Challenges of Decoding Transcription Factor Dynamics in Terms of Gene Regulation

Abstract

Technological advances are continually improving our ability to obtain more accurate views about the inner workings of biological systems. One such rapidly evolving area is single cell biology, and in particular gene expression and its regulation by transcription factors in response to intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Regarding the study of transcription factors, we discuss some of the promises and pitfalls associated with investigating how individual cells regulate gene expression through modulation of transcription factor activities. Specifically, we discuss four leading experimental approaches, the data that can be obtained from each, and important considerations that investigators should be aware of when drawing conclusions from such data.

Keywords

• transcription factors
• gene expression
• real-time dynamics
• systems biology
• microscopy
• microfluidics
• fluorescent reporters
• smRNA-FISH
• scRNA-seq