Drosophila melanogaster is a proven and effective model for studying developmental and cellular processes common to higher eukaryotes. Approximately 13,600 genes have been elucidated from more than 120 megabases of euchromatin, and they are organized among the chromosomes 2, 3, 4, X and Y, with the Y chromosome being predominately heterochromatic (1). Drosophila genes can be categorized based on the type of protein they encode and are represented by six major classifications, which include intracellular signaling proteins, transmembrane proteins, RNA binding proteins, secreted factors, transcription regulators (basic helix-loop-helix, homeodomain containing, zinc finger containing, and chromatin associated) or other functional proteins (2). Many of the proteins in Drosophila are structurally and functionally similar across species, as are the pathways involved in transducing intracellular signaling. Among these proteins, myc (d-myc, dmyc1) is a transcription factor that links patterning signals to cell division by regulating events coordinating cellular growth and metabolism (3-7).
Function:
Participates in the regulation of gene transcription. Binds DNA in a non-specific manner, yet also specifically recognizes the core sequence CAC[GA]TG. Seems to activate the transcription of growth-related genes; required for cellular proliferation and growth. Inhibits the demethylase activity of Lid.
Subunit:
Heterodimer with another bHLH proteins. Efficient DNA binding requires dimerization with another bHLH protein. Binds DNA as a heterodimer with Max. Interacts with lid. Part of a complex containing lid, dm and ash2. Component of a complex with pont and rept.
Subcellular Location:
Nucleus.
Tissue Specificity:
Low levels detected throughout embryo before cellular blastoderm formation, particularly concentrated in pole plasm. Zygotic expression detected during cellular blastoderm stage in endodermal anlagen of anterior and posterior midgut at both poles. After gastrulation, expression detected in invaginating ventral furrow of mesoderm. Continued expression in anterior and posterior midgut and mesoderm during germband extension. During late germ-band retraction, expression remains detectable in fusing midgut and presumed developing somatic musculature.
Similarity:
Contains 1 bHLH (basic helix-loop-helix) domain.
SWISS:
Q9W4S7
Gene ID:
31310
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