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. 1995 Jun 11;23(11):1928–1935. doi: 10.1093/nar/23.11.1928

The optimal binding sequence of the Hox11 protein contains a predicted recognition core motif.

S Tang 1, M L Breitman 1
PMCID: PMC306965  PMID: 7596820

Abstract

HOX11 is a homeobox-containing oncogene of specific T-cell leukemias. We determined the DNA binding specificity of the Hox11 protein by using a novel technique of random oligonucleotide selection developed in this study. The optimal Hox11 binding sequence, GGCGGTAAGTGG, contained a core TAAGTG motif that is consistent with a prediction based on the residues at specific positions that potentially make DNA base contacts and models of homeodomain-DNA interaction proposed from studies with other homeodomains. The specific interaction between Hox11 and the selected optimal binding sequence was further confirmed by band-shift and DNA competition assays. Given that the Hox11 homeodomain shares low homology with other well studied homeodomains, the presence of a predictable recognition core motif in its optimal binding sequence supports the notion that different homeodomains interact with DNA in a similar manner, through highly conserved residues at specific positions that allow contact with DNA.

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Selected References

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