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Second-order repeats in Xenopus laevis finger proteins
W Nietfeld1, T el-Baradi, H Mentzel
1Max-Planck-Institut für Molekulare Genetik, Otto-Warburg-Laboratorium Ihnestrasse 73, Berlin, F.R.G.
Journal of Molecular Biology
|August 20, 1989
Summary
Researchers determined the primary structure of 342 zinc finger repeats from Xenopus laevis. Analysis revealed a consensus repeat with conserved and variable segments, organized into higher-order structural units.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Zinc finger (Zn finger) proteins are crucial DNA-binding proteins involved in gene regulation.
- Understanding the structural diversity and organization of Zn finger repeats is essential for elucidating their function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the primary structure of a large set of zinc finger repeats from Xenopus laevis.
- To identify conserved sequence elements and higher-order structural organization within these repeats.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of cDNA clones from Xenopus laevis oocyte and gastrula libraries.
- Determination of the primary amino acid sequence of 342 finger repeats.
- Comparative sequence analysis to identify consensus sequences and structural units.
Main Results:
- A consensus repeat sequence was identified, featuring an extended conserved segment (16 amino acids) including the H/C link element and a variable finger loop region.
- Tandem finger repeats are organized into distinct higher-order structural units.
- A pair of mutually distinct fingers was the most frequently observed second-order repeat unit.
Conclusions:
- The study provides detailed insights into the primary structure and organization of zinc finger repeats in Xenopus laevis.
- Observed structural features offer a basis for understanding the structure-function relationships of Zn fingers.
- Findings contribute to the broader understanding of gene regulation mechanisms involving Zn finger proteins.