The role of general initiation factors in transcription by RNA polymerase II

Trends Biochem Sci. 1996 Sep;21(9):327-35.

Abstract

Transcription initiation on protein-encoding genes represents a major control point for gene expression in eukaryotes, and is mediated by RNA polymerase II and a surprisingly complex array of general initiation factors (TFIIA, -B, -D, -E, -F and -H) that are highly conserved from yeast to man. Elucidation of structural and functional features of these factors on model promoters has revealed insights into biochemical mechanisms and provides a basis for understanding their regulation on diverse promoters by gene- and cell-specific activators.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • Forecasting
  • Humans
  • Models, Genetic
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • RNA Polymerase II / chemistry
  • RNA Polymerase II / genetics*
  • RNA Polymerase II / metabolism*
  • TATA Box
  • TATA-Box Binding Protein
  • Transcription Factor TFIIA
  • Transcription Factor TFIIB
  • Transcription Factors / genetics*
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Transcription, Genetic*

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • TATA-Box Binding Protein
  • Transcription Factor TFIIA
  • Transcription Factor TFIIB
  • Transcription Factors
  • RNA Polymerase II