Abstract
Three apparently unrelated developmental processes--mammalian myogenesis, the choice of neural fate and sex determination in Drosophila--are controlled by a common mechanism. Most of the genes governing these processes encode transcriptional factors that contain the helix-loop-helix (HLH) motif. This domain mediates the formation of homo- or heterodimers that specifically bind to DNA through a conserved basic region adjacent to the HLH motif. Dimers differ in their affinity for DNA and in their ability to activate transcription from HLH binding-site containing promoters. In addition, the activity of HLH proteins is inhibited by dimerization with another class of HLH proteins that lack a basic domain entirely or have an altered one. These structural properties provide a molecular mechanism to explain the synergistic and antagonistic functional relations among the HLH encoding genes that control several developmental pathways.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
