Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) domain of Activating Transcription Factor-6 (ATF-6) and similar proteins: a DNA-binding and dimerization domain; ATF-6 is a type I membrane-bound Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factor that binds to the consensus ER stress response element (ERSE) and enhances the transcription of genes encoding glucose-regulated proteins Grp78, Grp94, and calreticulum. ATF-6 is one of three sensors of the unfolded protein response (UPR) in metazoans; the others being the kinases Ire1 and PERK. It contains an ER-lumenal domain that detects unfolded proteins. In response to ER stress, ATF-6 translocates from the ER to the Golgi with simultaneous cleavage in a process called regulated intramembrane proteolysis (Rip) to its transcriptionally competent form, which enters the nucleus and upregulates target UPR genes. The three UPR sensor branches cross-communicate to form a signaling network. bZIP factors act in networks of homo and heterodimers in the regulation of a diverse set of cellular processes. The bZIP structural motif contains a basic region and a leucine zipper, composed of alpha helices with leucine residues 7 amino acids apart, which stabilize dimerization with a parallel leucine zipper domain. Dimerization of leucine zippers creates a pair of the adjacent basic regions that bind DNA and undergo conformational change. Dimerization occurs in a specific and predictable manner resulting in hundreds of dimers having unique effects on transcription.

                         10        20        30        40        50
                 ....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|..
gi 568910748 281 RQQRMIKNRESACQSRKKKKEYMLGLEARLKAALSENEQLKKENGSLKRQLD 332
Cdd:cd14700    1 RQQRMIKNRESACLSRKKKKEYVQSLETKLEQLKQENQKLKSENETLRERLS 52

Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) domain of Activating Transcription Factor-6 (ATF-6) and similar proteins: a DNA-binding and dimerization domain; ATF-6 is a type I membrane-bound Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factor that binds to the consensus ER stress response element (ERSE) and enhances the transcription of genes encoding glucose-regulated proteins Grp78, Grp94, and calreticulum. ATF-6 is one of three sensors of the unfolded protein response (UPR) in metazoans; the others being the kinases Ire1 and PERK. It contains an ER-lumenal domain that detects unfolded proteins. In response to ER stress, ATF-6 translocates from the ER to the Golgi with simultaneous cleavage in a process called regulated intramembrane proteolysis (Rip) to its transcriptionally competent form, which enters the nucleus and upregulates target UPR genes. The three UPR sensor branches cross-communicate to form a signaling network. bZIP factors act in networks of homo and heterodimers in the regulation of a diverse set of cellular processes. The bZIP structural motif contains a basic region and a leucine zipper, composed of alpha helices with leucine residues 7 amino acids apart, which stabilize dimerization with a parallel leucine zipper domain. Dimerization of leucine zippers creates a pair of the adjacent basic regions that bind DNA and undergo conformational change. Dimerization occurs in a specific and predictable manner resulting in hundreds of dimers having unique effects on transcription.

                         10        20        30        40        50
                 ....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|..
gi 568910748 281 RQQRMIKNRESACQSRKKKKEYMLGLEARLKAALSENEQLKKENGSLKRQLD 332
Cdd:cd14700    1 RQQRMIKNRESACLSRKKKKEYVQSLETKLEQLKQENQKLKSENETLRERLS 52

bZIP transcription factor; The Pfam entry includes the basic region and the leucine zipper region.

                          10        20        30        40        50
                  ....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....
gi 568910748  280 RRQQRMIKNRESACQSRKKKKEYMLGLEARLKAALSENEQLKKENGSLKRQLDEVVSEN 338
Cdd:pfam00170   1 KREKRKQSNREAARRSRQRKQAYIEELERRVKALEGENKTLRSELEELKKEVEKLKSKN 59

Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) domain of Activating Transcription Factor-6 (ATF-6) and similar proteins: a DNA-binding and dimerization domain; ATF-6 is a type I membrane-bound Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factor that binds to the consensus ER stress response element (ERSE) and enhances the transcription of genes encoding glucose-regulated proteins Grp78, Grp94, and calreticulum. ATF-6 is one of three sensors of the unfolded protein response (UPR) in metazoans; the others being the kinases Ire1 and PERK. It contains an ER-lumenal domain that detects unfolded proteins. In response to ER stress, ATF-6 translocates from the ER to the Golgi with simultaneous cleavage in a process called regulated intramembrane proteolysis (Rip) to its transcriptionally competent form, which enters the nucleus and upregulates target UPR genes. The three UPR sensor branches cross-communicate to form a signaling network. bZIP factors act in networks of homo and heterodimers in the regulation of a diverse set of cellular processes. The bZIP structural motif contains a basic region and a leucine zipper, composed of alpha helices with leucine residues 7 amino acids apart, which stabilize dimerization with a parallel leucine zipper domain. Dimerization of leucine zippers creates a pair of the adjacent basic regions that bind DNA and undergo conformational change. Dimerization occurs in a specific and predictable manner resulting in hundreds of dimers having unique effects on transcription.

                         10        20        30        40        50
                 ....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|..
gi 568910748 281 RQQRMIKNRESACQSRKKKKEYMLGLEARLKAALSENEQLKKENGSLKRQLD 332
Cdd:cd14700    1 RQQRMIKNRESACLSRKKKKEYVQSLETKLEQLKQENQKLKSENETLRERLS 52

Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) domain of bZIP transcription factors: a DNA-binding and dimerization domain; Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) factors comprise one of the most important classes of enhancer-type transcription factors. They act in networks of homo and heterodimers in the regulation of a diverse set of cellular processes including cell survival, learning and memory, lipid metabolism, and cancer progression, among others. They also play important roles in responses to stimuli or stress signals such as cytokines, genotoxic agents, or physiological stresses. The bZIP structural motif contains a basic region and a leucine zipper, composed of alpha helices with leucine residues 7 amino acids apart, which stabilize dimerization with a parallel leucine zipper domain. Dimerization of leucine zippers creates a pair of the adjacent basic regions that bind DNA and undergo conformational change. Dimerization occurs in a specific and predictable manner resulting in hundreds of dimers having unique effects on transcription.

                         10        20        30        40        50
                 ....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|..
gi 568910748 281 RQQRMIKNRESACQSRKKKKEYMLGLEARLKAALSENEQLKKENGSLKRQLD 332
Cdd:cd14686    1 KERRRERNREAARRSRERKKERIEELEEEVEELEEENEELKAELEELRAEVE 52

Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) domain of Plant Elongated/Long Hypocotyl5 (HY5)-like transcription factors and similar proteins: a DNA-binding and dimerization domain; This subfamily is predominantly composed of plant Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factors with similarity to Solanum lycopersicum and Arabidopsis thaliana HY5. Also included are the Dictyostelium discoideum bZIP transcription factors E and F. HY5 plays an important role in seedling development and is a positive regulator of photomorphogenesis. Plants with decreased levels of HY5 show defects in light responses including inhibited photomorphogenesis, loss of alkaloid organization, and reduced carotenoid accumulation. bZIP factors act in networks of homo and heterodimers in the regulation of a diverse set of cellular processes. The bZIP structural motif contains a basic region and a leucine zipper, composed of alpha helices with leucine residues 7 amino acids apart, which stabilize dimerization with a parallel leucine zipper domain. Dimerization of leucine zippers creates a pair of the adjacent basic regions that bind DNA and undergo conformational change. Dimerization occurs in a specific and predictable manner resulting in hundreds of dimers having unique effects on transcription.

                         10        20        30        40        50
                 ....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....
gi 568910748 281 RQQRMIKNRESACQSRKKKKEYMLGLEARLKaalseneQLKKENGSLKRQLDEVVSENQ 339
Cdd:cd14704    1 RQRRLLRNRESAQLSRQRKKEYLSELEAKCR-------ELEAENAELEARVELLQAENA 52

bZIP transcription factor; The Pfam entry includes the basic region and the leucine zipper region.

                          10        20        30        40        50
                  ....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....
gi 568910748  280 RRQQRMIKNRESACQSRKKKKEYMLGLEARLKAALSENEQLKKENGSLKRQLDEVVSEN 338
Cdd:pfam00170   1 KREKRKQSNREAARRSRQRKQAYIEELERRVKALEGENKTLRSELEELKKEVEKLKSKN 59

Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) domain of bZIP transcription factors: a DNA-binding and dimerization domain; uncharacterized subfamily; Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) factors comprise one of the most important classes of enhancer-type transcription factors. They act in networks of homo and heterodimers in the regulation of a diverse set of cellular processes including cell survival, learning and memory, lipid metabolism, and cancer progression, among others. They also play important roles in responses to stimuli or stress signals such as cytokines, genotoxic agents, or physiological stresses. The bZIP structural motif contains a basic region and a leucine zipper, composed of alpha helices with leucine residues 7 amino acids apart, which stabilize dimerization with a parallel leucine zipper domain. Dimerization of leucine zippers creates a pair of the adjacent basic regions that bind DNA and undergo conformational change. Dimerization occurs in a specific and predictable manner resulting in hundreds of dimers having unique effects on transcription.

