Transcription factor IIIB-related factor 2 (BRF2)

Transcription factor IIIB-related factor 2 (BRF2) is a protein component of the RNA polymerase III transcription factor IIIB complex, playing a pivotal role in the transcription initiation of genes with promoter elements upstream of their start sites[5][6]. BRF2 is a TFIIB-like factor directly recruited to the TATA box of RNA polymerase III small nuclear RNA gene promoters via interaction with the TATA-binding protein (TBP)[5][6]. It is an activator of transcription by RNA polymerase III, specifically at type 3 promoters (such as the human U6 promoter), and is essential for proper assembly and function of the RNA polymerase III preinitiation complex[2][3][6]. Beyond its core role in transcription, BRF2 is implicated in cellular oxidative stress responses; it can act as a down-regulator of target genes when cells are exposed to oxidative stress and its overexpression protects against apoptosis in these conditions[6]. BRF2 is associated with some pathologies, notably certain cancers (such as prostate cancer) and cone-rod dystrophy 9[6]. Though BRF2 itself is not known to be the direct target of currently approved drugs, it is of biomedical interest as a marker and potential vulnerability in cancer biology.

Other names

BRF2BRFUTFIIIB50RNA polymerase III transcription initiation factor 50 kDa subunitRNA polymerase III transcription initiation factor subunitBRF2 RNA polymerase III transcription initiation factor subunit