Transcription initiation factor TFIID subunit 4 (TAF4)

Transcription initiation factor TFIID subunit 4 (TAF4) is a large, evolutionarily conserved core component of the TFIID complex, which is essential for the initiation of transcription by RNA polymerase II[1][2][4]. TFIID comprises the TATA-binding protein (TBP) and several TBP-associated factors (TAFs), with TAF4 playing a crucial structural and functional role in maintaining the stability of TFIID, especially as part of a core subcomplex that nucleates formation of the holo-TFIID[2][3]. TAF4 participates in general transcription by aiding promoter recognition, recruiting other general transcription factors, and acting as a coactivator for nuclear receptors like retinoic acid, thyroid hormone, and vitamin D3 receptors[1][4]. It interacts with transcription factor CREB and other proteins with glutamine-rich regions, and abnormal binding to TAF4 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative polyglutamine diseases[1][4]. Loss or mutation of TAF4 is associated with certain intellectual developmental disorders. Although it is not a direct target of approved drugs, TAF4 is fundamental for transcriptional regulation across cell types and its disruption would have global effects on gene expression[1][3][4].

Other names

TATA-box binding protein associated factor 4TAFII130TAFII135TAF2CTAF2C1TAF4ATAF4 RNA polymerase IITATA box binding protein (TBP)-associated factor, 135kDaTATA box binding protein (TBP)-associated factor, RNA polymerase II, C1, 130kDTranscription initiation factor TFIID 130 kDa subunitTranscription initiation factor TFIID 135 kDa subunitRNA polymerase II TBP-associated factor subunit CTBP-associated factor 4TAF(II)130TAF(II)135TAFII-130TAFII-135MRD73

Not applicable (no drugs directly targeting TAF4), but mechanistically, altering TAF4 function affects transcriptional activation and stability of TFIID complex