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Published January 28, 2014 | public
Journal Article

The Transcription Factor Titration Effect Dictates Level of Gene Expression

Abstract

Models of transcription are often built around a picture of RNA polymerase and transcription factors acting on a single copy of a promoter. However, many transcription factors are shared between multiple genes with varying binding affinities. Beyond that, genes often exist at high copy number; in multiple, identical copies on the chromosome or on plasmids or viral vectors with copy numbers in the hundreds. Using a thermodynamic model, we characterize the interplay between transcription factor copy number and the demand for that transcription factor. Using video microscopy, we measure this effect and demonstrate the parameter-free predictive power of the thermodynamic model as a function of the copy number of the transcription factor and the number and affinities of the available specific binding sites. Understanding how to account for the effects of competing binding sites is an important facet of predictive control of transcription and gene circuit design, where transcription factors regularly navigate complex DNA binding landscapes.

Additional Information

© 2014 Biophysical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Additional details

Created:
August 19, 2023
Modified:
October 20, 2023