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Human DiGeorge Critical Region 8 (DGCR8) is an essential microRNA (miRNA) processing factor that is activated via direct interaction with Fe(III) heme. In order for DGCR8 to bind heme, it must dimerize using a dimerization domain embedded within its heme-binding domain (HBD). We previously reported a crystal structure of the dimerization domain from human DGCR8, which demonstrated how dimerization results in the formation of a surface important for association with heme. Here, in an attempt to crystallize the HBD, we search for DGCR8 homologues and show that DGCR8 from Patiria miniata (bat star) also binds heme. The extinction coefficients (ε) of DGCR8-heme complexes are determined; these values are useful for biochemical analyses and allow us to estimate the heme occupancy of DGCR8 proteins. Additionally, we present the crystal structure of the Xenopus laevis dimerization domain. The structure is very similar to that of human DGCR8. Our results indicate that dimerization and heme binding are evolutionarily conserved properties of DGCR8 homologues not only in vertebrates, but also in at least some invertebrates.
Pubmed ID: 22768307
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Crystallographic software which solves structures using algorithms and automated rapid search calculations to perform molecular replacement and experimental phasing methods.
View all literature mentionsSoftware for macromolecular model building, model completion and validation, and protein modelling using X-ray data. Coot displays maps and models and allows model manipulations such as idealization, rigid-body fitting, ligand search, Ramachandran plots, non-crystallographic symmetry and more. Source code is available.
View all literature mentionsA Python-based software suite for the automated determination of molecular structures using X-ray crystallography and other methods. Phenix includes programs for assessing data quality, experimental phasing, molecular replacement, model building, structure refinement, and validation. It also includes tools for reflection data and creating maps and models. Phenix can also be used for neutron crystallography. Tutorials and examples are available in the documentation tab.
View all literature mentionsA molecular refinement program with two main modes: REVIEW, which checks and updates the input model to establish that the geometric restraints can be properly set up, and REFINE mode, which is the standard mode and documented in keywords. In REVIEW users can: check model coordinates and write an extended output set of coordinates, find disulphide bonds and other covalent links, cis-peptides, output the sequence and REMARK records. In REFINEMENT mode users can carry out rigid body, tls, restrained or unrestrained refinement against Xray data, or idealisation of a macromolecular structure. Also in REFINEMENT mode, Refmac produces an MTZ output file containing weighted coefficients for SigmaA weighted mFo-DFcalc and 2mFo-DFcalc maps. The program is supported by CCP4.
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