transcription factor

noun

: any of various proteins that bind to DNA and play a role in the regulation of gene expression by promoting transcription

Examples of transcription factor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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But with toxic levels of cobalt, the transcription factor is active without low oxygen levels, leading to abnormally high amounts of hemoglobin-carrying red blood cells—explaining the woman’s high hemoglobin levels. Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 2 July 2026 In bacteria, transcription factors are rather like keys that fit the locks of unique binding sites on DNA. Philip Ball, Quanta Magazine, 18 June 2026 For this research, each transcription factor was tested individually in aged fibroblasts. William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2026 In this study, the team identified the transcription factor DEAF1, a gene which drives this dysregulation in aging muscles, switching on overactivity in the mTORC1 system and disrupting the protein exchange that functions normally in younger tissue. New Atlas, 17 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for transcription factor

Word History

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of transcription factor was in 1969

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Cite this Entry

“Transcription factor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transcription%20factor. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Medical Definition

transcription factor

noun
: any of various proteins that bind to DNA and play a role in the regulation of gene expression by promoting transcription

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