Bzip (Basic leucine zipper) is a eukaryotic transcription factor. It consists of 2 regions. One basic region which interacts with DNA, and the 'zipper' region. This region contains a leucine every 7 residues, forming an alpha-helix and is involved in dimerisation. These leucine zipper proteins, therefore, bind to DNA as dimers and grip to the double helix. Members of the bZip family of transcription factors bind to target sequences in the DNA such as homodimers and heterodimers that recognise palindromic sequences. This affects developmental processes such as dendritic cell development, myeloid differentiation and brain development.
- ↑ Alberts B, Bray D, Hopkin K, Johnson A, Lewis J, Raff M, Roberts K, Walter P. Essential Cell Biology. 4th Edition. New York. Garland Science. 2013. p.267
- ↑ R&amp;D Systems. Basic Leucine Zipper (bZip) Transcription Factors. Available from: https://www.rndsystems.com/research-area/basic-leucine-zipper--bzip--transcription-factors Cited: 20/11/17