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What are DNA sequence motifs?

Nature Biotechnology volume 24, pages 423–425 (2006)Cite this article

Sequence motifs are becoming increasingly important in the analysis of gene regulation. How do we define sequence motifs, and why should we use sequence logos instead of consensus sequences to represent them? Do they have any relation with binding affinity? How do we search for new instances of a motif in this sea of DNA?

Sequence motifs are short, recurring patterns in DNA that are presumed to have a biological function. Often they indicate sequence-specific binding sites for proteins such as nucleases and transcription factors (TF). Others are involved in important processes at the RNA level, including ribosome binding, mRNA processing (splicing, editing, polyadenylation) and transcription termination.

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Figure 1: ROX1 binding sites and sequence motif.

Bob Crimi

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  1. Microbial Systems Division, Biosciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, PO Box 808, L-448, Livermore, 94551, California, USA

    Patrik D'haeseleer

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  1. Patrik D'haeseleer
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D'haeseleer, P. What are DNA sequence motifs?. Nat Biotechnol 24, 423–425 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1038/nbt0406-423

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