CCAAT Enhancer Binding Protein (C/EBP) is a transcription factor protein that binds to specific DNA sequences known as CCAAT boxes within gene regulatory regions. It belongs to the basic-leucine zipper (bZIP) family of transcription factors and plays a critical role in the regulation of gene expression.
C/EBP proteins consist of a highly conserved DNA-binding domain called the basic region and a leucine zipper domain involved in protein-protein interactions. They recognize the CCAAT motif consisting of the sequence 5'-TGC(T/A)GCA-3' within the enhancer/promoter regions of target genes.
These proteins are involved in numerous biological processes and exert both positive and negative regulatory effects on gene transcription. C/EBP proteins have been found to regulate the expression of genes involved in cell growth, differentiation, inflammation, metabolism, and immune response.
C/EBP proteins function as key regulators in various tissues and cell types, including liver, adipose tissue, lung, and immune cells. They are known to interact with other transcription factors, co-activators, and co-repressors to modulate gene expression and participate in complex regulatory networks.
Mutations or dysregulation of C/EBP proteins have been associated with various diseases, including cancer, metabolic disorders, and immune-related disorders. This highlights their significance in maintaining normal cellular function and underscores the potential therapeutic implications of targeting C/EBP transcription factors.
In summary, CCAAT Enhancer Binding Proteins (C/EBPs) are a family of transcription factors that bind to CCAAT motifs and regulate gene expression involved in diverse biological processes.
