Transcription Factors

Transcription factors are nuclear proteins that can specifically recognize and bind DNA regulatory sequences, converting upstream signals into functional gene expression outputs by activating or inhibiting the transcription activity of target genes. They typically contain a DNA-binding domain and a transcription activation/repression domain, and broadly regulate key biological processes such as cell differentiation, development, immune responses, and stress responses. Aberrant transcription factor activity is closely associated with various diseases, making them central to gene regulatory network research.