Subcellular localization and stability of MITF are modulated by the bHLH‐Zip domain

Summary Microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor ( MITF ) is a member of the basic helix–loop–helix leucine zipper ( bHLH ‐Zip) family and functions as the master regulator of the melanocytic lineage. MITF ‐M is the predominant isoform expressed in melanocytes and melanoma cells, and, unlike other MITF isoforms, it is constitutively nuclear. Mutational analysis revealed three karyophilic signals in the bHLH ‐Zip domain of MITF ‐M, spanning...