TetR
TetR
TetR (/tɛt ɑːr/) is a family of transcriptional repressor proteins that are involved in the regulation of gene expression in bacteria. The name "TetR" is derived from the role of these proteins in conferring resistance to the antibiotic tetracycline.
Etymology
The term "TetR" is an abbreviation of "tetracycline repressor". The name reflects the protein's role in conferring resistance to the antibiotic tetracycline by repressing the expression of certain genes.
Function
TetR proteins function as transcriptional repressors. They bind to specific DNA sequences, known as operators, in the promoter region of genes. This binding prevents the RNA polymerase from initiating transcription, thereby repressing gene expression. In the presence of tetracycline, TetR proteins undergo a conformational change that reduces their affinity for the operator, allowing transcription to proceed.
Related Terms
- Transcription: The process by which the information in a strand of DNA is copied into a new molecule of messenger RNA (mRNA).
- Gene expression: The process by which the genetic code - the nucleotide sequence - of a gene is used in the synthesis of a functional gene product.
- Operator: A segment of DNA to which a transcription factor binds to regulate gene expression.
- RNA polymerase: An enzyme that synthesizes RNA by following a DNA template.
- Tetracycline: A broad-spectrum antibiotic used in the treatment of numerous bacterial infections.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on TetR
- Wikipedia's article - TetR
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