Crystal structure of the met repressor-operator complex at 2.8 A resolution reveals DNA recognition by beta-strands.
Somers, W.S., Phillips, S.E.(1992) Nature 359: 387-393
- PubMed: 1406951
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/359387a0
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:
1CMA - PubMed Abstract:
The crystal structure of the met repressor-operator complex shows two dimeric repressor molecules bound to adjacent sites 8 base pairs apart on an 18-base-pair DNA fragment. Sequence specificity is achieved by insertion of double-stranded antiparallel protein beta-ribbons into the major groove of B-form DNA, with direct hydrogen-bonding between amino-acid side chains and the base pairs. The repressor also recognizes sequence-dependent distortion or flexibility of the operator phosphate backbone, conferring specificity even for inaccessible base pairs.
Organizational Affiliation:
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, UK.