Gene regulation: Context is everything

How transcription factors regulate a distinct set of target genes in different cell types is a fundamental question. A new study demonstrates how Ultrabithorax, a Hox transcription factor, acts as both a repressor and an activator in a cell type-specific manner to alter chromatin accessibility and gene regulation. How transcription factors regulate a distinct set of target genes in different cell types is a fundamental question. A new study demonstrates how Ultrabithorax, a Hox transcription factor, acts as both a repressor and an activator in a cell type-specific manner to alter chromatin accessibility and gene regulation.