Transcription factor IIIB 90 kDa subunit (BRF1)

Transcription factor IIIB 90 kDa subunit (BRF1) is a general transcription factor that is an essential component of the RNA polymerase III transcription machinery, specifically as a critical subunit of the TFIIIB complex. BRF1 is responsible for recruiting RNA polymerase III to gene promoters, thereby controlling the transcription of tRNAs, 5S rRNA, and other small noncoding RNAs important for cellular function and biosynthesis. The gene product belongs to the TF2B family and plays a major role in pre-initiation complex assembly at type 1 and type 2 RNA Pol III promoters. Through these functions, BRF1 helps regulate cellular growth, proliferation, and development; its dysregulation is implicated in several cancer types (via overexpression) and in certain neurodevelopmental disorders (via loss-of-function)[1][2][3][4]. Alternative splicing generates multiple isoforms, providing promoter specificity in RNA polymerase III transcription. \n\nNotes and clarifications:\n- BRF1 is distinct from another protein also sometimes abbreviated \"BRF1,\" known as ZFP36L1 or \"Butyrate response factor 1,\" which is unrelated and functions as an mRNA decay regulator. In this context, only the general transcription factor IIIB 90 kDa subunit is relevant[1].\n- No currently approved drugs are known to directly target BRF1, although its central role in RNA polymerase III function makes it of interest as a potential anti-cancer target[1][2][4].

Other names

BRF1BRFGTF3BTAF3B2TAF3CTFIIIB90hTFIIIB90BRF-1hBRFB-related factor 1TATA box-binding protein-associated factorRNA polymerase III, subunit 2CFDSHEL-S-76pTAFIII90TF3B90TBP-associated factorepididymis secretory sperm binding protein Li 76pgeneral transcription factor IIIB, 90kD subunit

In principle, inhibition of RNA polymerase III-dependent transcription (no direct clinical drugs currently known targeting BRF1)[1][2][4]