Enables protein heterodimerization activity and sequence-specific DNA binding activity. Involved in negative regulation of cell growth; negative regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase II; and regulation of cell cycle. Located in nucleus. Is expressed in several structures, including epithelium; ganglia; head epidermis primordium; imaginal disc; and presumptive embryonic/larval system. Orthologous to human MNT (MAX network transcriptional repressor).
FB Description
Mnt (Mnt) encodes a protein that belongs to the basic-helic-loop-helix-zipper class of transcription factors, which form heterodimers with the protein encoded by Max. Mnt product acts as a repressor of transcription by recruiting a co-repressor complex to its genomic binding sites. It antagonizes cell growth promoting functions of the product encoded by Myc and its depletion produces flies with larger cells, increased weight, and decreased lifespan.