                         10        20        30        40
                 ....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|.
gi 568910748 281 RQQRMIKNRESACQSRKKKKEYMLGLEARLKAALSENEQLK 321
Cdd:cd14812    1 KEARLIRNRAAAQLSRQRKKEEVEELEARVKELEAENRRLR 41

Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) domain of Plant G-box binding factor 1 (GBF1)-like transcription factors: a DNA-binding and dimerization domain; This subfamily is composed of plant bZIP transciption factors including Arabidopsis thaliana G-box binding factor 1 (GBF1), Zea mays Opaque-2 and Ocs element-binding factor 1 (OCSBF-1), Triticum aestivum Histone-specific transcription factor HBP1 (or HBP-1a), Petroselinum crispum Light-inducible protein CPRF3 and CPRF6, and Nicotiana tabacum BZI-3, among many others. bZIP G-box binding factors (GBFs) contain an N-terminal proline-rich domain in addition to the bZIP domain. GBFs are involved in developmental and physiological processes in response to stimuli such as light or hormones. Opaque-2 plays a role in affecting lysine content and carbohydrate metabolism, acting indirectly on starch/amino acid ratio. bZIP factors act in networks of homo and heterodimers in the regulation of a diverse set of cellular processes. The bZIP structural motif contains a basic region and a leucine zipper, composed of alpha helices with leucine residues 7 amino acids apart, which stabilize dimerization with a parallel leucine zipper domain. Dimerization of leucine zippers creates a pair of the adjacent basic regions that bind DNA and undergo conformational change. Dimerization occurs in a specific and predictable manner resulting in hundreds of dimers having unique effects on transcription.

                         10        20        30        40        50
                 ....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....
gi 568910748 281 RQQRMIKNRESACQSRKKKKEYMLGLEARLkaalsenEQLKKENGSLKRQLDEV 334
Cdd:cd14702    1 RRRRKQSNRESARRSRMRKQAHLEELEAQV-------EQLRAENSTLRAELNAL 47

Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) domain of Activating Transcription Factor-2 (ATF-2) and similar proteins: a DNA-binding and dimerization domain; ATF-2 is a sequence-specific DNA-binding protein that belongs to the Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) family of transcription factors. In response to stress, it activates a variety of genes including cyclin A, cyclin D, and c-Jun. ATF-2 also plays a role in the DNA damage response that is independent of its transcriptional activity. bZIP factors act in networks of homo and heterodimers in the regulation of a diverse set of cellular processes. The bZIP structural motif contains a basic region and a leucine zipper, composed of alpha helices with leucine residues 7 amino acids apart, which stabilize dimerization with a parallel leucine zipper domain. Dimerization of leucine zippers creates a pair of the adjacent basic regions that bind DNA and undergo conformational change. Dimerization occurs in a specific and predictable manner resulting in hundreds of dimers having unique effects on transcription.

                         10        20        30        40        50
                 ....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....
gi 568910748 280 RRQQRMIKNRESACQSRKKKKEYMLGLEARLKAALSENEQLKKENGSLKRQLDE 333
Cdd:cd14687    1 KRKRFLERNRIAASKCRQRKKQWVQQLEEKVRKLESENKALKAEVDKLREEVLD 54

Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) domain of General control protein GCN4: a DNA-binding and dimerization domain; GCN4 was identified in Saccharomyces cerevisiae from mutations in a deficiency in activation with the general amino acid control pathway. GCN4 encodes a trans-activator of amino acid biosynthetic genes containing 2 acidic activation domains and a C-terminal bZIP domain. In amino acid-deprived cells, GCN4 is up-regulated leading to transcriptional activation of genes encoding amino acid biosynthetic enzymes. bZIP factors act in networks of homo and heterodimers in the regulation of a diverse set of cellular processes. The bZIP structural motif contains a basic region and a leucine zipper, composed of alpha helices with leucine residues 7 amino acids apart, which stabilize dimerization with a parallel leucine zipper domain. Dimerization of leucine zippers creates a pair of the adjacent basic regions that bind DNA and undergo conformational change. Dimerization occurs in a specific and predictable manner resulting in hundreds of dimers having unique effects on transcription.

