Classifying the molecular functions of transcription factors beyond activation and repression

Genes Dev. 2024 Nov 27;38(21-24):931-932. doi: 10.1101/gad.352340.124.

Abstract

Notch signaling is a highly conserved pathway activated by dynamic cellular interactions that initiates a molecular cascade that ultimately drives changes in gene expression. The Notch transcriptional complex (NTC) regulates genes that influence development and homeostasis. In this issue of Genes & Development, Rogers and colleagues (doi:10.1101/gad.352108.124) leverage a rapid Notch activation system combined with molecular genomic profiling to reveal that the NTC regulates the release of paused RNA polymerase to activate direct target genes. They also highlight the role of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex in establishing and maintaining chromatin accessibility to potentiate the activation of NTC target genes.

Keywords: ATAC-seq; NOTCH1; Notch signaling; PRO-seq; SWI/SNF; TT-seq.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chromatin / genetics
  • Chromatin / metabolism
  • Chromatin Assembly and Disassembly / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / genetics
  • Humans
  • Receptors, Notch* / genetics
  • Receptors, Notch* / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction / genetics
  • Transcription Factors* / genetics
  • Transcription Factors* / metabolism
  • Transcriptional Activation / genetics

Substances

  • Chromatin
  • Receptors, Notch
  • Transcription Factors