BRCT domain

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

PDB 1cdz EBI

BRCT Domain

The BRCT domain is a conserved protein domain found in a variety of proteins involved in DNA damage response and repair mechanisms. The acronym BRCT stands for BRCA1 C Terminus, as the domain was first identified in the BRCA1 tumor suppressor protein.

Structure[edit | edit source]

The BRCT domain is typically around 100 amino acids in length and forms a compact globular structure. It consists of a tandem repeat of two BRCT motifs, each containing a characteristic fold with conserved residues critical for protein-protein interactions and binding to phosphorylated residues on target proteins.

Function[edit | edit source]

Proteins containing BRCT domains are involved in various cellular processes, including DNA damage sensing, signaling, and repair. The BRCT domain acts as a phospho-protein binding module, recognizing phosphorylated serine or threonine residues on target proteins to facilitate protein-protein interactions and the assembly of DNA repair complexes.

Role in DNA Damage Response[edit | edit source]

In response to DNA damage, proteins with BRCT domains are recruited to sites of damage where they participate in the repair process. The BRCT domain plays a crucial role in mediating interactions between DNA repair proteins, ensuring the proper coordination of repair pathways and maintenance of genomic stability.

Clinical Relevance[edit | edit source]

Mutations in genes encoding proteins with BRCT domains have been associated with various human diseases, including cancer predisposition syndromes. Disruption of BRCT domain function can impair DNA repair mechanisms, leading to genomic instability and increased susceptibility to cancer development.

Examples of Proteins with BRCT Domains[edit | edit source]

- BRCA1: The BRCA1 protein contains two tandem BRCT domains that are essential for its tumor suppressor function. - BRCA2: Another tumor suppressor protein, BRCA2, also contains a BRCT domain that is involved in DNA repair processes. - MDC1: Mediator of DNA damage checkpoint protein 1 is a key regulator of the DNA damage response and contains multiple BRCT domains.

Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD