TAX Gene

**Semantic type:** Gene or Genome

**Definition:** The genes coding for the Trans-Activator X (tax) protein of HTLV-I and II. Tax activates transcription via interactions with the ATF/CREB transactivator(s) and the CBP/p300 coactivators which assemble as a multiprotein complex on the 21-bp repeat elements in the proviral LTR. Tax also modulates expression of cellular genes via the ATF/CREB and NF-kappaB pathways.