The linker between the fingers is usually 7-8 amino acids. The translation initiation factor eIF2beta has a zinc finger, mutations in which influence the recognition of initiation codons. Two glucocorticoid receptors dimerise upon binding to DNA, and each engages a successive turn of the major groove. Steroid hormones are produced in response to a series of neuroendocrine activities, and exert major effects on growth, tissue development and body homeostasis in the animal world. Binding DNA and activation of transcription cannot be separated, as mutations in this domain affect both activities.
Receptors recognise response elements which are related to a consensus sequence.
Specificity for dimer formation is conferred by amino acids at the base of the second zinc finger.