ETS Family Transcription Factors

ETS (E-twenty six) family transcription factors have a conserved Ets domain that belongs to the winged helix-turn-helix DNA-binding domain superfamily. ETS transcription factors bind the consensus DNA sequence [5'-GGA(A/T)-3']. Further DNA-binding specificity within ETS family members is determined by adjacent DNA sequences and through the binding of additional transcriptional partners. The location of the Ets domain is variable within ETS family members. Furthermore, the expression pattern of ETS family members varies widely. ETS transcription factor target genes include oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, and genes involved in apoptosis, differentiation, angiogenesis, and invasion and metastasis. Importantly, aberrant ETS family expression contributes to malignant transformation and tumor progression.