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Title: Crystal Structure of the BARD1 BRCT Domains

Journal Article · · Biochemistry
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/bi700323t· OSTI ID:929941

The interaction of the breast tumor suppressor BRCA1 with the protein BARD1 results in the formation of a heterodimeric complex that has ubiquitin ligase activity and plays central roles in cell cycle checkpoint control and DNA repair. Both BRCA1 and BARD1 possess a pair of tandem BRCT domains that interact in a phosphorylation-dependent manner with target proteins. We determined the crystal structure of the human BARD1 BRCT repeats (residues 568-777) at 1.9 {angstrom} resolution. The composition and structure of the BARD1 phosphoserine-binding pocket P{sub 1} are strikingly similar to those of the BRCA1 and MDC1 BRCT domains, suggesting a similar mode of interaction with the phosphate group of the ligand. By contrast, the BARD1 BRCT selectivity pocket P{sub 2} exhibits distinct structural features, including two prominent histidine residues, His685 and His686, which may be important for ligand binding. The protonation state of these histidines has a marked effect on the calculated electrostatic potential in the vicinity of P{sub 2}, raising the possibility that ligand recognition may be regulated by changes in pH. Importantly, the BARD1 BRCT structure provides insights into the mechanisms by which the cancer-associated missense mutations C645R, V695L, and S761N may adversely affect the structure and function of BARD1.

Research Organization:
Brookhaven National Lab. (BNL), Upton, NY (United States). National Synchrotron Light Source
Sponsoring Organization:
Doe - Office Of Science
DOE Contract Number:
DE-AC02-98CH10886
OSTI ID:
929941
Report Number(s):
BNL-80536-2008-JA; TRN: US200822%%1110
Journal Information:
Biochemistry, Vol. 46; ISSN 0006-2960
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English