Novel DNA-binding element within the C-terminal extension of the nuclear receptor DNA-binding domain.

ABSTRACT: The heterodimer of the ecdysone receptor (EcR) and ultraspiracle (Usp), members of the nuclear receptors superfamily, is considered as the functional receptor for ecdysteroids initiating molting and metamorphosis in insects. Here we report the 1.95 A structure of the complex formed by the DNA-binding domains (DBDs) the EcR and the Usp, bound to the natural pseudopalindromic response element. Comparison of the structure with that obtained previously, using an idealized response element, shows how the EcRDBD, which has been previously reported to possess extraordinary flexibility, accommodates DNA-induced structural changes. Part of the C-terminal extension (CTE) of the EcRDBD folds into an alpha-helix whose location in the minor groove does not match any of the locations previously observed

SUBMITTER: Jakob M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1885670 | biostudies-literature | 2007

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature