InterPro domain: IPR036879

General Information

  • Identifier IPR036879
  • Description Transcription factor, MADS-box superfamily
  • Number of genes 8633
  • Gene duplication stats Loading...
  • Associated GO terms GO:0003677   GO:0046983  

Abstract

Human serum response factor (SRF) is a ubiquitous nuclear protein important for cell proliferation and differentiation. SRF function is essential for transcriptional regulation of numerous growth-factor-inducible genes, such as c-fos oncogene and muscle-specific actin genes. A core domain of around 90 amino acids is sufficient for the activities of DNA-binding, dimerisation and interaction with accessory factors. Within the core is a DNA-binding region, designated the MADS box [ 1 ], that is highly similar to many eukaryotic regulatory proteins: among these are MCM1, the regulator of cell type-specific genes in fission yeast; DSRF, a Drosophila trachea development factor; the MEF2 family of myocyte-specific enhancer factors; and the Agamous and Deficiens families of plant homeotic proteins.

In SRF, the MADS box has been shown to be involved in DNA-binding and dimerisation [ 2 ]. Proteins belonging to the MADS family function as dimers, the primary DNA-binding element of which is an anti-parallel coiled coil of two amphipathic alpha-helices, one from each subunit. The DNA wraps around the coiled coil allowing the basic N-termini of the helices to fit into the DNA major groove. The chain extending from the helix N-termini reaches over the DNA backbone and penetrates into the minor groove. A 4-stranded, anti-parallel beta-sheet packs against the coiled-coil face opposite the DNA and is the central element of the dimerisation interface. The MADS-box domain is commonly found associated with K-box region see ( IPR002487 ).


1. Structure of serum response factor core bound to DNA. Nature 376, 490-8
2. Isolation and properties of cDNA clones encoding SRF, a transcription factor that binds to the c-fos serum response element. Cell 55, 989-1003

Species distribution

Gene table

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