Conservation of DNA-binding specificity and oligomerisation properties within the p53 family.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Transcription factors activate their target genes by binding to specific response elements. Many transcription factor families evolved from a common ancestor by gene duplication and subsequent divergent evolution. Members of the p53 family, which play key roles in cell-cycle control and development, share conserved DNA binding and oligomerisation domains but exhibit distinct functions. In this study, the molecular basis of the functional divergence of related transcription factors was investigated.

Results

We characterised the DNA-binding specificity and oligomerisation properties of human p53, p63 and p73, as well as p53 from other organisms using novel biophysical approaches. All p53 family members bound DNA cooperatively as tetramers with high affinity. Despite

SUBMITTER: Brandt T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2807882 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature