Transcriptional Regulation as a Pharmacologic Intervention

Disease phenotype and manifestation can largely be attributed to aberrant patterns of gene expression. This is becoming increasingly evident as genomics and bioinformatics tools provide us with new information on how gene expression patterns change in the pathophysiological state. Transcriptional control mechanisms influence these genetic networks and some success has been attained by manipulating the action of transcription factors toward a more favorable therapeutic profile. From endocrine-mimics that modulate nuclear receptor driven gene expression to indirectly altering homeostatic regulation of lipoprotein metabolism, transcription factor pharmacotherapy is a current reality and will increasingly contribute to the treatment of human disease.