Structural highlights
Function
[UBX_DROME] Sequence-specific transcription factor which is part of a developmental regulatory system that provides cells with specific positional identities on the anterior-posterior axis. Binds the consensus region 5'-TTAAT[GT][GA]-3'. This homeotic protein controls development of the cells in the posterior thoracic and first abdominal segments. It activates the synthesis of the decapentaplegic (DPP) growth factor.
Publication Abstract from PubMed
The patterning function of Hox proteins relies on assembling protein complexes with PBC proteins, which often involves a protein motif found in most Hox proteins, the so-called Hexapeptide (HX). Hox/PBC complexes likely gained functional diversity by acquiring additional modes of interaction. Here, we structurally characterize the first HX alternative interaction mode based on the paralogue-specific UbdA motif and further functionally validate structure-based predictions. The UbdA motif folds as a flexible extension of the homeodomain recognition helix and defines Hox/PBC contacts that occur, compared with those mediated by the HX motif, on the opposing side of the DNA double helix. This provides a new molecular facet to Hox/PBC complex assembly and suggests possible mechanisms for the diversification of Hox protein function.
A Flexible Extension of the Drosophila Ultrabithorax Homeodomain Defines a Novel Hox/PBC Interaction Mode.,Foos N, Maurel-Zaffran C, Mate MJ, Vincentelli R, Hainaut M, Berenger H, Pradel J, Saurin AJ, Ortiz-Lombardia M, Graba Y Structure. 2015 Feb 3;23(2):270-9. doi: 10.1016/j.str.2014.12.011. PMID:25651060[1]
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
References
- ↑ Foos N, Maurel-Zaffran C, Mate MJ, Vincentelli R, Hainaut M, Berenger H, Pradel J, Saurin AJ, Ortiz-Lombardia M, Graba Y. A Flexible Extension of the Drosophila Ultrabithorax Homeodomain Defines a Novel Hox/PBC Interaction Mode. Structure. 2015 Feb 3;23(2):270-9. doi: 10.1016/j.str.2014.12.011. PMID:25651060 doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.str.2014.12.011
