CEBPA (CCAAT enhancer binding protein alpha)

C/EBPa protein domains The basic region leucine zipper domain mediates DNA binding, homodimerization of C/EBPa and heterodimerization with other members of the C/EBP family. This region is also involved in mediating protein-protein interactions with other transcription factors involved in lineage determination and growth proliferation. N-terminal region transactivating domains mediate interactions with transcriptional machinery and proteins important in cell cycle control. The CEBPA mRNA gives rise to two different translational isoforms by using different start codons within the same open reading frame by means of leaky ribosome scanning; the full length 42 kDa protein and a 30 kDa truncated form. These isoforms display contrasting functions in regards to gene activation and cell proliferation. Both isoforms can be detected within the cell and it is likely that the ratio of isoforms is important in mediating proliferation and differentiation control.