Summary
In all organisms, gene regulation is primarily controlled by transcription factors, proteins that bind DNA and influence gene expression (i.e., which genes are turned “on” or “off”). The activity of many transcription factors is controlled by environmental cues like nutrient availability, toxic substances, and heavy metals. As such, transcription factors can act as biological sensors that detect external signals and transmit them to generate internal cellular responses. How transcription factors recognize these cues and what genes they regulate remain important biological questions. Answers to
