The BESS motif is named after the proteins in which it is found (BEAF [2], Suvar(3)7 [3] and Stonewall [1]). The motif is 40 amino acid residues long and is composed of two predicted alpha helices. Based on the protein in which it is found and the presence of conserved positively charged residues it is predicted to be a DNA binding domain. This domain appears to be specific to drosophila.

1: The Drosophila stonewall gene encodes a putative transcription factor essential for germ cell development. Clark KA, McKearin DM; Development 1996;122:937-950. PMID:8631271

2: Visualization of chromosomal domains with boundary element-associated factor BEAF-32. Zhao K, Hart CM, Laemmli UK; Cell 1995;81:879-889. PMID:7781065

3: Dependence of position-effect variegation in Drosophila on dose of a gene encoding an unusual zinc-finger protein. Reuter G, Giarre M, Farah J, Gausz J, Spierer A, Spierer P; Nature 1990;344:219-223. PMID:2107402