FEATURES

FAMILY

DESCRIPTION

Also known as MITF_HUMAN, MITF, BHLHE32. Transcription factor that regulates the expression of genes with essential roles in cell differentiation, proliferation and survival. Binds to M-boxes (5'-TCATGTG-3') and symmetrical DNA sequences (E-boxes) (5'-CACGTG-3') found in the promoters of target genes, such as BCL2 and tyrosinase (TYR). Plays an important role in melanocyte development by regulating the expression of tyrosinase (TYR) and tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TYRP1). Plays a critical role in the differentiation of various cell types, such as neural crest-derived melanocytes, mast cells, osteoclasts and optic cup-derived retinal pigment epithelium. Homodimer or heterodimer; dimerization is mediated via the coiled coil region (PubMed:24631970). Efficient DNA binding requires dimerization with another bHLH protein (PubMed:14975237). Binds DNA in the form of homodimer or heterodimer with either TFE3, TFEB or TFEC (PubMed:15507434). Interacts with KARS1 (PubMed:14975237). Identified in a complex with HINT1 and CTNNB1 (PubMed:22647378). Interacts with VSX2 (By similarity).

EXTERNAL LINKS

MITF

Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor

MITF

Molecular Synopsis