From DNA to proteins: how transcription factors access our genes to control cellular processes

The development, growth and ability of living organisms to adapt to their environments are regulated by proteins called transcription factors. These proteins act like molecular switches which turn genes on or off by binding to specific locations in DNA. Humans have more than 1,600 transcription factors, each with unique and essential biological roles.

Transcription factors contain regions within their structure which recognises DNA and other regions which interact with proteins. These can be different types of proteins that add to the control of genes or can be copies of the same transcription factor itself. When many copies of the same transcription factor come together, they can form long chain like structures known as filaments, which recent studies show provide an important role in gene regulation.

Speakers

Ambre Bexter

LE STUDIUM Guest Researcher 

FROM: University of Oxford, Department of Biochemistry - UK
IN RESIDENCE AT: Centre for Molecular Biophysics (CBM) / CNRS - FR 

Marcin Suskiewicz

Centre for Molecular Biophysics (CBM) / CNRS - FR