InterPro domain: IPR028942

WHIM1 is a conserved alpha helical motif that along with the WHIM2 and WHIM3 motifs, and the DDT domain comprise an alpha helical module found in diverse eukaryotic chromatin proteins [ 1 ].Based on the Ioc3 structure, this module is inferred to interact with nucleosomal linker DNA and the SLIDE domain of ISWI proteins [ 2 , 2 ]. The resulting complex forms a protein ruler that measures out the spacing between two adjacent nucleosomes [ 3 ]. The conserved basic residue in WHIM1 is involved in packing with the DDT motif. The module shows a great domain architectural diversity and is often combined with other modified histone peptide recognizing and DNA binding domains, some of which discriminate methylated DNA [ 3 ].

1. The HARE-HTH and associated domains: novel modules in the coordination of epigenetic DNA and protein modifications. Cell Cycle 11, 119-31
2. Structure and mechanism of the chromatin remodelling factor ISW1a. Nature 472, 448-53