Crystal Structure of the DNA-Binding Domain Zalpha of DLM-1 Bound to Z-DNA
[ZBP1_MOUSE] Participates in the detection by the host's innate immune system of DNA from viral, bacterial or even host origin. Plays a role in host defense against tumors and pathogens. Acts as a cytoplasmic DNA sensor which, when activated, induces the recruitment of TBK1 and IRF3 to its C-terminal region and activates the downstream interferon regulatory factor (IRF) and NF-kappa B transcription factors, leading to type-I interferon production. ZBP1-induced NF-kappaB activation probably involves the recruitment of the RHIM containing kinases RIPK1 and RIPK3. 
Publication Abstract from PubMed
The first crystal structure of a protein, the Z alpha high affinity binding domain of the RNA editing enzyme ADAR1, bound to left-handed Z-DNA was recently described. The essential set of residues determined from this structure to be critical for Z-DNA recognition was used to search the database for other proteins with the potential for Z-DNA binding. We found that the tumor-associated protein DLM-1 contains a domain with remarkable sequence similarities to Z alpha(ADAR). Here we report the crystal structure of this DLM-1 domain bound to left-handed Z-DNA at 1.85 A resolution. Comparison of Z-DNA binding by DLM-1 and ADAR1 reveals a common structure-specific recognition core within the binding domain. However, the domains differ in certain residues peripheral to the protein-DNA interface. These structures reveal a general mechanism of Z-DNA recognition, suggesting the existence of a family of winged-helix proteins sharing a common Z-DNA binding motif.
Structure of the DLM-1-Z-DNA complex reveals a conserved family of Z-DNA-binding proteins.,Schwartz T, Behlke J, Lowenhaupt K, Heinemann U, Rich A Nat Struct Biol. 2001 Sep;8(9):761-5. PMID:11524677
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.