Role of nucleobase-specific interactions in the binding and bending of DNA by human male sex determination factor SRY.

Y-chromosome-encoded master transcription factor SRY functions in the embryogenesis of therian mammals to initiate male development. Through interactions of its conserved high-mobility group box within a widened DNA minor groove, SRY and related Sox factors induce sharp bends at specific DNA target sites. Here, we present the crystal structure of the SRY high-mobility group domain bound to a DNA site containing consensus element 5'-ATTGTT.