title: How does the GAL4 transcription factor recognize the appropriate DNA binding sites in vivo?
abstract: The GAL4 protein of yeast activates the transcription of several genes involved in galactose metabolism. This event requires that GAL4 bind to upstream activation sites with the consensus sequence 5'-CGGN5(T/A)N5CCG-3'. We review the general requirements that must be met for a protein such as GAL4 to find and remain bound to its target site in vivo. Evidence is presented that the GAL4 DNA-binding domain itself has insufficient intrinsic sequence selectivity to fulfill the task of targeting GAL4 to the appropriate sites in a yeast genome. Possible mechanisms by which this selectivity is enhanced in vivo are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Texas at Austin 78712.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kodadek
mesh_terms: D001483:Base Sequence; D001665:Binding Sites; D001667:Binding, Competitive; D016384:Consensus Sequence; D004271:DNA, Fungal / Q000378:metabolism*; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D005656:Fungal Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D015966:Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal; D008958:Models, Molecular; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D011485:Protein Binding; D012441:Saccharomyces cerevisiae / Q000235:genetics; D029701:Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
chemical_list: D004271:DNA, Fungal; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D005656:Fungal Proteins; C052130:GAL4 protein, S cerevisiae; D029701:Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins; D014157:Transcription Factors