InterPro domain: IPR017856

This entry represents a structural domain with an alpha-helical, orthogonal bundle fold. Domains with this structure are found at the N-terminal (zinc-binding domain) of HIV integrase, and in the following hypothetical proteins: YebC from Escherichia coli, HP0162 from Helicobacter pylori (Campylobacter pylori) and aq1575 from Aquifex aeolicus [ 1 ].

Retroviral integrase mediates integration of a DNA copy of the viral genome into the host chromosome. Integrase is composed of three domains: an N-terminal zinc binding domain, a central catalytic core and a C-terminal DNA-binding domain [ 2 , 3 ]. It is often found as part of the POL polyprotein.

1. Crystal structure of conserved hypothetical protein Aq1575 from Aquifex aeolicus. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 99, 7980-5
2. Structure of a two-domain fragment of HIV-1 integrase: implications for domain organization in the intact protein. EMBO J. 20, 7333-43
3. Refined solution structure of the dimeric N-terminal HHCC domain of HIV-2 integrase. J. Biomol. NMR 18, 119-28