title: Multivalent DNA-binding properties of the HMG-1 proteins.
abstract: HMG-I proteins are DNA-binding proteins thought to affect the formation and function of transcription complexes. Each protein contains three DNA-binding motifs, known as AT-hooks, that bind in the minor groove of AT tracts in DNA. Multiple AT-hooks within a polypeptide chain should contact multiple AT tracts, but the rules governing these interactions have not been defined. In this study, we demonstrate that high-affinity binding uses two or three appropriately spaced AT tracts as a single multivalent binding site. These principles have implications for binding to regulatory elements such as the interferon beta enhancer, TATA boxes, and serum response elements.
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Maher
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Nathans
mesh_terms: D001483:Base Sequence; D001665:Binding Sites; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D004742:Enhancer Elements, Genetic; D024243:HMGB1 Protein; D006609:High Mobility Group Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009838:Oligodeoxyribonucleotides; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic; D011485:Protein Binding; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
chemical_list: D002352:Carrier Proteins; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D024243:HMGB1 Protein; D006609:High Mobility Group Proteins; D009838:Oligodeoxyribonucleotides