Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) domain of Cyclic AMP-responsive element-binding protein 1 (CREB1) and similar proteins: a DNA-binding and dimerization domain; CREB1 is a Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factor that plays a role in propagating signals initiated by receptor activation through the induction of cAMP-responsive genes. Because it responds to many signal transduction pathways, CREB1 is implicated to function in many processes including learning, memory, circadian rhythm, immune response, and reproduction, among others. bZIP factors act in networks of homo and heterodimers in the regulation of a diverse set of cellular processes. The bZIP structural motif contains a basic region and a leucine zipper, composed of alpha helices with leucine residues 7 amino acids apart, which stabilize dimerization with a parallel leucine zipper domain. Dimerization of leucine zippers creates a pair of the adjacent basic regions that bind DNA and undergo conformational change. Dimerization occurs in a specific and predictable manner resulting in hundreds of dimers having unique effects on transcription.

                        10        20        30        40        50
                ....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....*
gi 19745184 285 KREVRLMKNREAARECRRKKKEYVKCLENRVAVLENQNKTLIEELKALKDLYCHK 339
Cdd:cd14690   1 KRQLRLEKNREAARECRRKKKEYVKCLENRVAVLENENKELREELKILKELLCQE 55

Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) domain of Cyclic AMP-responsive element-binding protein 1 (CREB1) and similar proteins: a DNA-binding and dimerization domain; CREB1 is a Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factor that plays a role in propagating signals initiated by receptor activation through the induction of cAMP-responsive genes. Because it responds to many signal transduction pathways, CREB1 is implicated to function in many processes including learning, memory, circadian rhythm, immune response, and reproduction, among others. bZIP factors act in networks of homo and heterodimers in the regulation of a diverse set of cellular processes. The bZIP structural motif contains a basic region and a leucine zipper, composed of alpha helices with leucine residues 7 amino acids apart, which stabilize dimerization with a parallel leucine zipper domain. Dimerization of leucine zippers creates a pair of the adjacent basic regions that bind DNA and undergo conformational change. Dimerization occurs in a specific and predictable manner resulting in hundreds of dimers having unique effects on transcription.

                        10        20        30        40        50
                ....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....*
gi 19745184 285 KREVRLMKNREAARECRRKKKEYVKCLENRVAVLENQNKTLIEELKALKDLYCHK 339
Cdd:cd14690   1 KRQLRLEKNREAARECRRKKKEYVKCLENRVAVLENENKELREELKILKELLCQE 55

pKID domain; CBP and P300 bind to the pKID (phosphorylated kinase-inducible-domain) domain of CREB.

                          10        20        30
                  ....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....
gi 19745184   113 ESVDSVTDSQKRREILSRRPSYRKILNDLSSDAPGVPRI 151
Cdd:pfam02173   1 ESSDSEADSQKRREILSRRPSYRKILNDLSSEDAANKKG 39

Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) domain of Cyclic AMP-responsive element-binding protein 1 (CREB1) and similar proteins: a DNA-binding and dimerization domain; CREB1 is a Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factor that plays a role in propagating signals initiated by receptor activation through the induction of cAMP-responsive genes. Because it responds to many signal transduction pathways, CREB1 is implicated to function in many processes including learning, memory, circadian rhythm, immune response, and reproduction, among others. bZIP factors act in networks of homo and heterodimers in the regulation of a diverse set of cellular processes. The bZIP structural motif contains a basic region and a leucine zipper, composed of alpha helices with leucine residues 7 amino acids apart, which stabilize dimerization with a parallel leucine zipper domain. Dimerization of leucine zippers creates a pair of the adjacent basic regions that bind DNA and undergo conformational change. Dimerization occurs in a specific and predictable manner resulting in hundreds of dimers having unique effects on transcription.

                        10        20        30        40        50
                ....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....*
gi 19745184 285 KREVRLMKNREAARECRRKKKEYVKCLENRVAVLENQNKTLIEELKALKDLYCHK 339
Cdd:cd14690   1 KRQLRLEKNREAARECRRKKKEYVKCLENRVAVLENENKELREELKILKELLCQE 55

pKID domain; CBP and P300 bind to the pKID (phosphorylated kinase-inducible-domain) domain of CREB.

