TRANSCRIPTION FACTORS: KEY REGULATOR OF GENE EXPRESSION

Transcription factors (TFs) are essential proteins that play a critical role in regulating gene expression by binding to specific DNA sequences near genes, known as transcription factor binding sites (TFBS). These proteins act as molecular switches that can activate or repress the transcription of target genes, influencing various cellular processes such as growth, differentiation, and response to external signals. Understanding TFs is crucial for elucidating the complex regulatory networks that control cellular functions and contribute to health and disease.

To support in-depth research on transcription factors and their impact on gene expression, AnyGenes provides specialized qPCR array products. These arrays are designed to profile a wide range of TFs and related genes, enabling researchers to analyze regulatory networks with precision. With our qPCR arrays, researchers gain reliable tools to investigate the pathways and mechanisms influenced by TFs, from fundamental cellular processes to disease-specific gene regulation, advancing the potential for targeted therapies.

Visualization of transcription factors involved in gene regulation, featuring AnyGenes qPCR array products designed for precise analysis of gene expression.

Discover our advanced qPCR arrays for Transcription Factors research.

Schematic-of-a-prototypical-transcription-factors

Schematic of a prototypical TF.

HOW DO TRANSCRIPTION FACTORS FUNCTION?

Binding to DNA: TFs recognize and bind to specific DNA motifs or enhancer regions, facilitating the recruitment of RNA polymerase and the transcriptional machinery.
Regulatory Complexes: Many TFs work in complexes with co-activators or co-repressors, integrating signals from various pathways to modulate gene expression dynamically.
Post-Translational Modifications: TFs are often regulated by post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation or acetylation, which can alter their activity, stability, and interaction with other proteins.

TYPES OF TRANSCRIPTION FACTORS

General Transcription Factors: These are required for the transcription of all protein-coding genes and include proteins like TATA-binding protein (TBP).
Specific Transcription Factors: These regulate the expression of specific genes in response to particular signals. Examples include NF-kB, AP-1, and p53, each playing vital roles in processes like inflammation, stress responses, and tumor suppression.

KEY SIGNALING PATHWAYS INVOLVING FACTOR OF TRANSCRIPTION

Factors of transcription play a critical role in numerous signaling pathways that regulate cell function, development, and response to external stimuli. Here are some key pathways where TFs are essential:

NF-κB Pathway: This pathway controls genes involved in immune and inflammatory responses.
Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway: Known for its role in cell proliferation and differentiation, this pathway influences TFs like TCF/LEF.
MAPK/ERK Pathway: MAPK pathways activate TFs such as AP-1, which regulate genes involved in cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis.
HIF-1 Pathway: Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) is a factor of transcription activated under low oxygen levels, crucial for cellular adaptation to hypoxia.
PI3K/AKT Pathway: This pathway promotes cell survival and growth, primarily through TFs like FOXO and MYC.
JAK/STAT Pathway: Activated by cytokines, this pathway uses STAT transcription factors to modulate immune responses and cell growth.
Notch Pathway: Regulating TFs that control cell fate decisions, the Notch pathway is vital for embryonic development and tissue regeneration.

ROLE IN DEVELOPMENT AND DISEASES

TFs are pivotal in various biological processes, including embryonic development, immune responses, and cellular differentiation. Dysregulation of TFs can lead to numerous diseases, including:

Cancer: TFs like YY1 have been implicated in tumor progression and metastasis, highlighting their potential as therapeutic targets.
Autoimmune disorders: dysregulation of NF-kB can lead to chronic inflammation and has been linked to autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Metabolic diseases: for example, PPARγ regulates adipocyte differentiation and is critical for insulin sensitivity. Alterations in PPARγ activity can contribute to obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Neurological Disorders: for instance, mutations in the factor of transcription FOXP2 are associated with speech and language disorders. Similarly, misregulation of TFs involved in neuronal differentiation can lead to neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder.

(1) Talukdar PD, et al. Transcriptional co-activators: emerging roles in signaling pathways and potential therapeutic targets for diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther. (2023)13;8(1):427.

(2) Weidemüller P, et al. Transcription factors: Bridge between cell signaling and gene regulation. Proteomics. (2021);21(23-24):e2000034.

(3) Lu F, Lionnet T. Transcription Factor Dynamics. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol.(2021);13(11):a040949.

(4) Casamassimi A, et al. Transcriptional Regulation and Its Misregulation in Human Diseases. Int J Mol Sci. (2023)12;24(10):8640.

(5) Shiah JV, et al. Transcription Factors and Cancer: Approaches to Targeting. Cancer J. (2023);29(1):38-46.

(6) Lambert SA, et al. The Human Transcription Factors. Cell. (2018)8;172(4):650-665.

TRANSCRIPTION FACTORS BIOMARKER LIST

Customize your own signaling pathways (SignArrays®) with the factors of your choice!
Simply download and complete our Personalized SignArrays® information file and send it at contact@anygenes.com to get started on your project.

You can check the biomarker list included in this pathway, see below :

Species : Homo sapiens (human)

Signaling Pathways	Product ref	Informations
Transcription Factors	TF1H1	List infos

Species : Mus musculus (mouse)

Signaling Pathways	Product ref	Informations
Transcription Factors	TF1M1	List infos

Species : Rattus norvegicus (rat)

Signaling Pathways	Product ref	Informations
Transcription Factors	*******	List In progress...

Species : Sus Scrofa (Pig)

Signaling Pathways	Product ref	Informations
Transcription Factors	*******	List In progress...

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