Multimodal bHLH-PAS DNA binding controls specificity and drives obesity.

ABSTRACT: The basic-helix-loop-helix Per-Arnt-Sim (PAS) homology domain (bHLH-PAS) transcription factor (TF) family comprises critical sensors or actuators of physiological (hypoxia, tryptophan metabolites, neuronal activity, and appetite) and environmental (diet-derived metabolites and pollutants) stimuli regulating genes involved in signal adaptation and homeostasis. Despite the importance of this TF family, the mechanisms underlying specificity of DNA binding and target gene regulation by the bHLH-PAS subfamily remain unresolved. We systematically analysed cognate DNA binding hierarchies of prototypical bHLH-PAS family members (ARNT, ARNT2, HIF1α, HIF2α, AhR, NPAS4, SIM1), revealing large DNA binding footprints (12-15 bp) and unique mechanisms of DNA binding specificity involving preferential DNA

SUBMITTER: Bersten DC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12774657 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature