 180-190 kDa, contains a triplicated motif, the cut domain, similar (80-90% conserved) to three repeats of 60-65 amino acids first identified in Drosophila cut, a homeo-domain protein involved in cell-fate decisions in development. Cut repeats bind DNA and exhibit subtle differences in target-site recognition. DNA sequences specifically bound by cut repeats were isolated by PCR-mediated DNA target-site selection. Sequences selected for cut repeat 2 and 3 (CR2 and CR3) binding are A+T-rich and favor an ATA motif with similar, but not identical, flanking base preferences. CR2 and CR3 discriminate among similar target sequences. CR1, which is more divergent from CR2 and CR3, displays the most restricted pattern of DNA sequence recognition. Methylation interference analysis demonstrates different protein-DNA contacts for CR1 and CR3 binding to a target sequence. Thus, CDP/cut is a complex protein whose DNA-binding properties reflect the combinatorial interaction of four domains (three cut repeats and one homeodomain) with target DNA sequences.

Base Sequence↗

How hormone receptor-DNA binding affects nucleosomal DNA: the role of symmetry.

Molecular dynamics simulations have been employed to determine the optimal conformation of an estrogen receptor DNA binding domain dimer bound to a consensus response element, ds(AGGTCACAGTGACCT), and to a nonconsensus response element, ds(AGAACACAGTGACCT). The structures simulated were derived from a crystallographic structure and solvated by a sphere (45-A radius) of explicit water and counterions. Long-range electrostatic interactions were accounted for during 100-ps simulations by means of a fast multipole expansion algorithm combined with a multiple time-step scheme in the molecular dynamics package NAMD. The simulations demonstrate that the dimer induces a bent and underwound (10.7 bp/turn) conformation in the DNA. The bending reflects the dyad symmetry of the receptor dimer and can be described as an S-shaped curve in the helical axis of DNA when projected onto a plane. A similar bent and underwound conformation is observed for nucleosomal DNA near the nucleosome's dyad axis that reflects the symmetry of the histone octamer. We propose that when a receptor dimer binds to a nucleosome, the most favorable dimer-DNA and histone-DNA interactions are achieved if the respective symmetry axes are aligned. Such positioning of a receptor dimer over the dyad of nucleosome B in the mouse mammary tumor virus promoter is in agreement with experiment.

DNA-Binding Proteins↗

Inhibition of Ets-1 DNA binding and ternary complex formation between Ets-1, NF-kappaB, and DNA by a designed DNA-binding ligand.

Sequence-specific pyrrole-imidazole polyamides can be designed to interfere with transcription factor binding and to regulate gene expression, both in vitro and in living cells. Polyamides bound adjacent to the recognition sites for TBP, Ets-1, and LEF-1 in the human immunodeficiency virus, type 1 (HIV-1), long terminal repeat inhibited transcription in cell-free assays and viral replication in human peripheral blood lymphocytes. The DNA binding activity of the transcription factor Ets-1 is specifically inhibited by a polyamide bound in the minor groove. Ets-1 is a member of the winged-helix-turn-helix family of transcription factors and binds DNA through a recognition helix bound in the major groove with additional phosphate contacts on either side of this major groove interaction. The inhibitory polyamide possibly interferes with phosphate contacts made by Ets-1, by occupying the adjacent minor groove. Full-length Ets-1 binds the HIV-1 enhancer through cooperative interactions with the p50 subunit of NF-kappaB, and the Ets-inhibitory polyamide also blocks formation of ternary Ets-1. NF-kappaB.DNA complexes on the HIV-1 enhancer. A polyamide bound adjacent to the recognition site for NF-kappaB also inhibits NF-kappaB binding and ternary complex formation. These results broaden the application range of minor groove-binding polyamides and demonstrate that these DNA ligands are powerful inhibitors of DNA-binding proteins that predominantly use major groove contacts and of cooperative protein-DNA ternary complexes.

Base Sequence↗

A human fetal monoclonal DNA-binding antibody shares idiotypes with fetal and adult murine monoclonal DNA-binding antibodies.

A human DNA-binding monoclonal antibody was produced by fusing the hepatocytes from a 12-week-old human fetus with the lymphoblastoid cell line GM 4672 using polyethylene glycol. This antibody, designated BEG 2, binds to single-stranded (ss) DNA but also binds to double-stranded (ds) DNA, poly(dT), polyI and poly(ADP-ribose), but not to RNA, cardiolipin or K-30. The binding of BEG 2 to these polynucleotides can be inhibited by incubation with polynucleotides in the fluid phase. A rabbit polyclonal anti-idiotype was raised, and using this reagent it was shown that the BEG 2 idiotype is present in normal human serum (7%), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) sera (8%) and rheumatoid arthritis sera (23%). The extent of idiotypic sharing between BEG 2 and murine monoclonal DNA-binding antibodies, in particular monoclonal antibody (mAb) 423 (derived from a 15-day-old fetal MRL/Mp-lpr/lpr mouse) and mAb 402 (derived from an adult MRL/lpr mouse), was also investigated. Using a competition ELISA, it was shown that preincubation of BEG 2 with rabbit anti-423 and rabbit anti-402 inhibits the binding of BEG 2 to DNA, and the binding of 402 to DNA by anti-BEG 2 and anti-423. These data suggest that mAb BEG 2, 423 and 402 share common idiotypes, that autoreactivity is present in early fetal life, and that autoantibodies may be encoded for by germline genes, which have been conserved through evolution.

Animals↗