Transcription factor binding and activity on chromatin

The binding of transcription factors (TFs) via their DNA binding domain at gene promoters or enhancers is part of a multi-step process that leads to transcription activation in eukaryotes. The kinetic on- and off-rates of different TF states are governed by a complex interplay of factors that involve chromatin organization on the level of individual nucleosome positions up to actively transcribed chromatin subcompartments on the mesoscale. Furthermore, not only the TF DNA binding domain but also the activation domain affect TF assembly on chromatin. Here, we summarize recent findings on the interplay between TF binding, chromatin organization, and gene activation to highlight features that need to be considered for constructing quantitative models of eukaryotic gene regulation.