Insights into the Nature of DNA Binding of AbrB-like Transcription Factors
Sullivan, D.M., Bobay, B.G., Kojetin, D.J., Thompson, R.J., Rance, M., Strauch, M.A., Cavanagh, J.(2008) Structure 16: 1702-1713
- PubMed: 19000822 
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.str.2008.08.014
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:  
2K1N, 2RO3, 2RO4, 2RO5 - PubMed 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.
Organizational Affiliation: 
Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA.