Cooperative Gsx2-DNA Binding Requires DNA Bending and a Novel Gsx2 Homeodomain Interface.

ABSTRACT: The conserved Gsx homeodomain (HD) transcription factors specify neural cell fates in animals from flies to mammals. Like many HD proteins, Gsx factors bind A/T-rich DNA sequences prompting the question - how do HD factors that bind similar DNA sequences in vitro regulate specific target genes in vivo? Prior studies revealed that Gsx factors bind DNA both as a monomer on individual A/T-rich sites and as a cooperative homodimer to two sites spaced precisely seven base pairs apart. However, the mechanistic basis for Gsx DNA binding and cooperativity are poorly understood. Here, we used biochemical, biophysical, structural, and modeling approaches to (1) show that Gsx factors are monomers in solution and require DNA for cooperative complex formation; (2) define the affinity and

SUBMITTER: Webb JA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10723402 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature