Biological Activities of Z-DNA Binding Proteins

ITQB Seminar

Title: Biological Activities of Z-DNA Binding Proteins

Speaker: Alexander Rich

Affiliation: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts  USA

Host: Maria Arménia Carrondo- Protein Crystallography

Abstract:

Z-DNA binding proteins, generally characterized by co-crystallization studies, are found in higher eukaryotes as well as in some viral systems.  Two proteins that are widely distributed contain Z-DNA binding domains, and both are activated by interferon (IFN).  The editing enzyme double-stranded RNA Adenosine Deaminase (ADAR-1) has one Z-DNA binding domain and is active in converting adenosine in RNA to inosine, which codes as guanine.  The Z-DNA binding protein 1 (ZBP-1) has two Z-DNA binding domains and has recently been found to act as a cytosolic receptor for dsDNA (B-DNA) in IFN induction.  This receptor is part of the innate immune system.  Pox viruses produce the E3L protein which has one Z-DNA binding domain.  The biological roles of these proteins will be discussed.