Several general ‘rules’ have emerged over the years about the requirements for transcription of genes. One of these was that the TATA-binding protein (TBP) is essential, both for initiation of transcription by recognizing the promoter, and for assembly of transcription complexes. A new study looks set to overturn this dogma by identifying a complex that does not contain TBP (the so-called TBP-free TAFII-containing complex, TFTC) yet can still support transcription.
- Lynne M. Apone
- Michael R. Green