This entry represents the winged helix-turn-helix (wHTH) domain found in the MalT transcriptional regulator. MalT is a positive regulator of the maltose regulon in bacteria, which consists of multiple operons involved in maltose and maltodextrin tran ...
This entry represents the winged helix-turn-helix (wHTH) domain found in the MalT transcriptional regulator. MalT is a positive regulator of the maltose regulon in bacteria, which consists of multiple operons involved in maltose and maltodextrin transport and metabolism. The MalT protein activates the transcription of these operons in response to maltose presence, forming part of a complex regulatory system that also involves the catabolite activator protein (CAP). The winged helix-turn-helix (wHTH) domain is a DNA-binding motif and a variant of the classical helix-turn-helix domain. It consists of a core of three alpha helices bundled together, with a three- or four-stranded beta sheet (the wings) positioned on one side. In the canonical binding mode, the third helix (recognition helix) inserts into the major groove of the DNA, making sequence-specific contacts with the bases, while the wings interact with the DNA backbone to stabilize the interaction. wHTH domains are found in numerous transcription factors across all kingdoms of life and play critical roles in various cellular processes including development, metabolism, and stress response. They often function as part of larger multi-domain proteins, where they provide sequence-specific DNA recognition while other domains mediate protein-protein interactions or respond to specific cellular signals.
