A new DNA binding and dimerization motif in immunoglobulin enhancer binding, daughterless, MyoD, and myc proteins

Cell. 1989 Mar 10;56(5):777-83. doi: 10.1016/0092-8674(89)90682-x.

Abstract

Two cDNAs were isolated whose dimerized products bind specifically to a DNA sequence, kappa E2, located in the immunoglobulin kappa chain enhancer. Both cDNAs share a region of extensive identity to the Drosophila daughterless gene and obvious similarity to a segment in three myc proteins, MyoD, and members of the Drosophila achaete-scute and twist gene family. The homologous regions have the potential to form two amphipathic helices separated by an intervening loop. Remarkable is the stringent conservation of hydrophobic residues present in both helices. We demonstrate that this new motif plays a crucial role in both dimerization and DNA binding.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics*
  • Drosophila melanogaster / genetics*
  • Enhancer Elements, Genetic*
  • Genes, Immunoglobulin*
  • Humans
  • Lamins
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Molecular Structure
  • Nuclear Proteins / genetics
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / genetics*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc
  • Solubility
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Transcription Factors / genetics*

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Lamins
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc
  • Transcription Factors

Associated data

  • GENBANK/M24404
  • GENBANK/M24405