Zinc-finger protein
Zinc-finger protein
Zinc-finger proteins (pronunciation: /zɪŋk 'fɪŋgər 'proʊti:n/) are a type of protein that contain a structural motif known as a zinc finger. This motif coordinates one or more zinc ions to stabilize its structure, hence the name.
Etymology
The term "zinc-finger protein" is derived from the unique structure of these proteins. The "finger" part of the name refers to the finger-like protrusions that the protein forms when it binds to DNA. The "zinc" part of the name refers to the zinc ion that is crucial for stabilizing this structure.
Structure
Zinc-finger proteins are characterized by the presence of zinc-finger motifs. These motifs are small protein domains that are stabilized by the coordination of a zinc ion. The most common type of zinc-finger motif is the C2H2-type, which coordinates zinc through two cysteine and two histidine residues.
Function
Zinc-finger proteins are involved in a wide range of biological processes. They are most well-known for their role in gene regulation, where they act as transcription factors to bind to specific sequences of DNA and control the transcription of genes. However, they can also be involved in other processes such as RNA packaging and protein folding.
Related Terms
- Protein: A large molecule composed of one or more chains of amino acids in a specific order.
- Zinc: A chemical element that is essential for all known living organisms.
- DNA: The molecule that carries the genetic instructions for the development, functioning, growth and reproduction of all known organisms and many viruses.
- Cysteine: An amino acid that is used in the biosynthesis of proteins.
- Histidine: An amino acid that is used in the biosynthesis of proteins.
- Gene Regulation: The process of turning genes on and off.
- Transcription Factors: Proteins involved in the process of converting, or transcribing, DNA into RNA.
- RNA: A molecule similar to DNA that plays many key roles in the cell, including protein synthesis, gene regulation, and cell signaling.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Zinc-finger protein
- Wikipedia's article - Zinc-finger protein
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