Crystal structure of the met represser-operator complex at 2.8 Å resolution reveals DNA recognition by β-strands
Abstract
The crystal structure of the met represser-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 β-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.
- Publication:
-
Nature
- Pub Date:
- October 1992
- DOI:
- 10.1038/359387a0
- Bibcode:
- 1992Natur.359..387S