The structure of a CREB bZIP·somatostatin CRE complex reveals the basis for selective dimerization and divalent cation-enhanced DNA binding

Maria A. Schumacher, Richard H. Goodman, Richard G. Brennan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

148 Scopus citations

Abstract

The cAMP responsive element-binding protein (CREB) is central to second messenger regulated transcription. To elucidate the structured mechanisms of DNA binding and selective dimerization of CREB, we determined to 3.0 Å resolution, the structure of the CREB bZIP (residues 283-341) bound to a 21-base pair deoxynucleotide that encompasses the canonical 8-base pair somatostatin cAMP response element (SSCRE). The CREB dimer is stabilized in part by ionic interactions from Arg314 to Glu319' and Glu328 to Lys333' as well as a hydrogen bond network that links the carboxamide side chains of Gln322'-Asn321-Asn321'-Gln322. Critical to family selective dimerization are intersubunit hydrogen bonds between basic region residue Tyr307 and leucine zipper residue Glu312, which are conserved in all CREB/CREM/ATF-1 family members. Strikingly, the structure reveals a hexahydrated Mg2+ ion bound in the cavity between the basic region and SSCRE that makes a water-mediated DNA contact. DNA binding studies demonstrate that Mg2+ ions enhance CREB bZIP:SSCRE binding by more than 25-fold and suggest a possible physiological role for this ion in somatostatin cAMP response element and potentially other CRE-mediated gene expression.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)35242-35247
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry
Volume275
Issue number45
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 10 2000

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

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