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Updated: Mar 10, 2026

Single-Molecule Imaging of EWS-FLI1 Condensates Assembling on DNA
Published on: September 8, 2021
Structural dynamics and DNA interaction of human TFIID
Eva Nogales1,2,3, Jie Fang2, Robert K Louder4
1a Molecular and Cell Biology Department and QB3 Institute , UC Berkeley , CA , USA.
The TFIID complex, crucial for gene transcription, exhibits significant conformational flexibility. This plasticity allows it to recognize diverse DNA promoter elements and adapt its binding affinity, aiding gene regulation.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Structural Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- TFIID is essential for eukaryotic gene transcription initiation.
- It recognizes and binds core promoter sequences.
- TFIID recruits other general transcription factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the conformational complexity of human TFIID.
- To understand the functional implications of TFIID's structural plasticity.
Main Methods:
- Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) was used.
- Analysis of TFIID structure and conformational changes.
Main Results:
- Human TFIID displays significant conformational complexity.
- A substantial portion of TFIID can shift position by over 100 Å.
- This conformational plasticity is linked to DNA binding.
Conclusions:
- TFIID's structural plasticity facilitates recognition of diverse promoter elements.
- Conformational flexibility allows regulatory factors to tune TFIID's DNA binding affinity.
- This mechanism is key to regulating eukaryotic gene transcription.
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