Crystal structure of a CAP-DNA complex: the DNA is bent by 90 degrees.
Schultz, S.C., Shields, G.C., Steitz, T.A.(1991) Science 253: 1001-1007
- PubMed: 1653449 
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1653449
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:  
1CGP - PubMed Abstract: 
The 3 angstrom resolution crystal structure of the Escherichia coli catabolite gene activator protein (CAP) complexed with a 30-base pair DNA sequence shows that the DNA is bent by 90 degrees. This bend results almost entirely from two 40 degrees kinks that occur between TG/CA base pairs at positions 5 and 6 on each side of the dyad axis of the complex. DNA sequence discrimination by CAP derives both from sequence-dependent distortion of the DNA helix and from direct hydrogen-bonding interactions between three protein side chains and the exposed edges of three base pairs in the major groove of the DNA. The structure of this transcription factor--DNA complex provides insights into possible mechanisms of transcription activation.
Organizational Affiliation: 
Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511.