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PROSITE documentation PDOC00305 [for PROSITE entry PS50118]
HMG boxes A and B DNA-binding domains signature and profile


Description

High mobility group (HMG) chromosomal proteins are a family of relatively low molecular weight non-histone components that bind DNA without sequence specificity. HMG1 (also called HMG-T in fish) and HMG2 are related proteins that have two distinguishing features: two HMG boxes (A and B), homologous folded domains of around 80 amino acid residues, and a long acidic tail containing 20 to 30 aspartic or glutamic acid residues [1,2]. The HMG box A is only found in HMG 1 and 2 proteins whereas the HMG box B is also present in various transcription factors. HMG boxes have unusual DNA binding activity. They bind preferentially to distorted DNAs, such as four-way junctions, kinked cisplatin-modified DNA, DNA bulges, and have the property to bend DNA [2]. They can bind DNA without sequence specificity like in HMG1 and 2 or recognize a specific site.

Several structures of HMG-boxes have been solved (see <PDB:1AAB>) [3,4]. They have a common fold consisting of three α helices arranged in an "L-shape". The HMG box binds DNA through its concave face to the minor groove of B-form DNA and causes bending by partial intercalation of a hydrophobic residue close to the N-terminus of helix I [4,5].

Some proteins known to contain a HMG box are listed below:

  • Eukaryotic HMG1, HMG2 and related proteins.
  • Animal sex determining region Y (SRY) and related proteins, a transcriptional activator which regulates a genetic switch in male development.
  • Animal SOX family of transcription factors, a conserved family of proteins related to the testis-determining factor SRY.
  • Mammalian lymphoid enhancer binding factor 1 (LEF1), a transcriptional activator which regulates a genetic switch in male development.
  • Eukaryotic structure-specific recognition protein 1 (SSRP). It binds specifically to double-stranded and, at low levels, to single-stranded DNA which has been modified by the anticancer drug cisplatin.
  • Mitochondrial transcription factor 1 (MTF1). It confers selective promoter recognition on the core subunit of the yeast mitochondrial RNA polymerase.
  • Vertebrate nucleolar transcription factors (UBF1/2). They recognize the ribosomal RNA gene promoter and activate transcription mediated by RNA polymerase I.
  • Yeast ARS-binding factor (ABF2). It binds specifically to the autonomously replicating sequence 1 (ARS1).
  • Yeast transcription factors IXR1, ROX1, NHP6A/B, SPP41.
  • Drosophila capicua protein. A transcription cofactor involved in negative regulation of transcription.
  • Fission yeast mismatch binding protein 1 (cmb1). It binds to cytosines in base mismatches and opposite chemically altered guanines.
  • Tetrahymena thermophila micronuclear linker histone polyprotein (MIC LH).
  • Mammalian nuclear autoantigen Speckled 100 kDa protein (Sp-100).

The pattern we developed covers the second helix of the HMG box A and therefore is specific for HMG1/2 proteins. We also developed a profile that covers the whole domain and recognizes both types of HMG boxes.

Last update:

December 2004 / Pattern and text revised.

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Technical section

PROSITE methods (with tools and information) covered by this documentation:

HMG_BOX_2, PS50118; HMG boxes A and B DNA-binding domains profile  (MATRIX)

HMG_BOX_1, PS00353; HMG box A DNA-binding domain signature  (PATTERN)


References

1AuthorsBustin M. Lehn D.A. Landsman D.
TitleStructural features of the HMG chromosomal proteins and their genes.
SourceBiochim. Biophys. Acta 1049:231-243(1990).
PubMed ID2200521

2AuthorsThomas J.O.
TitleHMG1 and 2: architectural DNA-binding proteins.
SourceBiochem. Soc. Trans. 29:395-401(2001).
PubMed ID11497996

3AuthorsHardman C.H. Broadhurst R.W. Raine A.R. Grasser K.D. Thomas J.O. Laue E.D.
TitleStructure of the A-domain of HMG1 and its interaction with DNA as studied by heteronuclear three- and four-dimensional NMR spectroscopy.
SourceBiochemistry 34:16596-16607(1995).
PubMed ID8527432

4AuthorsWerner M.H. Huth J.R. Gronenborn A.M. Clore G.M.
TitleMolecular basis of human 46X,Y sex reversal revealed from the three-dimensional solution structure of the human SRY-DNA complex.
SourceCell 81:705-714(1995).
PubMed ID7774012

5AuthorsLove J.J. Li X. Case D.A. Giese K. Grosschedl R. Wright P.E.
TitleStructural basis for DNA bending by the architectural transcription factor LEF-1.
SourceNature 376:791-795(1995).
PubMed ID7651541
DOI10.1038/376791a0



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