Modulation of DNA Binding by Gene-Specific Transcription Factors

The transcription of many genes, particularly in prokaryotes, is controlled by transcription factors whose activity can be modulated by controlling their DNA binding affinity. Understanding the molecular mechanisms by which DNA binding affinity is regulated is important, but because forming definiti...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Biochemistry (Easton) 2013-10, Vol.52 (39), p.6755-6765
Main Author: Schleif, Robert F
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Binding Sites
DNA - chemistry
DNA - genetics
DNA - metabolism
Genes
Kinetics
Models, Molecular
Transcription Factors - chemistry
Transcription Factors - genetics
Transcription Factors - metabolism
Transcription, Genetic - genetics
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Summary:The transcription of many genes, particularly in prokaryotes, is controlled by transcription factors whose activity can be modulated by controlling their DNA binding affinity. Understanding the molecular mechanisms by which DNA binding affinity is regulated is important, but because forming definitive conclusions usually requires detailed structural information in combination with data from extensive biophysical, biochemical, and sometimes genetic experiments, little is truly understood about this topic. This review describes the biological requirements placed upon DNA binding transcription factors and their consequent properties, particularly the ways that DNA binding affinity can be modulated and methods for its study. What is known and not known about the mechanisms modulating the DNA binding affinity of a number of prokaryotic transcription factors, including CAP and lac repressor, is provided.
ISSN:0006-2960
1520-4995
DOI:10.1021/bi400968e