Structural basis for the dimerization mechanism of human transcription factor E3

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2021 Sep 10:569:41-46. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.06.091. Epub 2021 Jul 2.

Abstract

The transcription factor for immunoglobulin heavy-chain enhancer 3 (TFE3) is a member of the microphthalmia (MiT/TFE) transcription factor family. Dysregulation of TFE3 due to chromosomal abnormalities is associated with a subset of human renal cell carcinoma. Little structural information of this key transcription factor has been reported. In this study, we determined the crystal structure of the helix-loop-helix leucine zipper (HLH-Lz) domain of human TFE3 to a resolution of 2.6 Å. The HLH-Lz domain is critical for the dimerization and function of TFE3. Our structure showed that the conserved HLH region formed a four-helix bundle structure with a predominantly hydrophobic core, and the leucine zipper region contributed to the function of TFE3 by promoting dimer interaction and providing partner selectivity. Together, our results elucidated the dimerization mechanism of this important transcription factor, providing the structural basis for the development of inhibiting strategies for treating TFE3 dysregulated diseases.

Keywords: Crystal structure; Dimerization; Helix-loop-helix leucine zipper (HLH-Lz) domain; Microphthalmia (MiT/TFE) transcription factor family; Transcription factor E3 (TFE3).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Leucine Zipper Transcription Factors / chemistry*
  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Leucine Zipper Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Leucine Zipper Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell / genetics
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell / metabolism
  • Crystallography, X-Ray
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • HeLa Cells
  • Helix-Loop-Helix Motifs*
  • Humans
  • Kidney Neoplasms / genetics
  • Kidney Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Leucine Zippers*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Protein Conformation*
  • Protein Multimerization*

Substances

  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Leucine Zipper Transcription Factors
  • TFE3 protein, human