PROSITE documentation PDOC51031

BESS domain profile

The BESS domain is a ~40 amino acid module that has been named after the three proteins that originally defined the domain: Boundary element associated factor 32, Su(var)3-7, and Stonewall. The BESS domain directs a variety of protein-protein interactions, including interactions with itself, with Dorsal, and with a TBP-associated factor. It is found in a single copy in drosophila proteins and is often associated with the MADF domain (see <PDOC51029>) [1,2,3].

It has been suggested that the BESS domain might be related to the myb/SANT HTH domain. Consistent with the possibility of a relationship to the myb/SANT domain, the BESS domain secondary structure prediction suggests the existence of three α-helices [1,2,3].

Some proteins known to contain a BESS domain are listed below:

• Drosophila Boundary element associated factor 32 (BEAF-32).
• Drosophila Suppressor of variegation protein 3-7 (Su(var)3-7). It could play a role in chromosome condensation.
• Drosophila Ravus. It is homologous to the C-terminal part of Su(var)3-7 [4].
• Drosophila Stonewall (Stwl), a putative transcription factor required for maintenance of female germline stem cells as well as oocyte differentiation.
• Drosophila Adf-1, a transcription factor first identified on the basis of its interaction with the alcohol dehydrogenase promoter but that binds the promoters of a diverse group of genes [1].
• Drosophila Dorsal-interacting protein 3 (Dip3). It functions both as an activator to bind DNA in a sequence specific manner and a coactivator to stimulate synergistic activation by Dorsal and Twist [2].

The profile we developed covers the entire BESS domain.