The homeodomain transcription factor CDP/cut interacts with the cell cycle regulatory element of histone H4 genes packaged into nucleosomes

Mol Biol Rep. 1999 Aug;26(3):185-94. doi: 10.1023/a:1007058123699.

Abstract

The homeodomain transcription factor CDP/cut contains four separate DNA binding domains and interacts with large segments of DNA. Thus, CDP/cut has the potential to function as an architectural protein and perhaps to support modifications in chromatin structure and nucleosomal organization. To begin to examine the ability of CDP/cut to interact with chromatin, we analyzed binding of CDP/cut to the histone H4 gene promoter (-90 to +75) reconstituted into nucleosome cores. The -90 to +75 region encompasses the cell cycle regulatory element (Site II) that controls histone H4 gene transcription, a CDP/cut binding site and a nuclease hypersensitive region. Using electrophoretic mobility shift assays and DNase I footprinting experiments, we show that CDP/cut specifically interacts with its recognition motif in a nucleosomal context without displacing the nucleosome core. The competency of CDP/cut to interact with nucleosomes suggests that this transcription factor may facilitate chromatin remodeling in response to cell cycle regulatory and/or developmental cues.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Motifs / genetics
  • Binding Sites / genetics
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / genetics
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / metabolism
  • Chromatin / metabolism
  • Chromatin / ultrastructure
  • DNA / genetics
  • DNA / metabolism
  • DNA / ultrastructure
  • DNA Footprinting
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Genes, cdc
  • HeLa Cells
  • Histones / genetics*
  • Histones / metabolism*
  • Homeodomain Proteins / genetics*
  • Homeodomain Proteins / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Nuclear Proteins / genetics*
  • Nuclear Proteins / metabolism*
  • Nucleosomes / genetics*
  • Nucleosomes / metabolism
  • Nucleosomes / ultrastructure
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic / genetics
  • Protein Binding / genetics
  • Recombinant Proteins / genetics
  • Recombinant Proteins / metabolism
  • Repressor Proteins / genetics*
  • Repressor Proteins / metabolism*
  • Transcription Factors / genetics*
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism*

Substances

  • CUX1 protein, human
  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • Chromatin
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Histones
  • Homeodomain Proteins
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Nucleosomes
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Repressor Proteins
  • Transcription Factors
  • DNA