                          10        20        30
                  ....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....
gi 19745184   113 ESVDSVTDSQKRREILSRRPSYRKILNDLSSDAPGVPRI 151
Cdd:pfam02173   1 ESSDSEADSQKRREILSRRPSYRKILNDLSSEDAANKKG 39

Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) domain of bZIP transcription factors: a DNA-binding and dimerization domain; Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) factors comprise one of the most important classes of enhancer-type transcription factors. They act in networks of homo and heterodimers in the regulation of a diverse set of cellular processes including cell survival, learning and memory, lipid metabolism, and cancer progression, among others. They also play important roles in responses to stimuli or stress signals such as cytokines, genotoxic agents, or physiological stresses. The bZIP structural motif contains a basic region and a leucine zipper, composed of alpha helices with leucine residues 7 amino acids apart, which stabilize dimerization with a parallel leucine zipper domain. Dimerization of leucine zippers creates a pair of the adjacent basic regions that bind DNA and undergo conformational change. Dimerization occurs in a specific and predictable manner resulting in hundreds of dimers having unique effects on transcription.

                        10        20        30        40
                ....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....*...
gi 19745184 286 REVRLMKNREAARECRRKKKEYVKCLENRVAVLENQNKTLIEELKALK 333
Cdd:cd14686   1 KERRRERNREAARRSRERKKERIEELEEEVEELEEENEELKAELEELR 48

Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) domain of X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1) and similar proteins: a DNA-binding and dimerization domain; XBP1, a member of the Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) family, is the key transcription factor that orchestrates the unfolded protein response (UPR). It is the most conserved component of the UPR and is critical for cell fate determination in response to ER stress. The inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1)-XBP1 pathway is one of the three major sensors at the ER membrane that initiates the UPR upon activation. IRE1, a type I transmembrane protein kinase and endoribonuclease, oligomerizes upon ER stress leading to its increased activity. It splices the XBP1 mRNA, producing a variant that translocates to the nucleus and activates its target genes, which are involved in protein folding, degradation, and trafficking. bZIP factors act in networks of homo and heterodimers in the regulation of a diverse set of cellular processes. The bZIP structural motif contains a basic region and a leucine zipper, composed of alpha helices with leucine residues 7 amino acids apart, which stabilize dimerization with a parallel leucine zipper domain. Dimerization of leucine zippers creates a pair of the adjacent basic regions that bind DNA and undergo conformational change. Dimerization occurs in a specific and predictable manner resulting in hundreds of dimers having unique effects on transcription.

                        10        20        30        40        50
                ....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....
gi 19745184 280 EEAARKRevrlMKNREAARECRRKKKEYVKCLENRVAVLENQNKTLIEELKALK 333
Cdd:cd14691   2 EKDLRRK----LKNRVAAQTARDRKKARMDELEERVRELEEENQKLRAENESLR 51

Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) domain of Plant Elongated/Long Hypocotyl5 (HY5)-like transcription factors and similar proteins: a DNA-binding and dimerization domain; This subfamily is predominantly composed of plant Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factors with similarity to Solanum lycopersicum and Arabidopsis thaliana HY5. Also included are the Dictyostelium discoideum bZIP transcription factors E and F. HY5 plays an important role in seedling development and is a positive regulator of photomorphogenesis. Plants with decreased levels of HY5 show defects in light responses including inhibited photomorphogenesis, loss of alkaloid organization, and reduced carotenoid accumulation. bZIP factors act in networks of homo and heterodimers in the regulation of a diverse set of cellular processes. The bZIP structural motif contains a basic region and a leucine zipper, composed of alpha helices with leucine residues 7 amino acids apart, which stabilize dimerization with a parallel leucine zipper domain. Dimerization of leucine zippers creates a pair of the adjacent basic regions that bind DNA and undergo conformational change. Dimerization occurs in a specific and predictable manner resulting in hundreds of dimers having unique effects on transcription.

