TFIIE Subunit Gene

**Semantic type:** Gene or Genome

**Definition:** TFIIE Subunit Genes encode 2 subunit proteins of 56 kD and 34 kD. TFIIE is a heterotetramer of 2 alpha and 2 beta subunits, both subunits being required for optimal basal-level transcription. Both subunits are essential to form a stable preinitiation complex. High levels of gene transcription by RNA polymerase II depend on high rates of transcription initiation and reinitiation. Initiation requires recruitment of the complete transcription machinery to a promoter, a process facilitated by activators and chromatin remodeling factors. Reinitiation occurs through a different pathway. After initiation, a subset of the transcription machinery remains at the promoter, forming a platform for assembly of a second transcription complex as a scaffold for formation of a functional reinitiation complex. Formation of this scaffold depends on ATP and TFIIH. Some activators and Mediator may promote high levels of transcription. (from OMIM 189962).