Tata-box Binding Protein Associated Factor 7 Like

Tata-box Binding Protein Associated Factor 7 Like (also known as TAF7L) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the TAF7L gene. TAF7L is a member of the TATA box-binding protein (TBP) family. This family of proteins is integral to the transcription factor IID (TFIID) complex, which is crucial for the initiation of gene transcription in eukaryotes.

Function

TAF7L is a paralog of TAF7, another member of the TBP family. It is thought to have a similar function to TAF7, which is to interact with TBP and inhibit the formation of the TFIID complex. However, TAF7L has also been found to have unique roles in spermatogenesis and adipogenesis, suggesting that it may have evolved specific functions separate from TAF7.

Clinical significance

Mutations in the TAF7L gene have been associated with male infertility. Studies have shown that TAF7L is essential for the differentiation of spermatogonia into spermatocytes, a critical step in spermatogenesis. In addition, TAF7L has been implicated in the regulation of adipogenesis, and may play a role in obesity and metabolic syndrome.

See also

• TATA box-binding protein
• Transcription factor
• Gene transcription
• Spermatogenesis
• Adipogenesis