MafG Transcription Factor Complex with MARE

3D Model

Maf transcription factors recognise Maf recognition element (MARE) DNA motifs to regulate gene expression. Large Mafs homodimerize and activate transcription, and small ones can either homo- or heterodimerise and activate or repress transcription.

This MafG-DNA complex is from Mus musculus. It depicts a complex of two small Maf transcription factors known as MafG, which have homodimerized and bound to a MARE DNA sequence. It represses transcription at ‘flanking sequences’ – important regulatory segments of DNA bordering the 5’ end of transcription. In this diagram, the MARE is in purple, with the guanine and cytosine bases highlighted in pink. MafG contain conserved basic leucine zipper domains (bZip) in light blue (A) and light green (B), which are essential in Maf-specific DNA recognition, interacting directly with the GC bases. The yellow ‘surface’ views are MafG proteins parts uninvolved in the bZip.

This model will guide you through MafG residues that directly and indirectly bind to MARE.