CREB bZIP bound to DNA

3D Model

CREB is a homodimer that specifically binds to an 8-basepair DNA sequence called somatostatin cAMP response element (SSCRE); 5′-TGACGTCA-3′ shown in orange. CREB responds to multiple signal transduction pathways and has been associated with functions like immune response, memory, and reproduction. It has been linked to transcriptional activation and repression both depending on activating signal. Its sequence and structure afford it 2 characteristic features:

• The parallel coiled coil motif that favourably homodimerizes
• Specificity and affinity to SSCRE

Reference

Schumacher, MA et al. (2000) The Structure of a CREB bZIP super(.)Somatostatin CRE Complex Reveals the Basis for Selective Dimerization and Divalent Cation-enhanced DNA Binding. Journal of Biological Chemistry. [Online] 275 (45), 35242–35247. [online]. Available from: http://search.proquest.com/docview/17737775/.