SOLUTION STRUCTURE OF THE DNA-BINDING DOMAIN OF A NUCLEOID-ASSOCIATEDPROTEIN, H-NS, FROM ESCHERICHIA-COLI

The three-dimensional structure of the C-terminal domain (47 residues) obtained from the hydrolysis of H-NS protein with bovine trypsin was determined by NMR measurements and distance geometry calculations. It is composed of an antiparallel beta-sheet, an alpha-helix and a 3(10)- helix which form a hydrophobic core, stabilizing the whole structure. This domain has been found to bind to DNA. Possible DNA binding sites are discussed on the basis of the solution structure of the C-terminal domain of H-NS.