Abstract

The regulator of immunoglobulin expression Oct-2 and the related widely expressed transcription factor Oct-1 have been shown to interact with DNA sequences containing an “octamer” motif, ATGCA/TAAT. To better understand Oct-2 function we have used random oligonucleotide selection and competition assays to define the optimal recognition site for this protein. The selected site contains an extended sequence that is remarkably similar to octamer-heptamer sequences found in immunoglobulin heavy-chain regulatory sequences, and the affinity of Oct-2 for this site is at least 50-fold greater than for sites containing the octamer motif alone. Fusion to glutathione S-transferase, a widely used model for protein-DNA and protein-protein interaction, does not alter the optimal Oct-2 recognition site, but inhibits Oct-2 POU-domain dimerization, slows the dissociation rate of the GST-Oct-2/DNA complex, and increases the relative importance of the heptamer domain for Oct-2 binding. These data advance our ability to identify in vivo targets of POU-factor regulation and also suggest that GST-fusion proteins should be used with caution in DNA-binding studies.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.