TFIIH p34 Activators

TFIIH p34 is a subunit of the Transcription Factor II Human (TFIIH) complex, which is essential for two critical cellular processes: transcription and nucleotide excision repair (NER). The p34 subunit is one of several proteins that make up this complex, and although it is not as extensively characterized as some of the other components, it plays a role in the complex's functions and stability.The TFIIH complex has dual functionality. In transcription, it is involved in the initiation phase of RNA polymerase II-dependent transcription. TFIIH helps to unwind DNA at the transcription start site, allowing the polymerase to access the single-stranded DNA template. This is facilitated by the helicase activity inherent within the TFIIH complex.

In DNA repair, specifically NER, TFIIH is crucial for the recognition and correction of bulky helix-distorting lesions, such as those caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The helicase activity of TFIIH is again central here, as it unwinds the DNA around the site of damage, permitting other repair proteins to excise the defective strand and synthesize a correct one.The p34 subunit is thought to contribute to the structural integrity and proper assembly of the TFIIH complex. While the exact mechanisms by which p34 functions are not fully understood, it is clear that the integrity of TFIIH as a whole is necessary for its involvement in both transcription and DNA repair.