BHLHE41

BHLHE41, also known as DEC2, Sharp-1, and Stra13, is a protein encoded by the BHLHE41 gene in humans. It belongs to the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) family of transcription factors.

As a bHLH protein, BHLHE41 contains a basic region responsible for DNA binding and a helix-loop-helix domain, which facilitates dimerization with other bHLH proteins. This dimerization is crucial for its function as a transcription factor.

BHLHE41 is known to play a role in the regulation of the circadian rhythm, influencing sleep-wake cycles and other physiological processes that occur on a roughly 24-hour cycle. It is involved in a negative feedback loop that regulates the expression of core clock genes.

Beyond its role in circadian rhythm, BHLHE41 has been implicated in other cellular processes, including cell differentiation, proliferation, and stress responses. Research suggests its involvement in immune regulation and cancer development. The precise functions and mechanisms of action of BHLHE41 are still being investigated, with ongoing research exploring its diverse roles in biological systems. Different isoforms of the protein exist due to alternative splicing, potentially contributing to the varied functions observed.