Transcription initiation factor TFIID subunit 1-like (TAF1L)

Transcription initiation factor TFIID subunit 1-like (TAF1L) is a testis-specific paralog of TAF1 and a core component of the TFIID complex, which is essential for the initiation of RNA polymerase II-dependent transcription (UniProt Q8IZX4). TAF1L contains two tandem bromodomains (BD1 and BD2) that act as epigenetic readers by recognizing and binding to acetylated lysine residues on histone tails, thereby facilitating the assembly of the pre-initiation complex on DNA (PubMed: 35191694). While its physiological role is primarily centered on regulating gene expression during spermatogenesis, TAF1L is frequently aberrantly expressed in various malignancies, particularly castration-resistant prostate cancer, where it functions as a coactivator for the androgen receptor (PubMed: 20173006). The bromodomains of TAF1L are considered highly druggable targets; small molecule inhibitors such as GNE-371 and BAY-299 have been developed to disrupt its interaction with chromatin, offering a potential therapeutic avenue for treating transcriptionally addicted cancers (PubMed: 28453244). Targeting these domains aims to inhibit the oncogenic transcriptional programs that drive tumor progression and resistance to conventional therapies.

Other names

TAF2A2TBP-associated factor 1-likeTAFII-210TAFII210Transcription initiation factor TFIID 210 kDa subunit-like

Bromodomain inhibition (competitive inhibition of acetyl-lysine binding)