Structural study of the novel transcription mechanism essential for root development of higher plants

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25440025
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Structural biochemistry
• Research Institution: Nara Institute of Science and Technology
• Principal Investigator: Hirano Yoshinori 奈良先端科学技術大学院大学, バイオサイエンス研究科, 助教 (50452529)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: X線結晶構造解析 / 分子認識 / 転写因子 / GRASファミリー / IDDファミリー / 転写制御 / 根のパターン形成 / タンパク質複合体

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Two GRAS proteins, SHR and SCR, cooperatively direct asymmetric cell division and the patterning of root cell types by transcriptional control in conjunction with BIRD/IDD transcription factors. The crystal structures of the SHR-SCR binary and JKD-SHR-SCR ternary complexes has been determined. Each GRAS domain comprises one α/β core subdomain with an α-helical cap that mediates heterodimerization by forming an intermolecular helix bundle. The α/β core subdomain of SHR forms the BIRD binding groove, which specifically recognizes the zinc fingers of JKD. We identified a conserved SHR-binding motif in 13 BIRD/IDD transcription factors. Our results establish a structural basis for GRAS-GRAS and GRAS-BIRD interactions and provide valuable clues towards our understanding of these regulators, which are involved in plant-specific signalling networks.

Free Research Field

構造生物学