The DM domain binds DNA as a dimer, allowing the recognition of pseudopalindromic sequences .[2][5][6] The NMR analysis of the DSX DM domain [6] revealed a novel zinc module containing 'intertwined' CCHC and HCCC zinc-binding sites. The recognition of the DNA requires the carboxy-terminal basic tail which contacts the minor groove of the target sequence.
Proteins with the DM domain are found in many model organisms. Many C. elegans Mab proteins contain this domain, the best-known one being mab-3.[1] Human proteins containing this domain include DMRT1, DMRT2, DMRT3, DMRTA1, DMRTA2, DMRTB1, and DMRTC2; each of these have a mouse homolog.[7]
DMRT1 homologs have an additional common domain C-terminal to the DM domain. This domain is only found in bony vertebrates, and neither its structure nor function is unknown.[8]: species tree Jpred predicts the human version of the section to be mostly coils; it also suggests a weak similarity to PDB: 6BO4 by BLAST.[9]
DMRTA proteins have an additional motif in their C-termina. This motif, ubiquitous in eukaryotes, has an unknown function. It is similar in sequence to some ubiquitin-associated motifs.[10]
^Shen MM, Hodgkin J (September 1988). "mab-3, a gene required for sex-specific yolk protein expression and a male-specific lineage in C. elegans". Cell. 54 (7): 1019–31. doi:10.1016/0092-8674(88)90117-1. PMID3046751. S2CID1386352.
^Yi W, Zarkower D (February 1999). "Similarity of DNA binding and transcriptional regulation by Caenorhabditis elegans MAB-3 and Drosophila melanogaster DSX suggests conservation of sex determining mechanisms". Development. 126 (5): 873–81. doi:10.1242/dev.126.5.873. PMID9927589.