| TATA box | <molecular biology> A consensus sequence found in the promoter region of most genes transcribed by eukaryotic RNA polymerase II. Found about 25 nucleotides before the site of initiation of transcription and has the consensus sequence: 5' TATAAAA 3'. This sequence seems to be important in determining accurately the position at which transcription is initiated. (18 Nov 1997) |
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| androgen-binding proteins | Carrier proteins produced in the sertoli cells of the testis, secreted into the seminiferous tubules, and transported via the efferent ducts to the epididymis. Participate in the transport of androgens; include also synthetic androgens binding proteins. (12 Dec 1998) |
| calmodulin-binding proteins | Proteins which bind calmodulin. They are found in many tissues and have a variety of functions including f-actin cross-linking properties, inhibition of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase and calcium and magnesium atpases. (12 Dec 1998) |
| periplasmic binding proteins | Transport proteins located within the periplasmic space. Some act as receptors for bacterial chemotaxis, interacting with MCPs. Their mode of action is unclear. (18 Nov 1997) |
| RNA-binding proteins | Proteins which bind to RNA molecules. Certain structure motifs are common to several of the proteins, such as arginine (arg)-rich tracts, typically consisting of alternating arg-asp, arg-ser, or arg-gly residues. These proteins also tend to have a common ribonucleotide sequence domain. (12 Dec 1998) |
| DNA-binding proteins | Proteins which bind to DNA. The family includes proteins which bind to both double- and single-stranded DNA and also includes specific DNA binding proteins in serum which can be used as markers for malignant diseases. (12 Dec 1998) |
| insulin-like growth-factor-binding proteins | A family of soluble proteins that bind insulin-like growth factors and modulate their biological actions at the cellular level. (int j gynaecol obstet 1992;39(1):3-9) (12 Dec 1998) |
| thyroxine-binding proteins | A group of proteins that includes thyroxine-binding globulin, a glycoprotein that serves as the major and specific carrier of thyroxine in plasma, accounting for 70-75% of the bound thyroxine; thyroxine-binding prealbumin, an albumin that serves as the secondary carrier, accounting for between 20 and 25% of the bound thyroxine; and serum albumin, which accounts for the remaining bound thyroxine. (12 Dec 1998) |
| fatty acid binding proteins | <biochemistry> Group of small cytosolic proteins that bind fatty acids or other organic solutes. (18 Nov 1997) |
| black box | (Jargon) descriptive of a method of reasoning or studying a problem, in which the methods and procedures, as such, are not described, explained, or perhaps even understood: conclusions relate solely to the empirical relationships observed, in some contexts, the term can mean a piece of apparatus or an experimental animal in which the pharmacologic or toxicologic pathway has not yet been worked out. CAAT box, a sequence of nucleotides found in a conserved region of DNA located "upstream" (5' direction) of the start points of eukaryotic transcription units; specific transcription factors appear to associate with it; found in many promoters at -75 bp with the consensus sequence: GG(T/C)CAATCT. Fracture box, an obsolete means of supporting a fractured leg, consisting of a container with only bottom and sides. (05 Mar 2000) |
| box | <molecular biology> Casual term for a DNA sequence that is a characteristic feature of regions that bind regulatory proteins for example homeobox, TATA box and CAAT box. (18 Nov 1997) |
| box-like heart | <radiology> Ebstein's anomaly, massive cardiomegaly, primarily RA enlargement (12 Dec 1998) |
| CAAT box | <molecular biology> Nucleotide sequence in many eukaryotic promoters usually about 75bp upstream of the start of transcription. Binds NF1. (18 Nov 1997) |
| paired box domain | <molecular biology> Conserved domain of 128 amino acids, found in several developmentally regulated proteins in Drosophila (for example paired, gooseberry, Pox), mouse and human (for example Pax, HuP1, HuP48). (18 Nov 1997) |
| GC box | <molecular biology> A binding site within the promoter region of cells from mammals which has the general nucleotide sequence of GGGCGG and where transcription factors will bind. (20 Mar 1998) |