Transcription factor II D


Transcription factor II D is one of several transcription factors that make up the RNA polymerase II preinitiation complex. RNA polymerase II holoenzyme is a form of eukaryotic RNA polymerase II that is recruited to the promoters of protein-coding genes in living cells. It consists of RNA polymerase II, a subset of general transcription factors, and regulatory proteins known as SRB proteins. Before the start of transcription, the transcription Factor II D complex binds to the core promoter DNA of the gene through specific recognition of promoter sequence motifs, including the TATA box, Initiator, [Downstream promoter (biology)|promoter element|Downstream Promoter], Motif Ten, or Downstream Regulatory elements.

Functions

  • Coordinates the activities of more than 70 polypeptides required for initiation of transcription by RNA polymerase II
  • Binds to the core promoter to position the polymerase properly
  • Serves as the scaffold for assembly of the remainder of the transcription complex
  • Acts as a channel for regulatory signals

Structure

TFIID is itself composed of TBP and several subunits called TATA-binding protein Associated Factors. In a test tube, only TBP is necessary for transcription at promoters that contain a TATA box. TAFs, however, add promoter selectivity, especially if there is no TATA box sequence for TBP to bind to. TAFs are included in two distinct complexes, TFIID and B-TFIID. The TFIID complex is composed of TBP and more than eight TAFs. But, the majority of TBP is present in the B-TFIID complex, which is composed of TBP and TAFII170 in a 1:1 ratio. TFIID and B-TFIID are not equivalent, since transcription reactions utilizing TFIID are responsive to gene specific transcription factors such as SP1, while reactions reconstituted with B-TFIID are not.
Subunits in the TFIID complex include: