Solution NMR structure of zinc finger 4 and 5 from human INSM1, an essential regulator of neuroendocrine differentiation

Human INSM1 containing five C-terminal C2H2-type zinc fingers (ZFs), is a key regulator of neuroendocrine development. Previous research reported that full-length INSM1 containing all five ZFs recognized a consensus DNA sequence. Structure elucidation of human INSM1 ZFs is currently insufficient to understand the DNA binding mechanism. Herein, we present the solution NMR structure of ZF4-5, in which the two ZFs adopt a head-to-tail arrangement and each ZF features a canonical ββα fold. NMR titrations and isothermal titration calorimetry experiments showed that ZF4-5 binds weakly to the consensus DNA sequence. Proteins 2017; 85:957-962. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.