The LxxLL motif: a multifunctional binding sequence in transcriptional regulation

LxxLL motifs participate in many protein-protein interactions associated with different aspects of transcriptional regulation. These motifs are present in many transcription factors and cofactors, mediating interactions that can activate or repress transcription. Several recently reported 3D structures of protein-LxxLL motif complexes and an intriguing novel interaction implicated in leukaemia have further highlighted the diversity and regulatory importance of this seemingly simple motif.