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Integration host factor (IHF) and similar proteins This subfamily includes integration host factor (IHF) and IHF-like domains. IHF is a nucleoid-associated protein (NAP) that binds and sharply bends many DNA targets in a sequence specific manner. It is a heterodimeric protein composed of two highly homologous subunits IHFA (IHF-alpha) and IHFB (IHF-beta). It is known to act as a transcription factor at many gene regulatory regions in E. coli. IHF is an essential cofactor in phage lambda site-specific recombination, having an architectural role during assembly of specialized nucleoprotein structures (snups). IHF is also involved in formation as well as maintenance of bacterial biofilms since it is found in complex with extracellular DNA (eDNA) within the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) matrix of many biofilms. This subfamily also includes the protein Hbb from tick-borne spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, responsible for causing Lyme disease in humans. Hbb, a homodimer, shows DNA sequence preferences that are related, yet distinct from those of IHF.
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