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Crystal structure of the met represser–operator complex at 2.8 Å resolution reveals DNA recognition by β-strands

Nature volume 359, pages 387–393 (1992)Cite this article

Abstract

The crystal structure of the met represser–operator complex shows two dimeric repressor molecules bound to adjacent sites 8 base pairs apart on an 18-base-pair DNA fragment. Sequence specificity is achieved by insertion of double-stranded antiparallel protein β-ribbons into the major groove of B-form DNA, with direct hydrogen-bonding between amino-acid side chains and the base pairs. The repressor also recognizes sequence-dependent distortion or flexibility of the operator phosphate backbone, conferring specificity even for inaccessible base pairs.

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Author notes

  1. William S. Somers

    Present address: Genentech Inc., 460 Point San Bruno Boulevard, South San Francisco, California, 94080, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK

    William S. Somers & Simon E. V. Phillips

Authors
  1. William S. Somers
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  2. Simon E. V. Phillips
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Somers, W., Phillips, S. Crystal structure of the met represser–operator complex at 2.8 Å resolution reveals DNA recognition by β-strands. Nature 359, 387–393 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1038/359387a0

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