DNA transcription factor (TF)

DNA transcription factors are a diverse group of regulatory proteins that control gene expression by binding in a sequence-specific manner to regulatory DNA regions such as promoters and enhancers. They play central roles in determining cell fate, proliferation, apoptosis, and are essential in both development and disease. Transcription factors are classified by their DNA-binding domains, such as zinc finger, helix-turn-helix, leucine zipper, and basic helix-loop-helix domains, and can function alone or in complexes to facilitate or inhibit RNA polymerase activity. Their dysregulation is implicated in numerous diseases, making them important—but therapeutically challenging—targets in drug development.

Other names

Transcription factorTFDNA-binding proteinSequence-specific DNA-binding protein

Inhibition or activation of transcription factor binding to DNA Modulation of transcription factor activity by interfering with dimerization, nuclear localization, or post-translational modifications