A transcription factor by any other name - function beyond DNA binding and transactivation.

Transcription factors often bind DNA without directly correlating with transcriptional output, and disordered domains complicate understanding their regulatory roles.

• Why it matters: Understanding how TFs influence gene expression beyond DNA binding is crucial for deciphering cell state transitions and gene regulation mechanisms, which remain poorly understood.
• What they did: The review examines the nature of TFs, focusing on their binding patterns, the roles of intrinsically disordered domains, and how these factors impact transcription and cell state changes.
• The result: Insights into TF functions beyond DNA binding may clarify how they specify gene expression programs and influence cell identity, advancing knowledge of transcriptional regulation.