Ku protein: Difference between revisions

Consisting of three domains (<scene name='56/567269/Ku70_dimer/2'>α/β-Domain</scene>, <scene name='56/567269/Ku70_dimer/4'>β-barrel</scene>, <scene name='56/567269/Ku70_dimer/7'>C-terminal arm</scene>), the <scene name='56/567269/Ku70_subunit/3'>Ku70</scene> dimerizes with the <scene name='56/567269/Ku80_subunit/3'>Ku80</scene> to form the protein.  Unlike other DNA binding proteins, the Ku protein is asymmetrical from the differences between the Ku70 and Ku80 subunits.  This asymmetry leads to different favorable locations for DNA based on major and minor grooves.  The <scene name='56/567269/Ku70_subunit/3'>Ku70</scene> is angled closer to <scene name='56/567269/Bound_dna/3'>DNA</scene> at the double strand break, providing protectiion and interaction with its domains.  In contrast, the <scene name='56/567269/Ku80_subunit/3'>Ku80</scene> associates with <scene name='56/567269/Bound_dna/3'>DNA</scene> away from the free end.  Once a homodimer, the domain has diverged into two domains that are 15% similar in residues.