basic helix-loop-helix-Per-ARNT-Sim (bHLH-PAS) domain found in aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT) and similar proteins
ARNT, also termed Class E basic helix-loop-helix protein 2 (bHLHe2), or Dioxin receptor, nuclear translocator, or hypoxia-inducible factor 1-beta (HIF1b), or HIF-1-beta, or HIF1-beta, is a member of bHLH-PAS transcription regulators that acts as the heterodimeric partner for bHLH-PAS proteins such as aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), and single-minded (SIM). These bHLH-PAS transcription complexes are involved in transcriptional responses to xenobiotic, hypoxia, and developmental pathways. Heterodimerization of bHLH-PAS proteins with ARNT is mediated by contacts between both the bHLH and the tandem PAS domains. ARNT use bHLH and/or PAS domains to interact with several transcriptional coactivators. It is required for activity of the aryl hydrocarbon (dioxin) receptor.