Barcodes to identify gene regulators

The same DNA is present in every cell of an organism, but only some genes are expressed in a given cell. These genes are activated by proteins called transcription factors, in response to various biological signals. Transcription factors thus regulate most of the cellular processes, both in health and disease. A group of biologists from the University of Geneva (UNIGE), Switzerland, has developed a novel technology to identify all the transcription factors involved in any process and in response to any signal. The applications of this method, published in the journal Genes & Development, are virtually unlimited, whether in the medical field or that of basic biology.