DNA-binding domain of ecdysone-induced DHR4 orphan nuclear receptor is composed of two C4-type zinc fingers
DNA-binding domain of ecdysone-induced DHR4 orphan nuclear receptor is composed of two C4-type zinc fingers. Each zinc finger contains a group of four Cys residues which coordinates a single zinc atom. This domain interacts with specific DNA sites upstream of the target gene and modulates the rate of transcriptional initiation. Ecdysone-induced orphan receptor DHR4 is a member of the nuclear receptor family. DHR4 is expressed during the early Drosophila larval development and is induced by ecdysone. DHR4 coordinates growth and maturation in Drosophila by mediating endocrine response to the attainment of proper body size during larval development. Mutations in DHR4 result in shorter larval development which translates into smaller and lighter flies. Like other members of the nuclear receptor (NR) superfamily of ligand-activated transcription factors, DHR4 has a central well conserved DNA binding domain (DBD), a variable N-terminal domain, a flexible hinge and a C-terminal ligand binding domain (LBD).