title: DNA binding and in vivo function of C.elegans PEB-1 require a conserved FLYWCH motif.
abstract: Caenorhabditis elegans PEB-1 is a novel protein containing a DNA-binding domain in its N terminus, which includes a Cys/His-rich FLYWCH motif also found in Drosophila Mod(mdg4) proteins, and a large C-terminal domain of unknown function. PEB-1 is expressed in most pharyngeal cell types, but its molecular function remains unclear. Here we describe comparative and functional analyses of PEB-1. Characterization of the PEB-1 sequence from C.briggsae indicates highest conservation in the DNA-binding domain (including the FLYWCH motif) and the C terminus, suggesting two functional domains. The PEB-1 FLYWCH motif is essential for DNA-binding and in vivo function; however, it does not bind detectable metal. Likewise, the PEB-1 C terminus is necessary for full activity in vivo, although the DNA-binding domain alone is sufficient for partial function. Both the FLYWCH motif and the C-terminal domain are required for efficient nuclear localization, suggesting PEB-1 must bind DNA and other components to remain in the nucleus. Analysis of binding sites revealed a YDTGCCRW PEB-1 consensus-binding site, and matches to this consensus are widespread in the C.elegans genome.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological Sciences and Laboratory for Molecular Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, 900 S. Ashland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60607, USA.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Beaster-Jones
authors.forename: Peter G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Okkema
mesh_terms: D020816:Amino Acid Motifs; D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D001483:Base Sequence; D001665:Binding Sites; D029742:Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000378:metabolism; D017124:Conserved Sequence; D004247:DNA / Q000378:metabolism*; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D011485:Protein Binding; D017386:Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
chemical_list: D029742:Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; C420182:peb-1 protein, C elegans; D004247:DNA