Eukaryotic Regulation: Activators and Mediator

Flashcards covering key concepts related to eukaryotic transcription regulation involving activators, mediator, and related processes.

Eukaryotic transcriptional regulation

The regulatory mechanisms that govern gene expression in eukaryotic organisms.

Distant enhancers

Regulatory sequences that can be located far from the gene they regulate, often influencing transcription through DNA looping.

Core promoter

The minimal sequence required for transcription initiation by RNA polymerase II.

Transcription factors (TFs)

Proteins that bind to specific DNA sequences to regulate gene expression.

Co-factors

Proteins that assist transcription factors in regulating transcription, including co-activators and co-repressors.

Mediator complex

A multi-protein complex that acts as a bridge between transcription factors and the RNA polymerase II machinery.

Enhancer

A regulatory DNA sequence that increases the likelihood of transcription of a particular gene.

Enhancer RNAs (eRNAs)

Short, unstable RNA molecules produced from active enhancers.

Zinc finger domains

Protein structural motifs that stabilize the binding of transcription factors to DNA.

Transcription initiation complex (PIC)

A complex formed by the assembly of RNA polymerase II and general transcription factors at the promoter region.

Chromatin looping

The 3D structural organization of DNA that brings enhancers into close proximity with promoters.

PRB (Polymerase Release Block)

A mechanism by which transcription factors can release paused RNA polymerases to resume transcription.

Gal4 activation domain

A protein domain that enables galactose-stimulated transcription in yeast.

P-TEFb

A complex that phosphorylates RNA polymerase II, facilitating the transition from transcriptional pausing to elongation.

NFAT

Nuclear factor of activated T-cells, a transcription factor important in immune response.

Interferon-β promoter

A specific promoter regulated by various transcription factors, involved in the immune response.

HIV Tat protein

A viral protein that enhances transcription of the HIV genome by interacting with the P-TEFb complex.

Core promoter activity

The inherent ability of a core promoter to drive transcription independently, often requiring enhancers for full activation.