Both α1 and α2 have opposing effects on a gene. While α1 aids in promoting transcription, α2 represses transcription of the gene. In α-cell, α1 binds with the MCM1 protein and forms a complex. The complex would bind to specific DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) site and activates the transcription of the gene. α2 protein on the other hand, would form complex with MCM1 proteins that would bind to specific DNA sites repressing the transcription of that gene.