Structure of the human FOXO4-DBD-DNA complex at 1.9 Å resolution reveals new details of FOXO binding to the DNA

FOXO4 is a member of the FOXO subgroup of forkhead transcription factors that constitute key components of a conserved signalling pathway that connects growth and stress signals to transcriptional control. Here, the 1.9 Å resolution crystal structure of the DNA-binding domain of human FOXO4 (FOXO4-DBD) bound to a 13 bp DNA duplex containing a FOXO consensus binding sequence is reported. The structure shows a similar recognition of the core sequence as has been shown for two other FOXO proteins. Helix H3 is docked into the major groove and provides all of the base-specific contacts, while the N-terminus and wing W1 make additional contacts with the phosphate groups of DNA. In contrast to other FOXO-DBD-DNA structures, the loop between helices H2 and H3 has a different conformation and participates in DNA binding. In addition, the structure of the FOXO4-DBD-DNA complex suggests that both direct water-DNA base contacts and the unique water-network interactions contribute to FOXO-DBD binding to the DNA in a sequence-specific manner.