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Per-ARNT-Sim (PAS) Domains in Basic Helix-Loop-Helix (bHLH)-PAS Transcription Factors and Coactivators: Structures
Nicolas Daffern1, Ishwar Radhakrishnan1
1Department of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.
Journal of Molecular Biology
|November 22, 2023
Summary
PAS domains are vital biological sensors. This review covers their structure and function, particularly within bHLH-PAS transcription factors, highlighting areas for future research in therapeutic target development.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
- Structural Biology
Background:
- Per-Arnt-Sim (PAS) domains are crucial signaling modules found across diverse biological systems.
- They are involved in sensing environmental cues and transducing signals.
- PAS domains' ability to bind small molecules makes them attractive therapeutic targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on PAS domain structure and function.
- To focus on PAS domains within basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH)-PAS transcription factors and coactivators.
- To identify knowledge gaps, especially concerning steroid receptor coactivator (SRC) family PAS domains.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on bHLH-PAS proteins.
- Comparative analysis of PAS domain structures and functions.
- Identification of areas requiring further structural and functional investigation.
Main Results:
- PAS domains play key roles in signal transduction and ligand binding.
- The structure-function relationship of bHLH-PAS transcription factors is relatively well-understood.
- PAS domains in the SRC family remain less characterized compared to other bHLH-PAS proteins.
Conclusions:
- PAS domains are essential for biological sensing and signal transduction.
- Further structural and functional studies are needed, particularly for SRC family PAS domains.
- Enhanced understanding of PAS domains could lead to novel therapeutic interventions.
Keywords:
protein-DNA interactionsprotein–ligand interactionsprotein–protein interactionsstructural biologytranscription regulationMore Related Videos
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