Issue Information

Abstract

Homodimerization distinguishes paralogous TFs. Paralogous transcription factors (TFs) are originated from the common ancestral gene. Although they often recognize highly similar regulatory sequences when binding to DNA as monomers, during evolution, the formation of homodimers has allowed them to recognize distinct regulatory DNA sequences , thereby controlling different downstream genes and biological functions. This mechanism is similar to the Chinese proverb “The dragon begets nine sons, each with unique abilities” — despite sharing a common origin, the sons have evolved distinct functions and characteristics. In this illustration, the adult dragon symbolizes the ancestral gene of the CCWAA-box MYBs, while the dragon offsprings represent the paralogous MYBs that emerged during evolution. The varying length and shape of the DNA sequences near each offspring indicate the divergence of the MYB paralogs, both in their DNA specificity and their homodimeric orientation/spacing. Overall, this illustration summarizes the mechanism that during evolution, paralogous TFs can develop different functions through homodimerization. The cover image was designed by Tian Li and Hao Chen at Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University.