A transcription factor by any other name - function beyond DNA binding and transactivation.

Disordered domains in transcription factors challenge traditional views, revealing roles beyond DNA binding and transcriptional activation, with occupancy not always linked to gene expression.

• Why it matters: Understanding how transcription factors regulate gene expression is crucial for deciphering cell state transitions and signaling pathways, yet the relationship between binding and function remains unclear.
• What they did: The review examines the diverse functions of transcription factors, focusing on intrinsically disordered regions and their influence on target specificity, activity, and cell state regulation.
• The result: Insights into these noncanonical roles of TFs could redefine how we interpret transcriptional regulation, enabling better understanding of gene control mechanisms and cell identity.