                        10        20        30        40
                ....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....*..
gi 19745184 286 REVRLMKNREAARECRRKKKEYVKCLENRVAVLENQNKTLIEELKAL 332
Cdd:cd14704   1 RQRRLLRNRESAQLSRQRKKEYLSELEAKCRELEAENAELEARVELL 47

Basic region leucine zipper;

                          10        20        30        40
                  ....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....
gi 19745184   285 KREVRLMKNREAARECRRKKKEYVKCLENRVAVLENQNKTLIEELKALK 333
Cdd:pfam07716   1 EYRDRRRKNNEAAKRSREKKKQKEEELEERVKELERENAQLRQKVEQLE 49

Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) domain of CREBZF/Zhangfei transcription factor and similar proteins: a DNA-binding and dimerization domain; CREBZF (also called Zhangfei, ZF, LAZip, or SMILE) is a neuronal bZIP transcription factor that is involved in the infection cycle of herpes simplex virus (HSV) and related cellular processes. It suppresses the ability of the HSV transactivator VP16 to initiate the viral replicative cycle. CREBZF has also been implicated in the regulation of the human nerve growth factor receptor trkA and the tumor suppressor p53. bZIP factors act in networks of homo and heterodimers in the regulation of a diverse set of cellular processes. The bZIP structural motif contains a basic region and a leucine zipper, composed of alpha helices with leucine residues 7 amino acids apart, which stabilize dimerization with a parallel leucine zipper domain. Dimerization of leucine zippers creates a pair of the adjacent basic regions that bind DNA and undergo conformational change. Dimerization occurs in a specific and predictable manner resulting in hundreds of dimers having unique effects on transcription.

                        10        20        30        40
                ....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....*
gi 19745184 292 KNREAARECRRKKKEYVKCLENRVAVLENQNKTLIEELKALKDLY 336
Cdd:cd14706   7 KNAIAARENRLKKKEYVENLEKSVDKLKSENKELKKANKKLQKLV 51

Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) domain of Jun proteins and similar proteins: a DNA-binding and dimerization domain; Jun is a member of the activator protein-1 (AP-1) complex, which is mainly composed of Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) dimers of the Jun and Fos families, and to a lesser extent, the activating transcription factor (ATF) and musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma (Maf) families. The broad combinatorial possibilities for various dimers determine binding specificity, affinity, and the spectrum of regulated genes. The AP-1 complex is implicated in many cell functions including proliferation, apoptosis, survival, migration, tumorigenesis, and morphogenesis, among others. There are three Jun proteins: c-Jun, JunB, and JunD. c-Jun is the most potent transcriptional activator of the AP-1 proteins. Both c-Jun and JunB are essential during development; deletion of either results in embryonic lethality in mice. c-Jun is essential in hepatogenesis and liver erythropoiesis, while JunB is required in vasculogenesis and angiogenesis in extraembryonic tissues. While JunD is dispensable in embryonic development, it is involved in transcription regulation of target genes that help cells to cope with environmental signals. bZIP factors act in networks of homo and heterodimers in the regulation of a diverse set of cellular processes. The bZIP structural motif contains a basic region and a leucine zipper, composed of alpha helices with leucine residues 7 amino acids apart, which stabilize dimerization with a parallel leucine zipper domain. Dimerization of leucine zippers creates a pair of the adjacent basic regions that bind DNA and undergo conformational change. Dimerization occurs in a specific and predictable manner resulting in hundreds of dimers having unique effects on transcription.

                        10        20        30        40        50
                ....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....*..
gi 19745184 282 AARKREvrlmKNREAARECRRKKKEYVKCLENRVAVLENQNKTLIEELKALKDLYCH 338
Cdd:cd14696   2 LERKRA----RNRIAASKCRKRKLERIARLEDKVKELKNQNSELTSTASLLREQVCQ 54

Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) domain of Cyclic AMP-responsive element-binding protein 3 (CREB3) and similar proteins: a DNA-binding and dimerization domain; This subfamily is composed of CREB3 (also called LZIP or Luman), and the CREB3-like proteins CREB3L1 (or OASIS), CREB3L2, CREB3L3 (or CREBH), and CREB3L4 (or AIbZIP). They are type II membrane-associated members of the Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) family of transcription factors, with their N-termini facing the cytoplasm and their C-termini penetrating through the ER membrane. They contain an N-terminal transcriptional activation domain followed bZIP and transmembrane domains, and a C-terminal tail. They play important roles in ER stress and the unfolded protein response (UPR), as well as in many other biological processes such as cell secretion, bone and cartilage formation, and carcinogenesis. bZIP factors act in networks of homo and heterodimers in the regulation of a diverse set of cellular processes. The bZIP structural motif contains a basic region and a leucine zipper, composed of alpha helices with leucine residues 7 amino acids apart, which stabilize dimerization with a parallel leucine zipper domain. Dimerization of leucine zippers creates a pair of the adjacent basic regions that bind DNA and undergo conformational change. Dimerization occurs in a specific and predictable manner resulting in hundreds of dimers having unique effects on transcription.

