Lineage-specific expansion of DNA-binding transcription factor families

Trends Genet. 2010 Sep;26(9):388-93. doi: 10.1016/j.tig.2010.06.004. Epub 2010 Jul 31.

Abstract

DNA-binding domains (DBDs) are essential components of sequence-specific transcription factors (TFs). We have investigated the distribution of all known DBDs in more than 500 completely sequenced genomes from the three major superkingdoms (Bacteria, Archaea and Eukaryota) and documented conserved and specific DBD occurrence in diverse taxonomic lineages. By combining DBD occurrence in different species with taxonomic information, we have developed an automatic method for inferring the origins of DBD families and their specific combinations with other protein families in TFs. We found only three out of 131 (2%) DBD families shared by the three superkingdoms.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Binding Sites
  • DNA / genetics
  • DNA / metabolism*
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA
  • Transcription Factors / chemistry*
  • Transcription Factors / classification*
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism

Substances

  • Transcription Factors
  • DNA