TATA-box binding protein associated factor 7-like (TAF7L)

TATA-box binding protein associated factor 7-like (TAF7L) is a transcription factor and component of the basal transcription factor TFIID complex required for transcription initiation by RNA polymerase II[1][4]. It is a testis-specific paralogue of TAF7, has a critical role in male germ cell development, and is necessary for normal sperm production and morphology[2]. TAF7L is also highly enriched in adipocytes and regulates the differentiation and function of white adipose tissue via mechanisms involving enhancer and promoter targeting with transcriptional coactivators such as PPARγ[3]. Mutations in the gene may result in male infertility, notably X-linked oligozoospermia[4]. It is under investigation as a cancer/testis antigen due to its testis-restricted expression, and its regulatory function in gene expression suggests possible roles in metabolic disease and cancer[3][4].

Other names

Transcription initiation factor TFIID subunit 7-likeTAF2QCT40Cancer/testis antigen 40RNA polymerase II TBP-associated factor subunit QTATA box-binding protein-associated factor 50 kDaTranscription initiation factor TFIID 50 kDa subunitTAF7-like RNA polymerase IITBP-associated factor Q

Not applicable for known drugs, but molecularly: inhibits TAF1 acetyltransferase activity, interacts with TBP, core transcriptional machinery, and enhancer-binding proteins like PPARγ[1][3].