Aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT), also known as hypoxia-inducible factor 1-beta (HIF1B), is a protein that in humans is encoded by the ARNT gene. This protein is a member of the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH)-PER-ARNT-SIM (PAS) transcription factor family.

Function

ARNT is a nuclear receptor that is activated by binding to other proteins. It forms a complex with other proteins to act as a transcription factor, regulating the expression of genes involved in responses to environmental changes and developmental processes. ARNT is also involved in the hypoxia response pathway, which is activated when oxygen levels in cells are low.

Structure

The ARNT protein has a bHLH domain, which allows it to bind to DNA, and a PAS domain, which allows it to bind to other proteins. The PAS domain is also involved in protein-protein interactions and signal transduction.

Clinical significance

Mutations in the ARNT gene have been associated with various diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. In cancer, ARNT has been found to be overexpressed, leading to increased angiogenesis and tumor growth. In diabetes, ARNT has been found to be underexpressed, leading to decreased insulin secretion and increased blood glucose levels.

See also

• Aryl hydrocarbon receptor
• Hypoxia-inducible factors
• Transcription factor

External links

• ARNT at the National Center for Biotechnology Information