                        10        20        30        40        50        60
                ....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|
gi 19745184 285 KREVRLMKNREAARECRRKKKEYVKCLENRVAV--------------LENQNKTLIEELK 330
Cdd:cd14689   2 KKVRRKIRNKISAQESRRRKKEYIDGLESRVAActaenqelkkkveeLEKQNRSLLSQLR 61

Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) domain of Plant G-box binding factor 1 (GBF1)-like transcription factors: a DNA-binding and dimerization domain; This subfamily is composed of plant bZIP transciption factors including Arabidopsis thaliana G-box binding factor 1 (GBF1), Zea mays Opaque-2 and Ocs element-binding factor 1 (OCSBF-1), Triticum aestivum Histone-specific transcription factor HBP1 (or HBP-1a), Petroselinum crispum Light-inducible protein CPRF3 and CPRF6, and Nicotiana tabacum BZI-3, among many others. bZIP G-box binding factors (GBFs) contain an N-terminal proline-rich domain in addition to the bZIP domain. GBFs are involved in developmental and physiological processes in response to stimuli such as light or hormones. Opaque-2 plays a role in affecting lysine content and carbohydrate metabolism, acting indirectly on starch/amino acid ratio. bZIP factors act in networks of homo and heterodimers in the regulation of a diverse set of cellular processes. The bZIP structural motif contains a basic region and a leucine zipper, composed of alpha helices with leucine residues 7 amino acids apart, which stabilize dimerization with a parallel leucine zipper domain. Dimerization of leucine zippers creates a pair of the adjacent basic regions that bind DNA and undergo conformational change. Dimerization occurs in a specific and predictable manner resulting in hundreds of dimers having unique effects on transcription.

                        10        20        30        40
                ....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....
gi 19745184 293 NREAARECRRKKKEYVKCLENRVAVLENQNKTLIEELKALKDLY 336
Cdd:cd14702   8 NRESARRSRMRKQAHLEELEAQVEQLRAENSTLRAELNALSQEY 51

Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) domain of bZIP transcription factors: a DNA-binding and dimerization domain; uncharacterized subfamily; Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) factors comprise one of the most important classes of enhancer-type transcription factors. They act in networks of homo and heterodimers in the regulation of a diverse set of cellular processes including cell survival, learning and memory, lipid metabolism, and cancer progression, among others. They also play important roles in responses to stimuli or stress signals such as cytokines, genotoxic agents, or physiological stresses. The bZIP structural motif contains a basic region and a leucine zipper, composed of alpha helices with leucine residues 7 amino acids apart, which stabilize dimerization with a parallel leucine zipper domain. Dimerization of leucine zippers creates a pair of the adjacent basic regions that bind DNA and undergo conformational change. Dimerization occurs in a specific and predictable manner resulting in hundreds of dimers having unique effects on transcription.

                        10        20        30        40
                ....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|
gi 19745184 286 REVRLMKNREAARECRRKKKEYVKCLENRVAVLENQNKTL 325
Cdd:cd14812   1 KEARLIRNRAAAQLSRQRKKEEVEELEARVKELEAENRRL 40

Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) domain of Activating Transcription Factor-4 (ATF-4) and similar proteins: a DNA-binding and dimerization domain; ATF-4 was also isolated and characterized as the cAMP-response element binding protein 2 (CREB2). It is a Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factor that has been reported to act as both an activator or repressor. It is a critical component in both the unfolded protein response (UPR) and amino acid response (AAR) pathways. Under certain stress conditions, ATF-4 transcription is increased; accumulation of ATF-4 induces the expression of genes involved in amino acid metabolism and transport, mitochondrial function, redox chemistry, and others that ensure protein synthesis and recovery from stress. bZIP factors act in networks of homo and heterodimers in the regulation of a diverse set of cellular processes. The bZIP structural motif contains a basic region and a leucine zipper, composed of alpha helices with leucine residues 7 amino acids apart, which stabilize dimerization with a parallel leucine zipper domain. Dimerization of leucine zippers creates a pair of the adjacent basic regions that bind DNA and undergo conformational change. Dimerization occurs in a specific and predictable manner resulting in hundreds of dimers having unique effects on transcription.

