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Science 11 November 1988:
Vol. 242. no. 4880, pp. 925 - 927
DOI: 10.1126/science.2903553
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Articles

Science, Vol 242, Issue 4880, 925-927
Copyright © 1988 by American Association for the Advancement of Science

articles

A chemically synthesized Antennapedia homeo domain binds to a specific DNA sequence

H Mihara and ET Kaiser

Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10021.

A peptide 60 residues in length that corresponds to the homeo domain of Antennapedia (Antp), a protein governing development in Drosophila, was synthesized by segment condensation with protected peptide segments prepared on an oxime resin. A footprinting assay showed that the homeo domain binds specifically to a TAA repeat DNA sequence in the Antp gene. Thus the Antp homeo domain has a sequence-specific DNA binding property. The circular dichroism spectra of the homeo domain peptide showed the presence of a significant amount of alpha-helical structure in aqueous solution and in 50 percent trifluoroethanol. The alpha helicity measured in water appears to depend on the peptide concentration, which suggests that the peptide aggregates. These results support the hypothesis that the homeo domain binds to DNA through a helix-turn-helix motif.


THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES:
The segment identity functions of Ultrabithorax are contained within its homeo domain and carboxy-terminal sequences..
S K Chan and R S Mann (1993)
Genes & Dev. 7, 796-811
   Abstract »    PDF »
The oct-1 homeo domain contacts only part of the octamer sequence and full oct-1 DNA-binding activity requires the POU-specific domain..
C P Verrijzer, A J Kal, and P C van der Vliet (1990)
Genes & Dev. 4, 1964-1974
   Abstract »    PDF »
The DNA-binding homeo domain of the Oct-2 protein..
M A Garcia-Blanco, R G Clerc, and P A Sharp (1989)
Genes & Dev. 3, 739-745
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Science. ISSN 0036-8075 (print), 1095-9203 (online)