Summary information and primary citation

PDB-id
2dgc; SNAP-derived features in text and JSON formats; DNAproDB
Class
transcription-DNA
Method
X-ray (2.2 Å)
Summary
Gcn4 basic domain, leucine zipper complexed with atf-creb site DNA
Reference
Keller W, Konig P, Richmond TJ (1995): "Crystal structure of a bZIP/DNA complex at 2.2 A: determinants of DNA specific recognition." J.Mol.Biol., 254, 657-667. doi: 10.1006/jmbi.1995.0645.
Abstract
The X-ray structure of the GCN4-bZIP protein bound to DNA containing the ATF/CREB recognition sequence has been refined at 2.2 A. The water-mediated interactions between the basic domain and DNA are revealed, and combined with a more accurate description of the direct contacts, further clarify how binding specificity is achieved. Water molecules extend the interactions of both invariant basic domain residues, asparagine 235 and arginine 243, beyond their direct base contacts. The slight bending of the basic domain alpha-helix around the DNA facilitates the linking of arginine 241, 243 and 245 to main-chain carbonyl oxygen atoms via water molecules, apparently stabilizing interactions with the DNA.

Cartoon-block schematics in six views (download the tarball)

PyMOL session file Download PDB file View in 3Dmol.js