                        10        20        30        40        50
                ....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....
gi 19745184 280 EEAARKREvrlmKNREAARECRRKKKEYVKCLENRVAVLENQNKTLIEELKALK 333
Cdd:cd14692   1 EKKERKRE----QNKNAATRYRQKKREEKEELLSEEEELEDRNRELKDEVEELQ 50

Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) domain of Activating Transcription Factor-3 (ATF-3) and similar proteins: a DNA-binding and dimerization domain; ATF-3 is a Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factor that is induced by various stress signals such as cytokines, genetoxic agents, or physiological stresses. It is implicated in cancer and host defense against pathogens. It negatively regulates the transcription of pro-inflammatory cytokines and is critical in preventing acute inflammatory syndromes. Mice deficient with ATF3 display increased susceptibility to endotoxic shock induced death. ATF3 dimerizes with Jun and other ATF proteins; the heterodimers function either as activators or repressors depending on the promoter context. bZIP factors act in networks of homo and heterodimers in the regulation of a diverse set of cellular processes. The bZIP structural motif contains a basic region and a leucine zipper, composed of alpha helices with leucine residues 7 amino acids apart, which stabilize dimerization with a parallel leucine zipper domain. Dimerization of leucine zippers creates a pair of the adjacent basic regions that bind DNA and undergo conformational change. Dimerization occurs in a specific and predictable manner resulting in hundreds of dimers having unique effects on transcription.

                        10        20        30        40        50
                ....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|..
gi 19745184 285 KREVRLMKNREAARECRRKKKEYVKCLENRVAVLENQN---KTLIEELKALK 333
Cdd:cd14722   1 RRRRRRERNKVAAAKCRNKKKERTDCLQKESEKLETQNaelKRQIEELKNEK 52

Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) domain of Plant RF2-like transcription factors: a DNA-binding and dimerization domain; This subfamily is composed of plant bZIP transciption factors with similarity to Oryza sativa RF2a and RF2b, which are important for plant development. They interact with, as homodimers or heterodimers with each other, and activate transcription from the RTBV (rice tungro bacilliform virus) promoter, which is regulated by sequence-specific DNA-binding proteins that bind to the essential cis element BoxII. RF2a and RF2b show differences in binding affinities to BoxII, expression patterns in different rice organs, and subcellular localization. Transgenic rice with increased RF2a and RF2b display increased resistance to rice tungro disease (RTD) with no impact on plant development. bZIP factors act in networks of homo and heterodimers in the regulation of a diverse set of cellular processes. The bZIP structural motif contains a basic region and a leucine zipper, composed of alpha helices with leucine residues 7 amino acids apart, which stabilize dimerization with a parallel leucine zipper domain. Dimerization of leucine zippers creates a pair of the adjacent basic regions that bind DNA and undergo conformational change. Dimerization occurs in a specific and predictable manner resulting in hundreds of dimers having unique effects on transcription.

                        10        20        30        40
                ....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....*
gi 19745184 289 RLMKNREAARECRRKKKEYVKCLENRVAVLENQNKTLIEELKALK 333
Cdd:cd14703   4 RILANRQSAQRSRERKLQYISELERKVQTLQTEVATLSAQLALLE 48

Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) domain of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (CEBP) and similar proteins: a DNA-binding and dimerization domain; CEBPs (or C/EBPs) are Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factors that regulate the cell cycle, differentiation, growth, survival, energy metabolism, innate and adaptive immunity, and inflammation, among others. They are also associated with cancer and viral disease. There are six CEBP proteins in mammalian cells including CEBPA (alpha), CEBPB (beta), CEBPG (gamma), CEBPD (delta), and CEBPE (epsilon), which all contain highly conserved bZIP domains at their C-termini and variations at their N-terminal regions. Each possesses unique properties to regulate cell type-specific growth and differentiation. The sixth isoform, CEBPZ (zeta), lacks an intact DNA-binding domain and is excluded from this subfamily. bZIP factors act in networks of homo and heterodimers in the regulation of a diverse set of cellular processes. The bZIP structural motif contains a basic region and a leucine zipper, composed of alpha helices with leucine residues 7 amino acids apart, which stabilize dimerization with a parallel leucine zipper domain. Dimerization of leucine zippers creates a pair of the adjacent basic regions that bind DNA and undergo conformational change. Dimerization occurs in a specific and predictable manner resulting in hundreds of dimers having unique effects on transcription.

