TAFs: Guilt by association? (TATA box-binding protein-associated factors)
Article Abstract:
TAFs are TATA box-binding protein (TBP)-associated factors which have been identified as components of TFIID complex that interact with RNA polymerase II during the transcription phase of gene expression. The study of the TAFs gained the interest of researchers following the discovery that TBP is associated with a variety of proteins of which TAF is one. To date, it has been documented that TAFs perform the functions of DNA promoter recognition, alteration of promoter topology, catalysis of histone acetylation and basal-factor phosphorylation and activation of domain targets. It has also been found that TAFs play important roles in maintaining the viability of eukaryotes although they are not universally required for transcription.
Publication Name: Cell
Subject: Biological sciences
ISSN: 0092-8674
Year: 1997
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The role of TAFs in RNA polymerase II transcription
Article Abstract:
A novel protein-DNA complex is produced by the TATA-binding protein (TBP) binding to the TATA element at RNA polymerase II (Pol II) promoters. The Pol II-specific complex is composed of TBP and 10-12 TBP-associated factors (TAFs). There is a continuing controversy regarding the function of TAFs in transcription by Pol II. The issues involve the universality of the need for TAFs in gene regulation and whether the role of TAFs, at promoters dependent on TAFs for normal expression, is to mediate stimulation of transcription by activators, specific recognition of promoter sequences or some other function.
Publication Name: Cell
Subject: Biological sciences
ISSN: 0092-8674
Year: 1998
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Structure(?) and function of acidic transcription activators
Article Abstract:
The acidic class of transcriptional activators differ from other classes of transactivators by virtue of their lack of sequence conservation for regions directing binding to DNA. Current knowledge suggests that acidic transcriptional activators possess unusual structural requirements for optimum function, such as a net negative charge. Other structure-function relationships for this class of transactivators are discussed.
Publication Name: Cell
Subject: Biological sciences
ISSN: 0092-8674
Year: 1993
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