1lpv
DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER DOUBLESEX (DSX), NMR, 18 STRUCTURESDROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER DOUBLESEX (DSX), NMR, 18 STRUCTURES
Structural highlights
FunctionDSX_DROME Controls somatic sexual differentiation. Binds directly and specifically to the FBE (fat body enhancer) of the yolk protein 1 and 2 genes (Yp1 and Yp2). This enhancer is sufficient to direct the female-specific transcription characteristic of the Yp genes in adult fat bodies. Involved in regulation of male-specific expression of takeout in brain-associated fat body.[1] Evolutionary Conservation![]() Check, as determined by ConSurfDB. You may read the explanation of the method and the full data available from ConSurf. Publication Abstract from PubMedSex determination is regulated by diverse pathways. Although upstream signals vary, a cysteine-rich DNA-binding domain (the DM motif) is conserved within downstream transcription factors of Drosophila melanogaster (Doublesex) and Caenorhabditis elegans (MAB-3). Vertebrate DM genes have likewise been identified and, remarkably, are associated with human sex reversal (46, XY gonadal dysgenesis). Here we demonstrate that the structure of the Doublesex domain contains a novel zinc module and disordered tail. The module consists of intertwined CCHC and HCCC Zn(2+)-binding sites; the tail functions as a nascent recognition alpha-helix. Mutations in either Zn(2+)-binding site or tail can lead to an intersex phenotype. The motif binds in the DNA minor groove without sharp DNA bending. These molecular features, unusual among zinc fingers and zinc modules, underlie the organization of a Drosophila enhancer that integrates sex- and tissue-specific signals. The structure provides a foundation for analysis of DM mutations affecting sexual dimorphism and courtship behavior. Sexual dimorphism in diverse metazoans is regulated by a novel class of intertwined zinc fingers.,Zhu L, Wilken J, Phillips NB, Narendra U, Chan G, Stratton SM, Kent SB, Weiss MA Genes Dev. 2000 Jul 15;14(14):1750-64. PMID:10898790[2] From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. References
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