PROSITE documentation PDOC51031BESS 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.
Last update:October 2004 / First entry.
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PROSITE method (with tools and information) covered by this documentation:
1 | Authors | England B.P. Admon A. Tjian R. |
Title | Cloning of Drosophila transcription factor Adf-1 reveals homology to Myb oncoproteins. | |
Source | Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 89:683-687(1992). | |
PubMed ID | 1731341 |
2 | Authors | Cutler G. Perry K.M. Tjian R. |
Title | Adf-1 is a nonmodular transcription factor that contains a TAF-binding Myb-like motif. | |
Source | Mol. Cell. Biol. 18:2252-2261(1998). | |
PubMed ID | 9528796 |
3 | Authors | Bhaskar V. Courey A.J. |
Title | The MADF-BESS domain factor Dip3 potentiates synergistic activation by Dorsal and Twist. | |
Source | Gene 299:173-184(2002). | |
PubMed ID | 12459265 |
4 | Authors | Delattre M. Spierer A. Hulo N. Spierer P. |
Title | A new gene in Drosophila melanogaster, Ravus, the phantom of the modifier of position-effect variegation Su(var)3-7. | |
Source | Int. J. Dev. Biol. 46:167-171(2002). | |
PubMed ID | 11902679 |
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