Transcription Factors
Every cell relies on precise gene regulation to function properly. Transcription factors are essential proteins that control gene expression by binding to specific DNA sequences, playing a crucial role in development, cell differentiation, and responses to environmental signals. Dysregulation of transcription factors can lead to diseases such as cancer and neurological disorders.
Many transcription factors do not act alone; instead, they cooperate to fine-tune gene expression. Our research focuses on transcription factor binding cooperativity at promoter regions, particularly investigating NFY, NFIX, and other key regulators. By exploring these interactions, we aim to uncover the molecular mechanisms that govern gene regulation, providing valuable insights into transcriptional control and potentially revealing new strategies for therapeutic intervention in diseases linked to transcriptional dysregulation.
This work is headed by Prof. Marco Nardini from the University of Milan.
Publications
Freda I, Exertier C, Barile A, Chaves-Sanjuan A, Vega MV, Isupov MN, Harmer NJ, Gugole E, Swuec P, Bolognesi M, Scipioni A, Savino C, Di Salvo ML, Contestabile R, Vallone B, Tramonti A, Montemiglio LC. Structural insights into the DNA recognition mechanism by the bacterial transcription factor PdxR. Nucleic Acids Res. 2023 Aug 25;51(15):8237-8254
Bernardini A, Lorenzo M, Chaves-Sanjuan A, Swuec P, Pigni M, Saad D, Konarev PV, Graewert MA, Valentini E, Svergun DI, Nardini M, Mantovani R, Gnesutta N. The USR domain of USF1 mediates NF-Y interactions and cooperative DNA binding. Int J Biol Macromol. 2021 Dec 15;193(Pt A):401-413.
Saad D, Paissoni C, Chaves-Sanjuan A, Nardini M, Mantovani R, Gnesutta N, Camilloni C. High Conformational Flexibility of the E2F1/DP1/DNA Complex. J Mol Biol. 2021 Sep 3;433(18):167119.
Chaves-Sanjuan A, Gnesutta N, Gobbini A, Martignago D, Bernardini A, Fornara F, Mantovani R, Nardini M. Structural determinants for NF-Y subunit organization and NF-Y/DNA association in plants. Plant J. 2021 Jan;105(1):49-61.
Nardone V, Chaves-Sanjuan A, Lapi M, Airoldi C, Saponaro A, Pasqualato S, Dolfini D, Camilloni C, Bernardini A, Gnesutta N, Mantovani R, Nardini M. Structural Basis of Inhibition of the Pioneer Transcription Factor NF-Y by Suramin. Cells. 2020 Oct 29;9(11):2370.
Nardone V, Chaves-Sanjuan A, Nardini M. Structural determinants for NF-Y/DNA interaction at the CCAAT box. Biochim Biophys Acta Gene Regul Mech. 2017 May;1860(5):571-580.
Gnesutta N, Saad D, Chaves-Sanjuan A, Mantovani R, Nardini M. Crystal Structure of the Arabidopsis thaliana L1L/NF-YC3 Histone-fold Dimer Reveals Specificities of the LEC1 Family of NF-Y Subunits in Plants. Mol Plant. 2017 Apr 3;10(4):645-648.