Alpha subunit of integration host factor (IHFA)
This subfamily consists of the alpha subunit of 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.
Jiyao W et al.(2023). "The conserved domain database in 2023.",