Two faces of brd4: mitotic bookmark and transcriptional lynchpin

Transcription. 2013 Jan-Feb;4(1):13-7. doi: 10.4161/trns.22542. Epub 2012 Nov 6.

Abstract

The bromodomain protein BRD4 links cell cycle and transcription, bookmarking active genes during mitosis and serving as a scaffold for transcription factors. Our recent discovery that BRD4 is a RNA Polymerase II CTD kinase identifies a novel transcriptional function. Here we discuss our model in the context of current knowledge.

Keywords: Atypical kinase; BET protein; BRD4; CTD kinase; P-TEFb; RNA Polymerase II.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • Humans
  • Mitosis*
  • Models, Biological
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism*
  • Transcription, Genetic*

Substances

  • BRD4 protein, human
  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Transcription Factors