Transcription elongation factor SPT4 (SUPT4H1)

Transcription elongation factor SPT4 (SUPT4H1) is a nuclear protein encoded by the SUPT4H1 gene in humans. It forms the small subunit of the DSIF complex (with SUPT5H) that regulates transcription elongation and mRNA processing mediated by RNA polymerase II. DSIF stabilizes pausing of the polymerase near promoters, aids mRNA capping, and interacts with NELF to control transcriptional pausing; it also supports elongation reactivation and suppresses premature transcript release. Mutations or dysregulation of SUPT4H1 are implicated in inherited conditions involving transcriptional defects

Other names

SUPT4H1SPT4 homologDSIF elongation factor subunitSPT4SPT4HSUPT4HhSPT4DSIF p14DSIF small subunitSupt4aDRB sensitivity-inducing factor 14 kDa subunitDRB sensitivity-inducing factor small subunitsuppressor of Ty 4 homolog 1

DSIF (and thus SUPT4H1) mediates sensitivity to transcription inhibitors such as DRB by modulating RNA polymerase II elongation. The target is crucial for proper transcriptional pausing and elongation, making it a possible future target for agents affecting gene expression, though no direct drug mechanism is established for clinical agents