Functional characterization of a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor GhDEL65 from cotton (Gossypium hirsutum
)

Trophoblast cells are the first lineage to form in the mammalian conceptus and mediate the process of implantation. We report the cloning of a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor gene, Hxt, that is expressed in early trophoblast and in differentiated giant cells. A separate gene, Hed, encodes a related protein that is expressed in maternal deciduum surrounding the implantation site. Overexpression of Hxt in mouse blastomeres directed their development into trophoblast cells in blastocysts. In addition, overexpression of Hxt induced the differentiation of rat trophoblast (Rcho-1) stem cells as assayed by changes in cell adhesion and by activation of the placental lactogen-I gene promoter, a trophoblast giant cell-specific gene. In contrast, the negative HLH regulator, Id-1, inhibited Rcho-1 differentiation and placental lactogen-I transcription. These data demonstrate a role for HLH factors in regulating trophoblast development and indicate a positive role for Hxt in promoting the formation of trophoblast giant cells.

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Molecular cloning and characterization of a novel basic helix–loop–helix-144 (bHLH144)-like transcription factor from Morus alba (L.)

Plant Gene ◽

10.1016/j.plgene.2016.01.004 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 5 ◽

pp. 109-117 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

R.S. Sajeevan ◽

Karaba N. Nataraja

Keyword(s):

Transcription Factor ◽

Molecular Cloning ◽

Morus Alba ◽

Basic Helix Loop Helix ◽

Helix Loop Helix

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Basic Helix-Loop-Helix (bHLH) Transcription Factors Regulate a Wide Range of Functions in Arabidopsis

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22137152 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (13) ◽

pp. 7152

Author(s):

Yaqi Hao ◽

Xiumei Zong ◽

Pan Ren ◽

Yuqi Qian ◽

Aigen Fu

Keyword(s):

Transcription Factor ◽

Transcription Factors ◽

Target Genes ◽

Gene Families ◽

Bhlh Transcription Factor ◽

Basic Helix Loop Helix ◽

Helix Loop Helix ◽

Wide Range ◽

Range Of Functions ◽

Eukaryotic Organisms

The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor family is one of the largest transcription factor gene families in Arabidopsis thaliana, and contains a bHLH motif that is highly conserved throughout eukaryotic organisms. Members of this family have two conserved motifs, a basic DNA binding region and a helix-loop-helix (HLH) region. These proteins containing bHLH domain usually act as homo- or heterodimers to regulate the expression of their target genes, which are involved in many physiological processes and have a broad range of functions in biosynthesis, metabolism and transduction of plant hormones. Although there are a number of articles on different aspects to provide detailed information on this family in plants, an overall summary is not available. In this review, we summarize various aspects of related studies that provide an overview of insights into the pleiotropic regulatory roles of these transcription factors in plant growth and development, stress response, biochemical functions and the web of signaling networks. We then provide an overview of the functional profile of the bHLH family and the regulatory mechanisms of other proteins.

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