basic Helix-Loop-Helix-zipper (bHLHzip) domain found in the Myc family
The Myc family is a member of the bHLHzip family of transcription factors that play important roles in the control of normal cell proliferation, growth, survival and differentiation. All Myc isoforms contain two independently functioning polypeptide chain regions: N-terminal transactivating residues and a C-terminal bHLHzip segment. The bHLHzip family of bHLH transcription factors are characterized by a highly conserved N-terminal basic region that may bind DNA at a consensus hexanucleotide sequence known as the E-box (CANNTG) followed by HLH and leucine zipper motifs that may interact with other proteins to form homo- and heterodimers. Myc heterodimerizes with Max enabling specific binding to E-box DNA sequences in the promoters of target genes. The Myc proto-oncoprotein family includes at least five different functional members: c-, N-, L-, S- and B-Myc (which is lacking the bHLH domain).