HMGB PROTEINS Meaning and
Definition
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HMGB proteins, also known as high mobility group box proteins, are a family of highly conserved, non-histone DNA-binding proteins found in almost all eukaryotic organisms, including humans.
These proteins play crucial roles in various cellular processes, participating in chromatin organization, DNA repair, transcriptional regulation, and immune responses. HMGB proteins are characterized by their ability to bind to DNA in a non-sequence-specific manner, through their highly conserved HMG box domains, which contain two DNA-binding motifs known as HMG boxes.
In the nucleus, HMGB proteins act as architectural factors that modify the structure and accessibility of chromatin, facilitating DNA binding of other proteins such as transcription factors or other DNA-modifying enzymes. Their ability to bend and twist the DNA molecule allows for the formation of functional protein complexes that regulate gene expression.
Outside the nucleus, HMGB proteins can be released into the extracellular environment where they function as damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). In this role, they contribute to the initiation and propagation of various immune responses, including inflammation and the recruitment of immune cells to sites of infection or tissue damage.
HMGB proteins are also implicated in various diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and autoimmune diseases. Their dysregulation can lead to aberrant gene expression, DNA damage, and altered immune responses, which can contribute to the development or progression of these diseases.
Overall, HMGB proteins are versatile DNA-binding proteins that play critical roles in diverse cellular processes and have significant implications in both normal physiology and disease pathology.
Common Misspellings for HMGB PROTEINS
- gmgb proteins
- bmgb proteins
- nmgb proteins
- jmgb proteins
- umgb proteins
- ymgb proteins
- hngb proteins
- hkgb proteins
- hjgb proteins
- hmfb proteins
- hmvb proteins
- hmbb proteins
- hmhb proteins
- hmyb proteins
- hmtb proteins
- hmgn proteins
- hmgb oroteins
- hmgb lroteins
- hmgb -roteins
- hmgb 0roteins
Etymology of HMGB PROTEINS
The term "HMGB proteins" stands for High Mobility Group Box proteins. The etymology of this term can be traced back to the scientific understanding of the protein family and its characteristics.
The "High Mobility Group" part of the term refers to the proteins' ability to move within the nucleus of cells. These proteins were initially discovered and named in the 1970s due to their high electrophoretic mobility, meaning they migrated further during gel electrophoresis compared to other proteins. This mobility is due to their DNA-binding abilities and lack of a defined tertiary structure.
The "Box" part of the name describes a specific DNA-binding domain found in these proteins. The HMGB proteins contain one or two of these DNA-binding domains referred to as "HMG boxes". These HMG boxes allow the proteins to interact with DNA in a non-sequence-specific manner, facilitating processes such as DNA bending, unwinding, and looping.
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