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A twist of insight - the role of Twist-family bHLH factors in development.

ABSTRACT: Members of the Twist-family of bHLH proteins play a pivotal role in a number of essential developmental programs. Twist-family bHLH proteins function by dimerizing with other bHLH members and binding to cis- regulatory elements, called E-boxes. While Twist-family members may simply exhibit a preference in terms of high-affinity binding partners, a complex, multilevel cascade of regulation creates a dynamic role for these bHLH proteins. We summarize in this review information on each Twist-family member concerning expression pattern, function, regulation, downstream targets, and interactions with other bHLH proteins. Additionally, we focus on the phospho-regulatory mechanisms that tightly control posttranslational modification of Twist-family member bHLH proteins.

SUBMITTER: Barnes RM

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2737731 | biostudies-literature | 2009

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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A twist of insight - the role of Twist-family bHLH factors in development.

Barnes Ralston M RM Firulli Anthony B AB

The International journal of developmental biology 20090101 7

Members of the Twist-family of bHLH proteins play a pivotal role in a number of essential developmental programs. Twist-family bHLH proteins function by dimerizing with other bHLH members and binding to cis- regulatory elements, called E-boxes. While Twist-family members may simply exhibit a preference in terms of high-affinity binding partners, a complex, multilevel cascade of regulation creates a dynamic role for these bHLH proteins. We summarize in this review information on each Twist-family ...[more]

PMID: 19378251

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