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Structure of the full human RXR/VDR nuclear receptor heterodimer complex with its DR3 target DNA
Author(s) -
Orlov Igor,
Rochel Natacha,
Moras Dino,
Klaholz Bruno P
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
the embo journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 7.484
H-Index - 392
eISSN - 1460-2075
pISSN - 0261-4189
DOI - 10.1038/emboj.2011.445
Subject(s) - biology , calcitriol receptor , nuclear receptor , retinoid x receptor , dna , microbiology and biotechnology , genetics , dna binding protein , receptor , computational biology , transcription factor , gene
Transcription regulation by steroid hormones and other metabolites is mediated by nuclear receptors (NRs) such as the vitamin D and retinoid X receptors (VDR and RXR). Here, we present the cryo electron microscopy (cryo‐EM) structure of the heterodimeric complex of the liganded human RXR and VDR bound to a consensus DNA response element forming a direct repeat (DR3). The cryo‐EM map of the 100‐kDa complex allows positioning the individual crystal structures of ligand‐ and DNA‐binding domains (LBDs and DBDs). The LBDs are arranged perpendicular to the DNA and are located asymmetrically at the DNA 5′‐end of the response element. The structure reveals that the VDR N‐terminal A/B domain is located close to the DNA. The hinges of both VDR and RXR are fully visible and hold the complex in an open conformation in which co‐regulators can bind. The asymmetric topology of the complex provides the structural basis for RXR being an adaptive partner within NR heterodimers, while the specific helical structure of VDR's hinge connects the 3′‐bound DBD with the 5′‐bound LBD and thereby serves as a conserved linker of defined length sensitive to mutational deletion.