NF‐κB p52:RelB heterodimer recognizes two classes of κB sites with two distinct modes

Abstract

The X‐ray structure of the nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) p52:RelB:κB DNA complex reveals a new recognition feature not previously seen in other NF‐κB:κB DNA complexes. Arg 125 of RelB is in contact with an additional DNA base pair. Surprisingly, the p52:RelB R125A mutant heterodimer shows defects both in DNA binding and in transcriptional activity only to a subclass of κB sites. We found that the Arg 125‐sensitive κB sites contain more contiguous and centrally located A:T base pairs than do the insensitive sites. A protein‐induced kink observed in this complex, which used an AT‐rich κB site, might allow the DNA contact by Arg 125; such a kink might not be possible in complexes with non‐AT‐rich κB sites. Furthermore, we show that the p52:RelB heterodimer binds to a broader spectrum of κB sites when compared with the p50:RelA heterodimer. We suggest that the p52:RelB heterodimer is more adaptable to complement sequence and structural variations in κB sites when compared with other NF‐κB dimers.