Transcription factors (TFs) are sequence-specific DNA binding proteins functioned as the key regulators of cell fate and progress. The association between TFs and their binding sites gated the initiation of gene transcription, further influencing the expression of proteins. TFs are recognized as important biomarkers for the indication of various diseases including cancers, virus infections, and autoimmune diseases. However, the lack of efficient methods for the detection of TFs has hindered its application in clinical fields for a long period. Recently, the rapid development of sensing techniques has motivated the innovations in developing sensors for in vivo and in vitro detections of TFs. Exploiting antibodies, peptides, DNA, molecular tags, and fluorescent probes, the current sensors can realize the detection of TFs with improved sensitivity, simplified workflow, and reduced cost. In this critical review, we summarized the achievements and challenges in the sensing of TFs, and provided perspective in this field.

转录因子（TFs）是序列特异性的DNA结合蛋白，可作为细胞命运和进程的关键调控因子。TF及其结合位点之间的关联决定了基因转录的启动，进一步影响了蛋白质的表达。TF被认为是重要的生物标志物，可用于指示各种疾病，包括癌症，病毒感染和自身免疫性疾病。然而，缺乏有效的检测TF的方法长期阻碍了其在临床领域的应用。近年来，传感技术的飞速发展激发了体内和体外传感器开发的创新。TF的检测。利用传感器，肽，DNA，分子标签和荧光探针，当前的传感器可以提高灵敏度，简化工作流程并降低成本，从而实现TF的检测。在这篇重要的评论中，我们总结了在感知TF方面的成就和挑战，并提供了该领域的观点。