The Linker Domain of Stat1 Is Required for Gamma Interferon-Driven Transcription

• DOI: 10.1128/mcb.19.7.5106
• Publication Date: 2015-10-26T10:19:28Z
• Authors: Edward Yang; Zilong Wen; Richard L. Haspel; Jue J. Zhang; James E. Darnell
• Keywords: Transcription; Linker

Upon binding of gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) to its receptor, the latent transcription factor Stat1 becomes phosphorylated, dimerizes, and enters nucleus activate transcription. In response IFN-alpha, binds Stat2 in a heterodimer that recruits p48, an IRF family member, A number functional domains STATs, including C-terminal transactivation domain, dimerization SH2 are known. However, highly conserved residues between DNA (463 566), recently christened linker domain on basis crystallographic studies, have remained without known function. present study, we report KE544-545AA point mutants abolish transcriptional responses IFN-gamma but not IFN-alpha. We further show this mutant undergoes normal phosphorylation, nuclear translocation, binding. Taken together with recent structural evidence, these results suggest acts as critical contact during construction Stat1-driven complex.