CREB: Proteins and Enzymes

The cAMP Response Element-Binding Protein (CREB) belongs to the bZIP superfamily of transcription factors, containing a basic domain that mediates DNA binding, and a leucine zipper domain that facilitates dimerization. Within the promoter of target genes, CREB dimers bind cAMP response elements, defined by the palindromic consensus sequence TGACGTCA. When phosphorylated at S133, CREB also binds the coactivator CREB binding protein (CBP), which enhances transcription by acetylating histones to facilitate chromatin unraveling.