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AAT Bioquest

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: 

  1. General transcription factors – These are ubiquitous and involved in producing a preinitiation complex. 
  2. 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:

  1. Constitutively active – These are ubiquitous
  2. 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:

  1. Basic Domains
  2. Zinc-coordinating DNA-binding domains
  3. Helix-turn-helix
  4. Beta-scaffold factors with minor groove contacts
Additional resources

AP2/ERF family transcription factors in plant abiotic stress responses

DNA and RNA Quantitation

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