DNA mimic protein DMP19

UniProtKB accession:  Q9K0P4

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UniProtKB description:  Acts as a DNA mimic (PubMed:22373915, PubMed:29220372). Interacts with DNA-binding proteins and prevents their binding to DNA by occupying the DNA binding sites on the proteins, acting as a competitive inhibitor (PubMed:29220372). DMP19 is a bifunctional DNA mimic protein involved in controlling nucleoid formation as well as gene regulation (PubMed:22373915, PubMed:29220372). This bifunctionality depends on different oligomeric states (PubMed:29220372). The monomeric form interacts with the DNA-binding protein HU, which prevents HU from binding to DNA and forming nucleoids (PubMed:29220372). The dimeric form interacts with the Neisseria hypothetical transcription factor (NHTF) and prevents NHTF from binding to its DNA-binding sites, thereby blocking its repressor activity and influencing expression of the target genes (PubMed:22373915). DMP19 might use these different oligomerizations to regulate genes in two steps: the monomeric form may first release selected gene regions in chromosomal DNA by preventing HU from binding to DNA and forming nucleoids, then the dimeric form blocks the gene repressor activity of NHTF and ensures the continued expression of NHTF-controlled genes (PubMed:29220372).