Structure of transcription factor HetR required for heterocyst differentiation in cyanobacteria.
basic_science · Level V
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- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 21628585.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1073/pnas.1106840108 and PMC identifier 3121805.
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Abstract
HetR is an essential regulator of heterocyst development in cyanobacteria. HetR binds to a DNA palindrome upstream of the hetP gene. We report the crystal structure of HetR from Fischerella at 3.0 Å. The protein is a dimer comprised of a central DNA-binding unit containing the N-terminal regions of the two subunits organized with two helix-turn-helix motifs; two globular flaps extending in opposite directions; and a hood over the central core formed from the C-terminal subdomains. The flaps and hood have no structural precedent in the protein database, therefore representing new folds. The structural assignments are supported by site-directed mutagenesis and DNA-binding studies. We suggest that HetR serves as a scaffold for assembly of transcription components critical for heterocyst development.
Medical subject headings
- Bacterial Proteins
- Cyanobacteria
- Protein Structure, Quaternary
- Protein Structure, Tertiary
- Transcription Factors