DSSR-PyMOL cartoon-block schematics: PDB entry 3g9i

PDB-id

3g9i; DSSR-derived features in text and JSON formats

Class

transcription-DNA

Method

X-ray (1.85 Å)

Summary

Gr DNA binding domain: pal complex-35

Reference

Meijsing SH, Pufall MA, So AY, Bates DL, Chen L, Yamamoto KR (2009): "DNA binding site sequence directs glucocorticoid receptor structure and activity." Science, 324, 407-410. doi: 10.1126/science.1164265.

Abstract

Genes are not simply turned on or off, but instead their expression is fine-tuned to meet the needs of a cell. How genes are modulated so precisely is not well understood. The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) regulates target genes by associating with specific DNA binding sites, the sequences of which differ between genes. Traditionally, these binding sites have been viewed only as docking sites. Using structural, biochemical, and cell-based assays, we show that GR binding sequences, differing by as little as a single base pair, differentially affect GR conformation and regulatory activity. We therefore propose that DNA is a sequence-specific allosteric ligand of GR that tailors the activity of the receptor toward specific target genes.