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Updated: Aug 15, 2026

CD Spectroscopy to Study DNA-Protein Interactions
Published on: February 10, 2022
Conserved ETS domain arginines mediate DNA binding, nuclear localization, and a novel mode of bZIP interaction
James A Listman1, Nawarat Wara-aswapati, JoAnne E Race
1SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York 13210, USA.
Abstract:
The DNA-binding ETS transcription factor Spi-1/PU.1 is of central importance in determining the myeloid-erythroid developmental switch and is required for monocyte and osteoclast differentiation. Many monocyte genes are dependent upon this factor, including the gene that codes for interleukin-1beta. It has long been known that the conserved ETS DNA-binding domain of Spi-1/PU.1 functionally cooperates via direct association with a diverse collection of DNA-binding proteins, including members of the basic leucine zipper domain (bZIP) family. However, the molecular basis for this interaction has long been elusive. Using a combination of approaches, we have mapped a single residue on the surface of the ETS domain critical for protein tethering by the C/EBPbeta carboxyl-terminal bZIP domain. This residue is also important for nuclear localization and DNA binding. In addition, dependence upon the leucine zipper suggests a novel mode for both protein-DNA interaction and functional cooperativity.
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