Aprataxin and APLF FHA domains show distinct specificities for XRCC4 and XRCC1.
Specificity is modulated by multi-site phosphorylation.
The crystal structure of APLF FHA and triphosphorylated XRCC4 peptide reveals a conserved mode of core pSpT motif binding.
Overall phospho-dependent binding versatility of Aptx-family FHA domain proteins is provided by FHA surface basicity.