Cyclic AMP receptor protein (CRP)

Cyclic AMP receptor protein (CRP), also known as catabolite activator protein (CAP), is a global transcription regulator in bacteria, notably Escherichia coli[4][9]. Upon binding cyclic AMP (cAMP), CRP undergoes an allosteric conformational change that enables it to bind specific DNA sites at promoters of various genes[7][9]. This interaction facilitates the recruitment of RNA polymerase and the activation of transcription for genes mainly involved in bacterial energy metabolism, including pathways using alternative carbon sources when glucose is scarce[4][9]. The CRP/cAMP system is not a therapeutic target in human medicine, but it is a well-characterized model for bacterial gene regulation and signal transduction[4][9]. CRP has no direct role in human disease but is studied for broader insights into gene activation and metabolic control mechanisms.

Other names

Catabolite activator proteinCAPcAMP receptor protein

Not a direct target of any therapeutic agent; functions as a regulator in response to intracellular cAMP.