PMID: 24561505
Authors:
Lou X, Toresson G, Benod C, Suh JH, Philips KJ, Webb P, Gustafsson JA
Title:
Structure of the retinoid X receptor alpha-liver X receptor beta (RXRalpha-LXRbeta) heterodimer on DNA.
Journal:
Nat Struct Mol Biol. 2014 Mar;21(3):277-81. doi: 10.1038/nsmb.2778. Epub 2014 Feb, 23.
Abstract:
Nuclear receptors (NRs) are conditional transcription factors with common multidomain organization that bind diverse DNA elements. How DNA sequences influence NR conformation is poorly understood. Here we report the crystal structure of the human retinoid X receptor alpha-liver X receptor beta (RXRalpha-LXRbeta) heterodimer on its cognate element, an AGGTCA direct repeat spaced by 4 nt. The complex has an extended X-shaped arrangement, with DNA- and ligand-binding domains crossed, in contrast to the parallel domain arrangement of other NRs that bind an AGGTCA direct repeat spaced by 1 nt. The LXRbeta core binds DNA via canonical contacts and auxiliary DNA contacts that enhance affinity for the response element. Comparisons of RXRalpha-LXRbetas in the crystal asymmetric unit and with previous NR structures reveal flexibility in NR organization and suggest a role for RXRalpha in adaptation of heterodimeric complexes to DNA.