Transcription Factors & Gene Regulation

Flashcards on transcription factors and gene regulation.

Transcription Factors

Regulatory proteins that control gene expression by acting in trans.

Cis Elements

DNA sequences on the same molecule that regulate transcription.

Trans-Acting

Molecules (proteins) that come to a target molecule to affect gene expression.

General Transcription Factors

Proteins that drive RNA polymerase function and are generally always present.

Site-Specific Transcription Factors

Factors that recognize specific DNA elements and are activated in response to cues like hormones.

Co-regulators

Proteins recruited by site-specific DNA binding transcription factors to drive the transcription process; involved in epigenetic processes.

Transcription Start Site

The location on DNA where transcription begins, associated with the core promoter.

Core Promoter Region

A region where general transcription factors bind to initiate transcription.

TATA Box

An initial recognition sequence in most core promoter regions.

Pre-Initiation Complex

The complex formed when all necessary transcription factors are assembled at the core promoter, ready to initiate transcription.

TFII (Transcription Factor II)

Nomenclature for transcription factors involved in regulating class II eukaryotic genes (protein-encoding genes).

TBP (TATA-Binding Protein)

The first factor to recognize and bind to the TATA element in the core promoter; also known as TFII-D.

Cryo-Electron Microscopy

A technique used to determine the structure of biological molecules by imaging them at cryogenic temperatures, offering a rapid alternative to X-ray crystallography.

Association Kinetics

Relates to how well a transcription factor combines to a specific site and affects its dynamics.

DNA Binding Domain

A part of a transcription factor protein structure that recognizes a specific DNA sequence and binds to it.

Dimerization Domain

A region in transcription factors that allows them to bind as dimers, either homodimers or heterodimers, providing another level of transcriptional control.

Enhancer Zone

A complex that enhances transcription rates by speeding up the recruitment of polymerases; involves looping of DNA to bring distal elements into proximity with the core promoter.

Repressors

Proteins that bind to DNA elements to reduce or prevent transcription.

Chromatin Immunoprecipitation

A technique used for finding where factors are present.

Histone Acetyltransferase

A protein that opens up chromatin structure, promoting transcription as a co-regulator

Mediator Complex

The multi-subunit protein that recruits TF to a promoter to interact and enhance RNA polymerase II function.

Histone Deacetylase

An oppposite of the histone acetyltransferase that clamps down, so you can't have transcription going through that clamp down structure.