Throughout their lifespan, cells must continuously activate and deactivate genes. This process is regulated by transcription factors, a class of proteins that control gene expression by binding to DNA. However, binding is complex due to the tightly compacted structure of DNA, which is wrapped around proteins to form nucleosomes. Some transcription factors can displace nucleosomes, but FMI researchers have now found that these factors exhibit more varied behaviors than previously thought. For example, some transcription factors can displace nucleosomes only when binding at specific regions. The findings deepen our understanding of gene regulation and may ultimately help to develop new approaches for treating disease.