E-box

An E-box (enhancer box) is a DNA response element found in some eukaryotes that acts as a protein-binding site and has been found to regulate gene expression in neurons, muscles, and other tissues.[1] Its specific DNA sequence, CANNTG (where N can be any nucleotide), with a palindromic canonical sequence of CACGTG,[2] is recognized and bound by transcription factors to initiate gene transcription. Once the transcription factors bind to the promoters through the E-box, other enzymes can bind to the promoter and facilitate transcription from DNA to mRNA.

  1. ^ Massari, M. E.; Murre, C. (2000). "Helix-loop-helix proteins: regulators of transcription in eucaryotic organisms". Molecular and Cellular Biology. 20 (2): 429–440. CiteSeerX 10.1.1.321.6077. doi:10.1128/mcb.20.2.429-440.2000. PMC 85097. PMID 10611221.
  2. ^ Chaudhary, J; Skinner, M K. (May 1999). "Basic helix-loop-helix proteins can act at the E-box within the serum response element of the c-fos promoter to influence hormone-induced promoter activation in Sertoli cells". Mol Endocrinol. 13 (5): 774–786. doi:10.1210/mend.13.5.0271. PMID 10319327.