InterPro domain: IPR033710

The TATA-box binding protein (TBP) is required for the initiation of transcription by RNA polymerases I, II and III, from promoters with or without a TATA box [ 1 , 2 ]. TBP associates with a host of factors, including the general transcription factors SL1, TFIIA, -B, -D, -E, and -H, to form huge multi-subunit pre-initiation complexes on the core promoter. Through its association with different transcription factors, TBP can initiate transcription from different RNA polymerases. There are several related TBPs, including TBP-like (TBPL) proteins [ 3 ]. TBP binds directly to the TATA box promoter element, where it nucleates polymerase assembly, thus defining the transcription start site.

The C-terminal core of TBP (~180 residues) is highly conserved and contains two 77-amino acid repeats that produce a saddle-shaped structure that straddles the DNA; this region binds to the TATA box and interacts with transcription factors and regulatory proteins [ 4 ]. By contrast, the N-terminal region varies in both length and sequence.

This entry refers to TBPs found in eukaryotes.

1. Diversified transcription initiation complexes expand promoter selectivity and tissue-specific gene expression. Genes Dev. 17, 1309-20
2. Control of gene expression through regulation of the TATA-binding protein. Gene 255, 1-14
3. The genetics of TBP and TBP-related factors. Trends Biochem. Sci. 28, 391-8
4. Crystal structure of TFIID TATA-box binding protein. Nature 360, 40-6