PMID: 19000822 , Related PDB ids: 2K1N, 2RO3
Authors:
Sullivan DM, Bobay BG, Kojetin DJ, Thompson RJ, Rance M, Strauch MA, Cavanagh J
Title:
Insights into the nature of DNA binding of AbrB-like transcription factors.
Journal:
Structure. 2008 Nov 12;16(11):1702-13.
Abstract:
Understanding the DNA recognition and binding by the AbrB-like family of transcriptional regulators is of significant interest since these proteins enable bacteria to elicit the appropriate response to diverse environmental stimuli. Although these "transition-state regulator" proteins have been well characterized at the genetic level, the general and specific mechanisms of DNA binding remain elusive. We present RDC-refined NMR solution structures and dynamic properties of the DNA-binding domains of three Bacillus subtilis transition-state regulators: AbrB, Abh, and SpoVT. We combined previously investigated DNase I footprinting, DNA methylation, gel-shift assays, and mutagenic and NMR studies to generate a structural model of the complex between AbrBN(55) and its cognate promoter, abrB8. These investigations have enabled us to generate a model for the specific nature of the transition-state regulator-DNA interaction, a structure that has remained elusive thus far.