Identification of the consensus DNA sequence for Nczf binding

DNA Cell Biol. 2007 Jun;26(6):395-401. doi: 10.1089/dna.2006.0565.

Abstract

The Nczf gene, which is identified as a target gene of Ncx, encodes a novel Kruppel-associated box (KRAB) zinc finger protein, which functions as a sequence-specific transcriptional repressor. We generated a fusion protein of the zinc finger domain of Nczf and glutathione S-transferase to identify Nczf-binding consensus DNA sequences with random oligonucleotides of 15 and 35 bases. The consensus binding sequence of core nucleotides contains (A/T/C)CTTT(A/G)TTNT. In a gel mobility shift assay, the probe containing these sequences bound to the fusion protein. In silico analysis, these consensus sequences were found on regulatory regions of the endothelin receptor B and the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor genes, which are involved in neural crest development. These results suggest that Nczf functions as a sequence-specific transcription repressor to regulate neural crest cell development.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • Binding Sites / genetics
  • Carrier Proteins / genetics*
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism*
  • Consensus Sequence
  • DNA / genetics*
  • DNA / metabolism*
  • Homeodomain Proteins / genetics*
  • Homeodomain Proteins / metabolism*
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Mice
  • Nuclear Proteins / genetics*
  • Nuclear Proteins / metabolism*
  • Protein Binding
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / genetics
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / metabolism
  • Repressor Proteins / genetics*
  • Repressor Proteins / metabolism*
  • Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid
  • Zinc Fingers / genetics

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • Homeodomain Proteins
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • Repressor Proteins
  • Tlx2 protein, mouse
  • DNA
  • Zfp472 protein, mouse