| Type: | Domain | Name: | DM DNA-binding domain |
| Description: | This domain was first discovered in the doublesex proteins of Drosophila melanogasterand is also seen in proteins from Caenorhabditis elegans[]. In D. melanogaster the doublesex gene controls somatic sexual differentiation by producing alternatively spliced mRNAs encoding related sex-specific polypeptides []. These proteins are believed to function as transcription factors on downstream sex-determination genes, especially on neuroblast differentiation and yolk protein genes transcription [, ]. The DM domain binds DNA as a dimer, allowing the recognition of pseudopalindromic sequences [, , ]. The NMR analysis of the DSX DM domain [] revealed a novel zinc module containing 'intertwined' CCHC and HCCC zinc-binding sites. The recognition of the DNA requires the carboxy-terminal basic tail which contacts the minor groove of the target sequence. | Short Name: | DM_DNA-bd |
