myoD

(= MyoD1)

MyoD (myogenic determination) was originally described as a master regulatory gene for the determination of muscle cells, a process now thought to involve a family of genes. It is normally only expressed in myoblasts and skeletal muscle cells, but if transfected into cells will convert many differentiated cells into muscle cells. The myoD gene codes for the myoD protein which then switches on the transcription of many muscle specific genes. MyoD is a member of a family of genes that all code for nuclear proteins which have a basic DNA-binding motif and a helix-loop-helix dimerisation domain (bHLH or mHLH proteins; b=basic, m=myogenic). They bind to a consensus sequence -CANNTG- and can form homodimers, or heterodimers with other members of the bHLH superfamily.