                         10        20        30        40        50
                 ....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....*..
gi 568910748 275 DIAVLRRQQrmikNRESACQSRKKKKEYMLGLEARLKAALSENEQLKKENGSLKRQL 331
Cdd:cd12193    1 DPVAAKRAR----NTLAARRSRARKLEEMEELEKRVEELEAENEELKTRAEVLEAEA 53

Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) domain of Plant RF2-like transcription factors: a DNA-binding and dimerization domain; This subfamily is composed of plant bZIP transciption factors with similarity to Oryza sativa RF2a and RF2b, which are important for plant development. They interact with, as homodimers or heterodimers with each other, and activate transcription from the RTBV (rice tungro bacilliform virus) promoter, which is regulated by sequence-specific DNA-binding proteins that bind to the essential cis element BoxII. RF2a and RF2b show differences in binding affinities to BoxII, expression patterns in different rice organs, and subcellular localization. Transgenic rice with increased RF2a and RF2b display increased resistance to rice tungro disease (RTD) with no impact on plant development. bZIP factors act in networks of homo and heterodimers in the regulation of a diverse set of cellular processes. The bZIP structural motif contains a basic region and a leucine zipper, composed of alpha helices with leucine residues 7 amino acids apart, which stabilize dimerization with a parallel leucine zipper domain. Dimerization of leucine zippers creates a pair of the adjacent basic regions that bind DNA and undergo conformational change. Dimerization occurs in a specific and predictable manner resulting in hundreds of dimers having unique effects on transcription.

                         10        20        30        40        50
                 ....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|
gi 568910748 281 RQQRMIKNRESACQSRKKKKEYMLGLEARLKAALSENEQLKKENGSLKRQ 330
Cdd:cd14703    1 RAKRILANRQSAQRSRERKLQYISELERKVQTLQTEVATLSAQLALLEQE 50

bZIP Maf transcription factor; Maf transcription factors contain a conserved basic region leucine zipper (bZIP) domain, which mediates their dimerization and DNA binding property. Thus, this family is probably related to pfam00170. This family also includes the DNA_binding domain of Skn-1, this domain lacks the leucine zipper found in other bZip domains, and binds DNA is a monomer.

                          10        20        30        40        50        60
                  ....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....*..
gi 568910748  275 DIAVLRRQQRMIKNRESACQSRKKKKEYMLGLEARLKAALSENEQLKKENGSLKRQLDEVVSENQRL 341
Cdd:pfam03131  25 EVIRLKQRRRRLKNRGYAQSCRKRRLQQKESLEKERSELREQLERLVQELSRLRQELDALKRRNEQL 91

Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) domain of Cyclic AMP-responsive element-binding protein-like 2 (CREBL2): a DNA-binding and dimerization domain; CREBL2 is a bZIP transcription factor that interacts with CREB and plays a critical role in adipogenesis and lipogenesis. Its overexpression upregulates the expression of PPARgamma and CEBPalpha to promote adipogenesis as well as accelerate lipogenesis by increasing GLUT1 and GLUT4. bZIP factors act in networks of homo and heterodimers in the regulation of a diverse set of cellular processes. The bZIP structural motif contains a basic region and a leucine zipper, composed of alpha helices with leucine residues 7 amino acids apart, which stabilize dimerization with a parallel leucine zipper domain. Dimerization of leucine zippers creates a pair of the adjacent basic regions that bind DNA and undergo conformational change. Dimerization occurs in a specific and predictable manner resulting in hundreds of dimers having unique effects on transcription.

