We compare the structure, activity and linkage of DNA binding domains from σ54 transcriptional activators, and discuss how the properties of the DNA binding domains and the linker to the neighboring domain are affected by the overall properties and requirements of the full proteins. These transcriptional activators bind upstream of specific promoters that utilize σ54-polymerase. Upon receiving a signal the activators assemble into hexamers, which then, through ATP hydrolysis, drive a conformational change in polymerase that enables transcription initiation. We present structures of the DNA-binding domains of activators NtrC1 and Nlh2 from the thermophile A. aeolicus. The structures of these domains, and their relationship to other sparts of the activators are discussed. These structures are compared with previously determined structures of the DNA-binding domains of NtrC4, NtrC, ZraR, and FIS. The N-terminal linkers that connect the DNA-binding domains to the central domains in NtrC1 and Nlh2 were studied and found to be unstructured. Additionally, a crystal structure of full-length NtrC1 was solved, but density for the DNA-binding domains was extremely weak, further indicating that the linker between ATPase and DNA binding domains functions as a flexible tether. Flexible linking of ATPase and DNA binding domains is likely necessary to allow assembly of the active hexameric ATPase ring. The comparison of this set of activators also shows clearly that strong dimerization of the DNA binding domain only occurs when other domains do not dimerize strongly.
Transcription initiation by bacterial σ54-polymerase requires the action of a transcriptional activator protein. Activators bind sequence-specifically upstream of the transcription initiation site via a DNA-binding domain. The structurally characterized DNA-binding domains from activators all belong to the Factor for Inversion Stimulation (Fis) family of helix-turn-helix DNA-binding proteins. We report here structures of the free and DNA-bound forms of the DNA-binding domain of NtrC4 (4DBD) from Aquifex aeolicus, a member of the NtrC family of σ54 activators. Two NtrC4 binding sites were identified upstream (−145 and −85 base pairs) from the start of the lpxC gene, which is responsible for the first committed step in Lipid A biosynthesis. This is the first experimental evidence for σ54 regulation in lpxC expression. 4DBD was crystallized both without DNA and in complex with the −145 binding site. The structures, together with biochemical data, indicate that NtrC4 binds to DNA in a manner that is similar to that of its close homologue, Fis. The greater sequence specificity for the binding of 4DBD relative to Fis seems to arise from a larger number of base specific contacts contributing to affinity than for Fis.
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