【德島大學】闡明透過相分離調控轉錄因子聚集的「分子開關」機制～結構波動控制轉錄因子的分子集合～

德島大學的研究人員闡明了轉錄因子Hsf1透過相分離活化的機制，揭示了DNA結合會改變蛋白質的結構波動，如同一個「分子開關」。此發現可能為與轉錄因子功能障礙相關的疾病，開闢新的藥物開發策略。
Scientific DiscoveryNQ 95/100出典：PR Times

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德島大學與北海道大學的研究團隊，揭示了保護細胞免於壓力的熱休克轉錄因子1（Hsf1）在與DNA結合後活化的詳細分子機制。平時Hsf1處於自我抑制狀態，但當DNA結合時，其DNA結合域的結構靈活性會增加。此變化會釋放原本被束縛的內在無序區（IDR），促進IDR之間的相互作用並觸發生物分子相分離。此過程能有效地聚集轉錄因子以活化細胞保護性基因。這項研究在原子層級上闡明了局部DNA結合事件如何轉化為相分離等廣泛現象，有望為針對轉錄因子結構平衡的新藥開發概念帶來啟發。

常見問題

What is the main discovery of this research?

The research discovered the 'molecular switch' mechanism that activates the transcription factor Hsf1. DNA binding changes the protein's atomic-level structural fluctuations, which releases an auto-inhibitory part and triggers phase separation, leading to its activation.

What is Hsf1 and why is it important?

Hsf1 (Heat Shock Transcription Factor 1) is a master transcription factor that activates genes to protect cells from stress. Its abnormal activity is linked to diseases like cancer (over-activation) and neurodegenerative disorders (under-activation).

What is 'biomolecular phase separation' in this context?

It is a process where Hsf1 proteins gather to form droplet-like compartments without a membrane. This concentration of transcription factors at specific DNA sites efficiently activates genes that protect the cell.

How does DNA binding act as a switch for Hsf1?

Normally, Hsf1 is in a self-inhibited state. When it binds to DNA, the structure of its DNA-binding domain (DBD) becomes more flexible. This change releases an intrinsically disordered region (IDR), allowing the IDRs of multiple Hsf1 proteins to interact and drive phase separation.

What are the potential applications of this finding?

This discovery could lead to new drug development strategies. Instead of blocking DNA binding directly, which can have side effects, it may be possible to develop drugs that control the structural fluctuations of transcription factors to precisely regulate their activity, offering a new approach for diseases caused by their malfunction.

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