SNAP, a DNA-binding protein, is specific for the S gamma switch regions. Two E-2 box consensus binding motifs are located within the SNAP recognition site. Direct- and competition-binding analyses demonstrate that a truncated form of the E47 transcription factor, E47S, is capable of specific interactions with the SNAP binding motif. The methylation interference pattern for E47S binding on the pl.S gamma 3.A.1 probe was similar to that previously obtained for SNAP binding activity and was also related to that found for E47S on the microE5 probe. The interaction of purified E47S with the SNAP recognition motif was cooperative and formed complexes which migrated more slowly than the E47S homodimer complex. SNAP is distinguished from full-length E47 homodimers, found in BCF-1, by its migration position in the gel shift assay, differences in the competition-binding results and its unique reactivity with anti-E47 antibodies. SNAP is related to E47 as judged by a similar methylation interference pattern on S gamma 3 A site DNA and by its reactivity with anti-E47 mAb. The anti-E47 antibodies block SNAP binding to its cognate site, whereas anti-E47 antibodies supershift E47 homodimers bound to the microE5 recognition site. Thus, SNAP may be a hetero-oligomeric species containing E47 or highly related proteins.