The AT-Hook motif as a versatile minor groove anchor for promoting DNA binding of transcription factor fragments

Chem Sci. 2015 Aug 1;6(8):4767-4771. doi: 10.1039/C5SC01415H.

Abstract

We report the development of chimeric DNA binding peptides comprising a DNA binding fragment of natural transcription factors (the basic region of a bZIP protein or a monomeric zinc finger module) and an AT-Hook peptide motif. The resulting peptide conjugates display high DNA affinity and excellent sequence selectivity. Furthermore, the AT-Hook motif also favors the cell internalization of the conjugates.