                         10        20        30        40        50
                 ....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....
gi 568910748 284 RMIKNRESACQSRKKKKEYMLGLEarlkaALSENEQlkKENGSLKRQLDEVVSENQRLK 342
Cdd:cd14709    5 KLERNRQSARESRDRKKLRYQYLE-----QLVADRE--REILLLREELEMYKQWCEELD 56

Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) domain of Fungal HAC1-like transcription factors: a DNA-binding and dimerization domain; HAC1 (also called Hac1p or HacA) is a bZIP transcription factor that plays a critical role in the unfolded protein response (UPR). The UPR is initiated by the ER-resident protein kinase and endonuclease IRE1, which promotes non-conventional splicing of the HAC1 mRNA, facilitating its translation. HAC1 binds to and activates promoters of genes that encode chaperones and other targets of the UPR. bZIP factors act in networks of homo and heterodimers in the regulation of a diverse set of cellular processes. The bZIP structural motif contains a basic region and a leucine zipper, composed of alpha helices with leucine residues 7 amino acids apart, which stabilize dimerization with a parallel leucine zipper domain. Dimerization of leucine zippers creates a pair of the adjacent basic regions that bind DNA and undergo conformational change. Dimerization occurs in a specific and predictable manner resulting in hundreds of dimers having unique effects on transcription.

                         10        20        30        40        50
                 ....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|...
gi 568910748 280 RRQQRMIKNRESACQSRKKKKEYMLGLEARLKAALSENEQLKKENGSLKRQLD 332
Cdd:cd14710    1 RRIERILRNRRAAHQSRERKRLHVEFLEKKCDLLEALLQRLQDLLAQLEEKLA 53

Cell division protein ZapB; ZapB is a non-essential, abundant cell division factor that is required for proper Z-ring formation.

                          10        20        30        40
                  ....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....
gi 568910748  306 LEARLKAALS-------ENEQLKKENGSLKRQLDEVVSENQRLK 342
Cdd:pfam06005   9 LETKIQAAVDtiallqmENEELKEENEELKEEANELEEENQQLK 52

Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) domain of Bombyx mori chorion b-ZIP transcription factor and similar bZIP domains; Bombyx mori chorion b-ZIP transcription factor, is encoded by the Cbz gene. The bZIP structural motif contains a basic region and a leucine zipper, composed of alpha helices with leucine residues 7 amino acids apart, which stabilize dimerization with a parallel leucine zipper domain. Dimerization of leucine zippers creates a pair of the adjacent basic regions that bind DNA and undergo conformational change. Dimerization occurs in a specific and predictable manner resulting in hundreds of dimers having unique effects on transcription.

                         10        20        30        40        50
                 ....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|...
gi 568910748 281 RQQRMiKNRESACQSRKKKKEYMLGLEArlkaalsENEQLKKENGSLKRQLDE 333
Cdd:cd14813    2 REKRD-KNNEASRRSRLNRKQKEQEMQK-------EAEELERENEALKVKVEE 46

Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) domain of Activating Transcription Factor-3 (ATF-3) and similar proteins: a DNA-binding and dimerization domain; ATF-3 is a Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factor that is induced by various stress signals such as cytokines, genetoxic agents, or physiological stresses. It is implicated in cancer and host defense against pathogens. It negatively regulates the transcription of pro-inflammatory cytokines and is critical in preventing acute inflammatory syndromes. Mice deficient with ATF3 display increased susceptibility to endotoxic shock induced death. ATF3 dimerizes with Jun and other ATF proteins; the heterodimers function either as activators or repressors depending on the promoter context. bZIP factors act in networks of homo and heterodimers in the regulation of a diverse set of cellular processes. The bZIP structural motif contains a basic region and a leucine zipper, composed of alpha helices with leucine residues 7 amino acids apart, which stabilize dimerization with a parallel leucine zipper domain. Dimerization of leucine zippers creates a pair of the adjacent basic regions that bind DNA and undergo conformational change. Dimerization occurs in a specific and predictable manner resulting in hundreds of dimers having unique effects on transcription.

                         10        20        30        40        50        60
                 ....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|..
gi 568910748 280 RRQQRMIKNRESACQSRKKKKEymlgleaRLKAALSENEQLKKENGSLKRQLDEVVSENQRL 341
Cdd:cd14722    1 RRRRRRERNKVAAAKCRNKKKE-------RTDCLQKESEKLETQNAELKRQIEELKNEKQHL 55

Transcriptional activator; This family of proteins may act as a transcriptional activator. It plays a role in stress response in plants.

