ABSTRACT
Given the limited sequence requirements for zinc finger formation, this domain is ideally suited to combine formation of a compact structure with large conforma tional freedom. From an evolutionary point of view it can be advantageous to combine flexible regions with a few rigid parts held together by a simple metal coordination. This enables these domains by substitution of only a limited number of amino acids to adopt functionally distinct conformations while maintaining a similar fold, thereby giving rise to novel functions. A good example of this phenomenon is the function of the C2H2 zinc finger of ATF2 [34].
