Advances in the TAF1 gene / 中华神经科杂志

ABSTRACT

TAF1 gene encodes TATA-box binding protein-associated factor-1, which serves as a scaffold for the assembly of the transcription factor ⅡD and participates in the transcription of many genes in eukaryotic cells. Human TAF1 possesses intrinsic protein kinase activity, histone acetyltransferase activity as well as ubiquitin-activating and conjugating activity, and these activities have been mapped to different domains. Currently, TAF1 has been identified as the causative gene of X-linked dystonia-parkinsonism and X-linked mental retardation. What′s more, a series of functional analysis have demonstrated the importance of TAF1 gene in cell cycle and cell growth, and its relationship with neurodevelopment and tumorigenesis has also been reported. This review summarizes the research progress of TAF1 including structure, phenotypes and biological function.