                        10        20        30        40        50        60
                ....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|..
gi 19745184 280 EEAARKREvrlmKNREAARECRRKKKEYVKCLENRVAVLENQN-------KTLIEELKALKD 334
Cdd:cd14693   3 EEYRQKRE----RNNIAVRKSREKAKQRQLETQQKVQELRKENerlqkrvELLTKELSVLKS 60

Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) domain of BATF proteins: a DNA-binding and dimerization domain; Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factor ATF-like (BATF or SFA2), BATF2 (or SARI) and BATF3 form heterodimers with Jun proteins. They function as inhibitors of AP-1-driven transcription. Unlike most bZIP transcription factors that contain additional domains, BATF and BATF3 contain only the the bZIP DNA-binding and dimerization domain. BATF2 contains an additional C-terminal domain of unknown function. BATF:Jun hetrodimers preferentially bind to TPA response elements (TREs) with the consensus sequence TGA(C/G)TCA, and can also bind to a TGACGTCA cyclic AMP response element (CRE). In addition to negative regulation, BATF proteins also show positive transcriptional activities in the development of classical dendritic cells and T helper cell subsets, and in antibody production. bZIP factors act in networks of homo and heterodimers in the regulation of a diverse set of cellular processes. The bZIP structural motif contains a basic region and a leucine zipper, composed of alpha helices with leucine residues 7 amino acids apart, which stabilize dimerization with a parallel leucine zipper domain. Dimerization of leucine zippers creates a pair of the adjacent basic regions that bind DNA and undergo conformational change. Dimerization occurs in a specific and predictable manner resulting in hundreds of dimers having unique effects on transcription.

                        10        20        30        40
                ....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....
gi 19745184 285 KREVRLMKNREAARECRRKKKEYVKCLENRVAVLENQNKTLIEELKALK 333
Cdd:cd14701   3 KKVRRREKNRDAAQRSRQKQTEKADKLHEESESLERANAALRKEIKDLT 51

Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) domain of musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma (Maf) proteins: a DNA-binding and dimerization domain; Maf proteins are Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factors that may participate in the activator protein-1 (AP-1) complex, which is implicated in many cell functions including proliferation, apoptosis, survival, migration, tumorigenesis, and morphogenesis, among others. Maf proteins fall into two groups: small and large. The large Mafs (c-Maf, MafA, MafB, NRL) contain an N-terminal transactivation domain, a linker region of varying size, an anxillary DNA-binding domain, and a C-terminal bZIP domain. They function as critical regulators of terminal differentiation in the blood and in many tissues such as bone, brain, kidney, pancreas, and retina. The small Mafs (MafF, MafK, MafG) do not contain a transactivation domain. They form dimers with cap'n'collar (CNC) proteins that harbor transactivation domains, and they act either as activators or repressors depending on their dimerization partner. They play roles in stress response and detoxification pathways. They have been implicated in various diseases such as diabetes, neurological diseases, thrombocytopenia and cancer. bZIP factors act in networks of homo and heterodimers in the regulation of a diverse set of cellular processes. The bZIP structural motif contains a basic region and a leucine zipper, composed of alpha helices with leucine residues 7 amino acids apart, which stabilize dimerization with a parallel leucine zipper domain. Dimerization of leucine zippers creates a pair of the adjacent basic regions that bind DNA and undergo conformational change. Dimerization occurs in a specific and predictable manner resulting in hundreds of dimers having unique effects on transcription.

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                ....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....*....|....*
gi 19745184 285 KREVRLMKNREAARECRRKKKEYVKCLENRVAVLENQNKTL---IEELKALKDLY 336
Cdd:cd14697   8 KQKRRTLKNRGYAQSCRAKRVQQKEQLENEKAELRSQIEELkeeNSELQQELDYY 62