Phenomena and Processes

Helix-Turn-Helix Motifs

The first DNA-binding protein motif to be recognized. Helix-turn-helix motifs were originally identified in bacterial proteins but have since been found in hundreds of DNA-BINDING PROTEINS from both eukaryotes and prokaryotes. They are constructed from two alpha helices connected by a short extended chain of amino acids, which constitute the turn. The two helices are held at a fixed angle, primarily through interactions between the two helices. (From Alberts et al., Molecular Biology of the Cell, 3d ed, p408-9)

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

The first DNA-binding protein motif to be recognized. Helix-turn-helix motifs were originally identified in bacterial proteins but have since been found in hundreds of DNA-BINDING PROTEINS from both eukaryotes and prokaryotes. They are constructed from two alpha helices connected by a short extended chain of amino acids, which constitute the turn. The two helices are held at a fixed angle, primarily through interactions between the two helices. (From Alberts et al., Molecular Biology of the Cell, 3d ed, p408-9)

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Synonyms

9 entry terms
  • HTH Motifs
  • Motifs, Helix-Turn-Helix
  • HTH Motif
  • Helix Turn Helix Motifs
  • Helix-Turn-Helix Motif
  • Motif, HTH
  • Motif, Helix-Turn-Helix
  • Motifs, HTH
  • Motifs, Helix Turn Helix

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Aspects Covered

5 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings drug effects, genetics, immunology, physiology, radiation effects.

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Indexing Annotation

do not confuse with HELIX-LOOP-HELIX MOTIFS

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History Note

96; was see HELIX-LOOP-HELIX MOTIFS 1994-95

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Previous Indexing

  • Amino Acid Sequence (1985-1994)
  • Helix-Loop-Helix Motifs (1994-1995)

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Number

  1. G02.111.570.820w.709.275.500.360.360w

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Helix-Turn-Helix Motifs. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D019077. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D019077
  2. Helix-Turn-Helix Motifs. In: Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helix-turn-helix
  3. Helix-Turn-Helix Motifs. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q24786260