Editing Transcription factor (section)

=== Nuclear localization ===

In [[eukaryote]]s, transcription factors (like most proteins) are transcribed in the [[Cell nucleus|nucleus]] but are then translated in the cell's [[cytoplasm]].  Many proteins that are active in the nucleus contain [[nuclear localization signal]]s that direct them to the nucleus.  But, for many transcription factors, this is a key point in their regulation.<ref name="pmid8314906">{{Cite journal |vauthors=Whiteside ST, Goodbourn S |date=April 1993 |title=Signal transduction and nuclear targeting: regulation of transcription factor activity by subcellular localisation |journal=Journal of Cell Science |volume=104 |issue=4 |pages=949–55 |doi=10.1242/jcs.104.4.949 |pmid=8314906}}</ref>  Important classes of transcription factors such as some [[nuclear receptor]]s must first bind a [[Ligand (biochemistry)|ligand]] while in the cytoplasm before they can relocate to the nucleus.<ref name="pmid8314906" />