HMGA1 (HMGI/Y; high mobility group AT-hook 1) is a non-histone protein involved in many cellular processes, including regulation of inducible gene transcription, integration of retroviruses into chromosomes, and the metastatic progression of cancer cells. There are two splice isoforms of HMGA1 - the full length HMGA1a/HMGI and the shortened form HMGA1b/HMGY. The encoded protein preferentially binds to the minor groove of A+T-rich regions in double-stranded DNA. It has little secondary structure in solution but assumes distinct conformations when bound to substrates such as DNA or other proteins. HMGA1 is frequently acetylated and is found in the nucleus. Interacts with HIV-1 pre-integration complex.