Small-molecule regulators that mimic transcription factors

Transcription factors (TFs) are responsible for decoding and expressing the information stored in the genome, which dictates cellular function. Creating artificial transcription factors (ATFs) that mimic endogenous TFs is a major goal at the interface of biology, chemistry, and molecular medicine. Such molecular tools will be essential for deciphering and manipulating transcriptional networks that lead to particular cellular states. In this minireview, the framework for the design of functional ATFs is presented and current challenges in the successful implementation of ATFs are discussed.

Research Highlights
► Components of natural transcription factors can be replaced with synthetic counterparts.
► ATFs will be essential tools for understanding and manipulating cellular states.
► ATF design requires the synergy of chemists, biologists, bioinformaticians, and bioengineers.