TFIID

TFIID stands for Transcription Factor II D. It is an essential transcription factor that plays a central role in the initiation of transcription of protein-coding genes in eukaryotes. TFIID is part of the transcription factor complex that recruits RNA polymerase II to the promoter region of genes and thus enables the start of RNA synthesis.

TFIID is a complex protein aggregate consisting of several subunits. The main components are TBP (TATA-binding protein) and a group of TAFs (TBP-associated factors). TBP binds to the TATA box, a specific DNA sequence that is often found in the promoter region of genes.

DNA binding: TFIID recognizes and binds to specific DNA sequences in the promoter regions of genes. The binding of TBP to the TATA box induces a local bending of the DNA, which promotes the recruitment of other transcription factors and RNA polymerase II.

Recruitment of other factors: TFIID acts as a platform for the recruitment of other transcription factors, including TFIIB, TFIIF and TFIIH, as well as RNA polymerase II itself. These factors work together to initiate transcription.

Regulation: TFIID also plays a role in the regulation of gene expression. The interaction of TFIID with various regulatory proteins can modulate the activity of transcription by influencing the recruitment or activation of RNA polymerase II.

1. Fant CB et al. (2020) TFIID Enables RNA Polymerase II Promoter-Proximal Pausing. Mol Cell 78:785-793.e8.