About THAP Domain:
The THAP Domain, also known as THAP Domain Containing, Apoptosis Associated Protein, is a putative DNA-binding domain (DBD) and probably also binds a zinc ion. It features the conserved C2CH architecture. THAP domain-containing proteins include THAP1, THAP2, THAP3, THAP4, THAP5, THAP6, THAP7, THAP8, THAP9, THAP10, THAP11, and THAP12. Other universal features include the location of the domain at the N-termini of proteins, its size of about 90 residues, a C-terminal AVPTIF box, and several other conserved residues.
THAP Domain Function
The functions of the THAP domain genes differ. THAP1 is thought to provide instructions for making transcription factor proteins, binding to specific regions of DNA, and regulating gene activity, by which it may help the growth and division of endothelial cells. THAP2 is thought to enable DNA binding and enable metal ion binding, as well.
THAP Domain Mechanism
The mechanisms of THAP domain proteins will differ from one another. For instance, THAP1 encodes a transcription factor with a DNA-binding THAP domain at the N-terminus and a nuclear localization signal (NLS) towards the C-terminus. THAP1 represses the expression of TOR1A in vitro and several THAP1 mutations disrupt this repression, providing a molecular link between these two forms of dystonia.
THAP Domain Interactions
Each THAP Domain gene has its own range of interactions. For instance, THAP1 interacts with WDYHV1 (N-Terminal Glutamine Amidase 1), PAWR (Pro-Apoptotic WT1 Regulator), RALYL (RALY RNA Binding Protein Like), METTL13 (Methyltransferase 13, EEF1A Lysine And N-Terminal Methyltransferase), and AEBP2 (AE Binding Protein 2).
THAP Domain Structure
The THAP (Thanatos Associated Proteins) protein family is characterized by a conserved amino-terminal zinc-coordinating DNA-binding domain.