What are the types of transcription factors?
Posted February 22, 2023
Answer
Transcription factors may be classified based on action mechanism, regulatory function or sequence similarity in their DNA-binding domains.
Types of transcription factors based on mechanism of action
Based on mechanism of action, transcription factors may be classified into two types:
- General transcription factors – These are ubiquitous and involved in producing a preinitiation complex.
- Upstream transcription factors – These vary significantly depending on the recognition sequences that are present within proximity of the gene. They play a role in stimulating or repressing transcription.
Types of transcription factors based on regulatory function
Based on regulatory function, transcription factors may be classified as:
- Constitutively active – These are ubiquitous
- Conditionally active - These require activation and are further classified as developmental and signal-dependent transcription factors
Types of transcription factors based on sequence similarity
Based on sequence homology, transcription factors may be classified as:
- Basic Domains
- Zinc-coordinating DNA-binding domains
- Helix-turn-helix
- Beta-scaffold factors with minor groove contacts
Additional resources
AP2/ERF family transcription factors in plant abiotic stress responses
Helixyte™ Green Fluorimetric Total Nucleic Acid Quantitation Kit *Optimized for Microplate Readers*