The structure of the RbBP5 β-propeller domain reveals a surface with potential nucleic acid binding sites

Nucleic Acids Res. 2018 Apr 20;46(7):3802-3812. doi: 10.1093/nar/gky199.

Abstract

The multi-protein complex WRAD, formed by WDR5, RbBP5, Ash2L and Dpy30, binds to the MLL SET domain to stabilize the catalytically active conformation required for histone H3K4 methylation. In addition, the WRAD complex contributes to the targeting of the activated complex to specific sites on chromatin. RbBP5 is central to MLL catalytic activation, by making critical contacts with the other members of the complex. Interestingly its only major structural domain, a canonical WD40 repeat β-propeller, is not implicated in this function. Here, we present the structure of the RbBP5 β-propeller domain revealing a distinct, feature rich surface, dominated by clusters of Arginine residues. Our nuclear magnetic resonance binding data supports the hypothesis that in addition to the role of RbBP5 in catalytic activation, its β-propeller domain is a platform for the recruitment of the MLL complexes to chromatin targets through its direct interaction with nucleic acids.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Binding Sites
  • Catalysis
  • Chromatin / chemistry
  • Chromatin / genetics
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / chemistry*
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • Histones / chemistry
  • Histones / genetics
  • Humans
  • Methylation*
  • Multiprotein Complexes / chemistry*
  • Multiprotein Complexes / genetics
  • Nuclear Proteins / chemistry*
  • Nuclear Proteins / genetics
  • Protein Binding / genetics
  • Protein Conformation
  • Protein Domains
  • Transcription Factors / chemistry
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • WD40 Repeats / genetics

Substances

  • Chromatin
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Histones
  • Multiprotein Complexes
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • RBBP5 protein, human
  • Transcription Factors