Seroatlas · Protein domains

Homeobox, conserved site

IPR017970

Definition

This entry represents a conserved site found in the homeodomain (HD), a protein domain of approximately 60 residues that usually binds DNA. It is encoded by the homeobox sequence [[cite:PMID:26464018], [cite:PMID:19734295], [cite:PMID:17963489]], which was first identified in a number of Drosophila homeotic and segmentation proteins, but is now known to be well-conserved in many other animals, including vertebrates [[cite:PMID:2568852], [cite:PMID:1357790]]. Members of this group are transcriptional regulators that operate differential genetic programs along the anterior-posterior axis of animal bodies PMID:12445403. The domain binds DNA through a helix-turn-helix (HTH) structure. The HTH motif is characterised by two α-helices, which make intimate contacts with the DNA and are joined by a short turn. The second helix binds to DNA via a number of hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions, which occur between specific side chains and the exposed bases and thymine methyl groups within the major groove of the DNA. The first helix helps to stabilise the structure. The motif is very similar in sequence and structure in a wide range of DNA-binding proteins (e.g., cro and repressor proteins, homeotic proteins, etc.). One of the principal differences between HTH motifs in these different proteins arises from the stereo-chemical requirement for glycine in the turn which is needed to avoid steric interference of the β-carbon with the main chain: for cro and repressor proteins the glycine appears to be mandatory, while for many of the homeotic and other DNA-binding proteins the requirement is relaxed.

190 human proteins with this domain

Each is a reviewed human protein in the Seroatlas serome and a potential autoantibody target; this domain groups them into one antibody-relevant category. Every entry links to its own record.

Download CSV (190 proteins: gene, accession, name)

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