InterPro domain: IPR000116

This entry represents the HMGA family, whose members contain DNA-binding domains, also known as AT hooks due to their ability to interact with the narrow minor groove of AT-rich DNA sequences. They play an important role in chromatin organisation [ 1 ].

The high mobility group (HMG) proteins are the most abundant and ubiquitous nonhistone chromosomal proteins. They bind to DNA and to nucleosomes and are involved in the regulation of DNA-dependent processes such as transcription, replication, recombination, and DNA repair. They can be grouped into three families: HMGB (HMG 1/2), HMGN (HMG 14/17) and HMGA (HMG I/Y). The characteristic domains are: AT-hook for the HMGA family, the HMG Box for the HMGB family, and the nucleosome-binding domain (NBD) for the members of the HMGN family [ 2 ].

1. Transcriptional activation of the cyclin A gene by the architectural transcription factor HMGA2. Mol. Cell. Biol. 23, 9104-16
2. Evolution of high mobility group nucleosome-binding proteins and its implications for vertebrate chromatin specialization. Mol. Biol. Evol. 32, 121-31