The MADS box is a conserved sequence motif. The genes which contain this motif are called the MADS-box gene family.[1] The MADS box encodes the DNA-binding MADS domain. The MADS domain binds to DNA sequences of high similarity to the motif CC[A/T]6GG termed the CArG-box.[2] MADS-domain proteins are generally transcription factors.[2][3] The length of the MADS-box reported by various researchers varies somewhat, but typical lengths are in the range of 168 to 180 base pairs, i.e. the encoded MADS domain has a length of 56 to 60 amino acids.[4][5][6][7] There is evidence that the MADS domain evolved from a sequence stretch of a type II topoisomerase in a common ancestor of all extant eukaryotes.[8]
^Lü S, Du X, Lu W, Chong K, Meng Z (2007). "Two AGAMOUS-like MADS-box genes from Taihangia rupestris (Rosaceae) reveal independent trajectories in the evolution of class C and class D floral homeotic functions". Evolution & Development. 9 (1): 92–104. doi:10.1111/j.1525-142X.2006.00140.x. PMID17227369. S2CID9253584.
^Gramzow L, Ritz MS, Theissen G (April 2010). "On the origin of MADS-domain transcription factors". Trends in Genetics. 26 (4): 149–53. doi:10.1016/j.tig.2010.01.004. PMID20219261.