Protein-intrinsic properties and context-dependent effects regulate pioneer factor binding and function.

ABSTRACT: Chromatin is a barrier to the binding of many transcription factors. By contrast, pioneer factors access nucleosomal targets and promote chromatin opening. Despite binding to target motifs in closed chromatin, many pioneer factors display cell-type-specific binding and activity. The mechanisms governing pioneer factor occupancy and the relationship between chromatin occupancy and opening remain unclear. We studied three Drosophila transcription factors with distinct DNA-binding domains and biological functions: Zelda, Grainy head and Twist. We demonstrated that the level of chromatin occupancy is a key determinant of pioneering activity. Multiple factors regulate occupancy, including motif content, local chromatin and protein concentration. Regions outside the DNA-binding domain are requir

SUBMITTER: Gibson TJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11261375 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature