YY1 Protein – Transcriptional repressor protein YY1(YY1)

Description of YY1 Protein - Transcriptional repressor protein YY1(YY1)

More Information about YY1 Protein

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YY1 (also known as δ, UCRBP, NF-E1, and CF1) protein stands for Yi Yang 1 protein which encoded by YY1 gene in humans. It’s a multifunctional and ubiquitous zinc-finger transcription factor, member of the Polycomb Group family of proteins. The latter are a group homeobox receptors that are essential for cell cycle control and hematopoiesis. YY1 acts as transcriptional repressor protein. A repressor has been defined as a protein that binds to the operator or associated silencers on DNA and RNA and inhibits the expression of one or more genes. The two types of repressors don’t bind to the same molecules. For instance, a DNA-repressor prevents gene transcription by blocking the attachment of RNA polymerase to the promotor. An RNA-binding repressor prevents translation by binding to RNA messenger and preventing its translation into proteins. YY1 protein tethers to DNA promoters and its mediated effect has a fundamental role in biological processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, replication and embryogenesis.
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The YY1 protein consists of four C2H2-type zinc-finger motifs. Two specific domains within the zinc-fingers motifs are believed to responsible for its function either as repressor or activator. The transcriptional repression occurs at the C-terminal site and is directed by a promoter that contain GAL-4 binding sites. The N-terminus, on the other hand, acts as a potent activation region. Unlike other transcriptional factors, YY1 protein has the ability to initiate transcription as well as to regulate it through activation and repression. E1A protein, which activates AAV P5 promotor, have been shown to condition the activity of YY1 protein. For instance, the presence of E1A protein leads to YY1-induced transcription. In its absence, YY1 acts as a repressor. The mechanism behind this phenomenon is vaguely understood.
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YY1 protein activates DNA repair and is considered to be important for cellular stability and its normal functioning. Deletions, missense, and nonsense mutations of YY1 gene are responsible for Gabriele-DeVries syndrome (GADEVS). The latter is an autosomal dominant neurodevelopmental disorder characterized, among others, by intellectual disability, cognitive impairment, feeding problems, dysmorphic facial features and even congenital malformations._x000D_