basic Helix-Loop-Helix-zipper (bHLHzip) domain found in protein Max and similar proteins
Max, also termed Class D basic helix-loop-helix protein 4 (bHLHd4), or Myc-associated factor X, is a bHLHZip transcription regulator that forms a sequence-specific DNA-binding protein complex with MYC or MAD which recognizes the core sequence 5'-CAC[GA]TG-3'. The MYC:MAX complex is a transcriptional activator, whereas the MAD:MAX complex is a transcriptional repressor. Max homodimer bind DNA but is transcriptionally inactive. Targeted deletion of max results in early embryonic lethality in mice.