POU DOMAIN Meaning and
Definition
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The term "POU domain" refers to a specific DNA binding domain found in various transcription factors. It is named after the first three transcription factors that were discovered to possess this domain, namely Pit-1, Oct-1, and Unc-86. The POU domain is highly conserved and commonly found in a wide range of eukaryotic species, including humans.
The POU domain consists of approximately 150 amino acids, forming a highly structured DNA-binding domain. It is composed of two subdomains, termed the POU-specific domain (POU S) and the POU homeodomain (POU H), connected by a linker region. The POU S domain is responsible for the specific recognition and binding of DNA sequences, while the POU H domain is involved in stabilizing the protein-DNA interaction and facilitating other protein-protein interactions.
Transcription factors containing POU domains are involved in regulating gene expression by binding to specific DNA sequences in gene promoters or enhancers. They play critical roles in various biological processes, such as development, cell differentiation, and tissue-specific gene expression. Given the diverse functions of POU domain-containing transcription factors, they are implicated in numerous diseases and disorders, including cancers, immune disorders, and developmental abnormalities.
Understanding the structure and function of the POU domain has significant implications for unraveling the molecular mechanisms governing gene regulation and may offer potential targets for therapeutic intervention in various diseases.
Common Misspellings for POU DOMAIN
- oou domain
- lou domain
- 0ou domain
- piu domain
- pku domain
- plu domain
- ppu domain
- p0u domain
- p9u domain
- poy domain
- poh domain
- poj domain
- poi domain
- po8 domain
- po7 domain
- pou somain
- pou xomain
- pou comain
- pou fomain
- pou romain
Etymology of POU DOMAIN
The term "POU domain" derives from the bird families Pouched Crows (subfamily Corvinae) and the Australian Magpie-larks (genus Grallina). In 1994, scientists identified a common DNA binding motif among a group of transcription factors that were first discovered in these bird families. This motif was named the POU domain after the initial letters of the bird families. Since then, the name "POU domain" has been widely used to describe a specific DNA binding domain found in a range of transcription factors across different species.
