Helix-Turn-Helix Motifs

Synonyms

HTH Motif

HTH Motifs

Helix Turn Helix Motifs

Helix-Turn-Helix Motif

Motif, HTH

Motif, Helix-Turn-Helix

Motifs, HTH

Motifs, Helix Turn Helix

Motifs, Helix-Turn-Helix

The first DNA-binding protein motif to be recognized. Helix-turn-helix motifs were originally identified in bacterial proteins but have since been found in hundreds of DNA-BINDING PROTEINS from both eukaryotes and prokaryotes. They are constructed from two alpha helices connected by a short extended chain of amino acids, which constitute the "turn." The two helices are held at a fixed angle, primarily through interactions between the two helices. (From Alberts et al., Molecular Biology of the Cell, 3d ed, p408-9)