Springer A Handbook of Transcription Factors: 52 (Subcellular Biochemistry, 52)

Transcription factors are the molecules that the cell uses to interpret the genome: they possess sequence-specific DNA-binding activity, and either directly or indirectly influence the transcription of genes.  In aggregate, transcription factors control gene expression and genome organization, and play a pivotal role in many aspects of physiology and evolution.  This book provides a reference for major aspects of transcription factor function, encompassing a general catalogue of known transcription factor classes, origins and evolution of specific transcription factor types, methods for studying transcription factor binding sites in vitro, in vivo, and in silico, and mechanisms of interaction with chromatin and RNA polymerase. From the Back Cover Transcription factors are - in the most common use of the term - proteins that possess sequence-specific DNA-binding activity, and either directly or indirectly influence the transcription of genes in proximity to the binding site. Transcription factors are the primary interface between the cell and the genome, and in aggregate control not only regulation of transcription but also genome organization, and play a central role in many aspects of physiology and evolution. This book will provide a reference for the major aspects of transcription factor biochemistry, function, and evolution. Contents will range from a general catalogue of known transcription factor classes, origins and evolution of transcription factor types, and mechanisms of interaction with chromatin, the nuclear scaffold, and RNA polymerase.