6ES2

3D Model

The homeobox CDX-2 protein is a DNA binding transcription factor which regulates multiple genes expressed in the intestinal epithelium. Mechanisms in which TFs use to recognise specific sequences of DNA can include the “direct readout” mechanism where the protein interacts with the DNA bases though the formation of hydrogen bonds; the “indirect readout” mechanism in which the protein recognises the targeted DNA region through the major and minor groove structure of the DNA; and water-mediated interaction between an amino acid and a DNA base.

This model shows the DNA binding domain of CDX-2 interacting with a DNA molecule at the CAATAAA site, in which it binds via several mechanisms mentioned above.

DOI:10.7554/eLife.32963