title: Structural rationale for the coupled binding and unfolding of the c-Myc oncoprotein by small molecules.
abstract: The basic-helix-loop-helix-leucine-zipper domains of the c-Myc oncoprotein and its obligate partner Max are intrinsically disordered (ID) monomers that undergo coupled folding and binding upon heterodimerization. We have identified the binding sites and determined the structural means by which two unrelated small molecules, 10058-F4 and 10074-G5, bind c-Myc and stabilize the ID monomer over the highly ordered c-Myc-Max heterodimer. In solution, the molecules bind to distinct regions of c-Myc and thus limit its ability to interact with Max and assume a more rigid and defined conformation. The identification of multiple, specific binding sites on an ID domain suggests that small molecules may provide a general means for manipulating the structure and function of ID proteins, such as c-Myc.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA.
authors.forename: Ariele Viacava
authors.initials: AV
authors.lastname: Follis
authors.forename: Dalia I
authors.initials: DI
authors.lastname: Hammoudeh
authors.forename: Huabo
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Edward V
authors.initials: EV
authors.lastname: Prochownik
authors.forename: Steven J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Metallo
mesh_terms: D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D001665:Binding Sites; D006801:Humans; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009154:Mutation; D010069:Oxadiazoles / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011485:Protein Binding / Q000187:drug effects; D011487:Protein Conformation / Q000187:drug effects; D011489:Protein Denaturation / Q000187:drug effects; D055503:Protein Multimerization / Q000187:drug effects; D016271:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D013844:Thiazoles / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: C534883:10074-G5; C524814:5-(4-ethylbenzylidene)-2-thioxothiazolidin-4-one; C489427:MYC protein, human; D010069:Oxadiazoles; D016271:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc; D013844:Thiazoles