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Transcription factors are sequence-specific DNA-binding proteins that regulate gene transcription by promoting or suppressing RNA polymerase recruitment.
Transcription factors (TFs) are proteins that control the rate of transcription of genetic information from DNA to messenger RNA. They do this by binding to specific DNA sequences near genes—such as promoter or enhancer regions—and thereby help turn genes on or off. TFs achieve specificity through DNA sequence motifs and also through epigenetic modifications (e.g., DNA methylation), ensuring that genes are expressed in the right cells, at the right time, and at the right level during development and throughout an organism’s life. A defining feature of transcription factors is that they contain at least one DNA-binding domain, which attaches them to particular DNA sequences adjacent to the genes they regulate. TFs can act alone or in coordinated groups, often recruiting or blocking RNA polymerase (the enzyme that performs transcription) and other regulatory proteins. In eukaryotes, general transcription factors (GTFs) are required for transcription to occur, while other TFs modulate transcription more specifically by responding to developmental cues, intercellular signaling, environmental conditions, and cell-cycle needs. Because TF mutations can cause disease and TF activity can be targeted by drugs, they are central to both biology and medicine.
Transcription factors are sequence-specific DNA-binding proteins that regulate gene transcription by promoting or suppressing RNA polymerase recruitment.
TFs contain DNA-binding domains and often work in coordinated networks, integrating signals from development, hormones, environment, and the cell cycle.
TF activity is regulated at multiple levels, including TF synthesis, nuclear localization, activation (e.g., ligand binding or phosphorylation), chromatin accessibility, cofactor availability, and interactions with methylated DNA.
A protein that binds to specific DNA sequences and regulates gene expression by promoting or suppressing transcription.
A DNA region upstream of a gene where general transcription machinery assembles to initiate transcription.
A DNA region that can increase transcription of an adjacent gene by serving as a binding site for regulatory transcription factors.
Core proteins required for transcription initiation in eukaryotes, often forming part of the transcription preinitiation complex.
A type of transcription factor that increases transcription, commonly by facilitating recruitment of RNA polymerase or coactivators.
A type of transcription factor that decreases transcription, commonly by blocking recruitment of RNA polymerase or coactivators.
A structural region within a transcription factor that attaches to a specific DNA sequence near the regulated gene.
A specific DNA sequence that a transcription factor binds to in order to regulate transcription.
The degree to which DNA is accessible to transcription factors, influenced by nucleosome structure and chromatin remodeling.
A chemical modification of cytosine in CpG sites that can repress or enhance gene transcription depending on genomic location and context.
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