Transcription factors (TFs) are key cellular components that control the first step of gene expression, the transcription of DNA into RNA sequences. By ensuring the correct expression of specific genes, the transcriptional regulatory system plays a central part in controlling many biological processes, ranging from cell cycle progression and maintenance of intracellular metabolic and physiological balance, to cellular differentiation and developmental time courses. TFs may be constitutively active or conditionally active. The most common classification of TFs is based on the structure of their DNA-binding domains. Grouping TFs by structural domain has been extremely useful in uncovering how they recognize and bind specific DNA sequences, as well as providing insights into their evolutionary histories. Moreover, in some instances the DNA-binding domain provides clues to their function[1]. A comprehensive classification recognizes four superfamilies with well-defined structural homology: basic domains TFs (1), Zinc-coordinating domains TFs (2), helix-turn-helix (HTH) domains TFs (3), and beta-scaffold domains with Minor Groove Contacts TFs (4). Additionally, a fifth family of orphan TFs exists for which no superclass assignment can be done yet because of lack of structural information[2].
Transcription factors with basic DNA-binding domains, including Leucine zipper  (bZIP), Helix-loop-helix (bHLH), hybrid (bHLH-ZIP), NF-1, RF-X and bHSH factors[2].