TCF: transcriptional activator or repressor?

Abstract

T cell factor, or TCF, has been identified as the transcriptional response factor activated by Wnt-1 and Wingless signalling. TCF is thought to be a potent architectural factor which facilitates assembly of multiprotein enhancer complexes. Its deregulation in the colonic epithelium, and in other cells, leads to cancer. This raises the question of how TCF is kept inactive in unstimulated cells.