TRF2 and transcription

TRF2, TATA-box-binding protein (TBP)-related factor 2, is important for development and differentiation, but little is known about how TRF2 controls transcription and gene expression. In the November 28 Nature Hochheimer et al. demonstrate that TRF2 functions as a core-promoter selectivity factor in flies (Nature 2002, 420:439-444). Immuno-affinity purification of Drosophila TRF2-containing complexes showed that TRF2 interacts with DREF (DNA replication-related element binding factor) and several components of the NURF (nucleosome remodelling factor) chromatin-remodelling complex. TRF2 regulates the DREF-responsive promoter of the PCNA gene. Microarray analysis showed that TRF2 may direct the expression of a subset of DRE-dependent genes. Results from RNA interference experiments provided additional support for the functional interaction between TRF2 and DREF in promoter selectivity.