Transcriptional corepressors are proteins that inhibit gene expression by binding to transcription factors rather than directly binding to DNA themselves.
If repressors are traffic cops, then corepressors are like their supervisors back at headquarters who give orders not to let certain vehicles pass but don't interact with the vehicles directly.
Transcription Factors: Proteins that control which genes are turned on or off by binding to nearby DNA. These would be other members of our police force directing different types of traffic.
Coactivators: Proteins that increase gene expression by interacting with transcription factors or RNA polymerase II – they're like dispatchers sending more cars onto our roadways.
Silencing Mediator for Retinoid or Thyroid-hormone receptors (SMRT): An example of a corepressor that regulates genes responsive to thyroid hormone – a specialized supervisor for certain types of traffic.
Study guides for the entire semester
200k practice questions
Glossary of 50k key terms - memorize important vocab
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.