Transcriptional Repressors

Transcriptional repressors are proteins that regulate gene activity by preventing the production of specific proteins. They work by attaching to certain DNA regions called promoters or enhancers, blocking the machinery (RNA polymerase) that reads genes and makes messenger RNA (mRNA). This process effectively "turns off" or reduces the expression of target genes. Repressors are essential for controlling gene activity in response to different signals and maintaining cellular function and health. They act as genetic "brakes," ensuring genes are active only when needed.