LIM DOMAIN Meaning and
Definition
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The LIM domain is a protein structural motif that is present in a wide range of proteins. It consists of around 50 amino acids and is characterized by two consecutive zinc finger domains, also known as LIM motifs, which are named after the first three proteins where they were discovered (LIN11, ISL-1, and MEC-3). The LIM domain typically occurs in a tandem repeat, resulting in a domain with four zinc fingers.
The LIM domain is involved in protein-protein interactions and plays a crucial role in regulating various cellular processes like cell growth, differentiation, and organ development. Proteins containing LIM domains are found in both animals and plants, illustrating their evolutionary conservation.
Functionally, the LIM domain acts as a protein-binding interface, allowing it to interact with other proteins or DNA. This interaction occurs through the coordination of zinc ions within the zinc finger motifs, which provide stability and structure to the domain. The LIM domain's ability to interact with diverse proteins makes it a versatile module involved in multiple signaling pathways and transcriptional regulation.
Mutations or dysregulation of proteins containing LIM domains have been implicated in several diseases and developmental disorders. For example, mutations in LIM domain-containing proteins such as ZASP can lead to muscle-related diseases, while alterations in LIM homeobox genes have been associated with certain cancers and genetic disorders like sensory organ defects.
In summary, the LIM domain is a protein structural motif composed of two consecutive zinc finger motifs found in a wide range of proteins, playing important roles in cellular processes, protein-protein interactions, and transcriptional regulation.
Common Misspellings for LIM DOMAIN
- kim domain
- pim domain
- oim domain
- lum domain
- ljm domain
- lkm domain
- lom domain
- l9m domain
- l8m domain
- lin domain
- lik domain
- lij domain
- lim somain
- lim xomain
- lim comain
- lim fomain
- lim romain
- lim eomain
- lim dimain
- lim dkmain
Etymology of LIM DOMAIN
The etymology of the word "LIM domain" can be traced back to the Latin word "limus", which means "boundary" or "threshold". The term "LIM" is an acronym derived from the proteins that were first discovered to contain this domain: Lin11, Isl-1, and Mec-3. These proteins play crucial roles in cell differentiation and development, and their names were combined to create the term "LIM domain". This domain is characterized by a conserved double zinc finger motif and is found in various proteins involved in cell signaling and transcriptional regulation.
