BRCT Domains: phosphopeptide binding and signaling modules

The BRCA1 C-terminus (BRCT) domains are essential for the tumor suppressor function of BRCA1, and have been found in a variety of proteins from bacteria to men. Recent studies demonstrate that the BRCT domain constitutes a novel phosphopeptide binding region. In this review we seek to discuss the recent biochemical and structural data that have helped elucidate the molecular basis of BRCT domain function and BRCT-mediated interactions, with special emphasis on the role of phospho-specific interactions in key networks that regulate DNA repair. Finally we offer predictions on additional phospho-interacting BRCT domains and potential in vivo binding sites for several BRCT domains.