4flp | pdb_00004flp
Crystal Structure of the first bromodomain of human BRDT in complex with the inhibitor JQ1
Structural highlights
FunctionBRDT_HUMAN Testis-specific chromatin protein that specifically binds histone H4 acetylated at 'Lys-5' and 'Lys-8' (H4K5ac and H4K8ac, respectively) and plays a key role in spermatogenesis. Required in late pachytene spermatocytes: plays a role in meiotic and post-meiotic cells by binding to acetylated histones at the promoter of specific meiotic and post-meiotic genes, facilitating their activation at the appropriate time. In the post-meiotic phase of spermatogenesis, binds to hyperacetylated histones and participates in their general removal from DNA. Also acts as a component of the splicing machinery in pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids and participates in 3'-UTR truncation of specific mRNAs in post-meiotic spermatids. Required for chromocenter organization, a structure comprised of peri-centromeric heterochromatin.[1] [2] [3] Publication Abstract from PubMedA pharmacologic approach to male contraception remains a longstanding challenge in medicine. Toward this objective, we explored the spermatogenic effects of a selective small-molecule inhibitor (JQ1) of the bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) subfamily of epigenetic reader proteins. Here, we report potent inhibition of the testis-specific member BRDT, which is essential for chromatin remodeling during spermatogenesis. Biochemical and crystallographic studies confirm that occupancy of the BRDT acetyl-lysine binding pocket by JQ1 prevents recognition of acetylated histone H4. Treatment of mice with JQ1 reduced seminiferous tubule area, testis size, and spermatozoa number and motility without affecting hormone levels. Although JQ1-treated males mate normally, inhibitory effects of JQ1 evident at the spermatocyte and round spermatid stages cause a complete and reversible contraceptive effect. These data establish a new contraceptive that can cross the blood:testis boundary and inhibit bromodomain activity during spermatogenesis, providing a lead compound targeting the male germ cell for contraception. PAPERCLIP: Small-Molecule Inhibition of BRDT for Male Contraception.,Matzuk MM, McKeown MR, Filippakopoulos P, Li Q, Ma L, Agno JE, Lemieux ME, Picaud S, Yu RN, Qi J, Knapp S, Bradner JE Cell. 2012 Aug 17;150(4):673-684. PMID:22901802[4] From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. References
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