                          10        20        30        40        50        60        70        80
                  ....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|
gi 568910748  257 KLSVTKPVLQSATRSMGSDIAVLRRQQRMIkNRE-----SACQsrKKKKEYMLGLEARlkaalseNEQlKKENGSLKRQL 331
Cdd:pfam04949  62 RLAEIREELEALADPMRKEVAMVRKKIDAV-NRElkplgQSCQ--KKEKEYKEALEAF-------NEK-NKEKAQLVSKL 130

                          90
                  ....*....|.
gi 568910748  332 DEVVSENQRLK 342
Cdd:pfam04949 131 MELVSESEKLR 141

Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) domain of the oncogene Fos (Fos)-like transcription factors: a DNA-binding and dimerization domain; This subfamily is composed of Fos proteins (c-Fos, FosB, Fos-related antigen 1 (Fra-1), and Fra-2), Activating Transcription Factor-3 (ATF-3), and similar proteins. Fos proteins are members of the activator protein-1 (AP-1) complex, which is mainly composed of bZIP dimers of the Jun and Fos families, and to a lesser extent, ATF and musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma (Maf) families. The broad combinatorial possibilities for various dimers determine binding specificity, affinity, and the spectrum of regulated genes. The AP-1 complex is implicated in many cell functions including proliferation, apoptosis, survival, migration, tumorigenesis, and morphogenesis, among others. ATF3 is induced by various stress signals such as cytokines, genotoxic agents, or physiological stresses. It is implicated in cancer and host defense against pathogens. It negatively regulates the transcription of pro-inflammatory cytokines and is critical in preventing acute inflammatory syndromes. ATF3 dimerizes with Jun and other ATF proteins; the heterodimers function either as activators or repressors depending on the promoter context. bZIP factors act in networks of homo and heterodimers in the regulation of a diverse set of cellular processes. The bZIP structural motif contains a basic region and a leucine zipper, composed of alpha helices with leucine residues 7 amino acids apart, which stabilize dimerization with a parallel leucine zipper domain. Dimerization of leucine zippers creates a pair of the adjacent basic regions that bind DNA and undergo conformational change. Dimerization occurs in a specific and predictable manner resulting in hundreds of dimers having unique effects on transcription.

                         10        20        30        40        50        60
                 ....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|...
gi 568910748 280 RRQQRMIKNRESACQSRKKKKEYMLGLEArlkaalsENEQLKKENGSLKRQLDEVVSENQRLK 342
Cdd:cd14699    1 RRRKRRERNKVAAAKCRQRRRELMEELQA-------EVEQLEDENEKLQSEIANLRSEKEQLE 56

Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) domain of musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma (Maf) proteins: a DNA-binding and dimerization domain; Maf proteins are Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factors that may participate in the activator protein-1 (AP-1) complex, which is implicated in many cell functions including proliferation, apoptosis, survival, migration, tumorigenesis, and morphogenesis, among others. Maf proteins fall into two groups: small and large. The large Mafs (c-Maf, MafA, MafB, NRL) contain an N-terminal transactivation domain, a linker region of varying size, an anxillary DNA-binding domain, and a C-terminal bZIP domain. They function as critical regulators of terminal differentiation in the blood and in many tissues such as bone, brain, kidney, pancreas, and retina. The small Mafs (MafF, MafK, MafG) do not contain a transactivation domain. They form dimers with cap'n'collar (CNC) proteins that harbor transactivation domains, and they act either as activators or repressors depending on their dimerization partner. They play roles in stress response and detoxification pathways. They have been implicated in various diseases such as diabetes, neurological diseases, thrombocytopenia and cancer. bZIP factors act in networks of homo and heterodimers in the regulation of a diverse set of cellular processes. The bZIP structural motif contains a basic region and a leucine zipper, composed of alpha helices with leucine residues 7 amino acids apart, which stabilize dimerization with a parallel leucine zipper domain. Dimerization of leucine zippers creates a pair of the adjacent basic regions that bind DNA and undergo conformational change. Dimerization occurs in a specific and predictable manner resulting in hundreds of dimers having unique effects on transcription.

                         10        20        30        40        50
                 ....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....*.
gi 568910748 279 LRRQQRMIKNRESACQSRKKKKEYMLGLEARLKAALSENEQLKKENGSLKRQLDEV 334
Cdd:cd14697    7 LKQKRRTLKNRGYAQSCRAKRVQQKEQLENEKAELRSQIEELKEENSELQQELDYY 62