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K. Joseph

What are the differences between activator and coactivator proteins?

Anne Beal  Follow

Activators bind to transcription factors which have a weak activator function and increase the polymerase density (number of polymerases transcribing the gene). An example is VP16 binding to the Oct-1 transcription factor. In contrast, coactivators and corepressors bind to a transcription factor that in itself has no activator function and confer the property of activation or repressor to the DNA binding protein. An example is RBP/J is a DNA binding protein, but interaction with Mastermind (a coactivator) or Notch intracellular domain leads to activation of transcription.

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Dave Young  Follow

Activators are proteins that bind to DNA and activate transcription. Coactivators are proteins that bind directly to activators and enhance their ability to activate transcription

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Activators are proteins that bind to DNA and activate transcription factors. Coactivators are proteins that bind directly to RNA polymerase II and increase its activity.

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