Background information
DR1, also known as NC2∫ (negative cofactor 2 subunit ∫), is a TFIID (TATA box-binding protein)-associated protein. DR1 localizes to the nucleus and contains an N-terminal histone fold motif, a TFIID-binding domain and an alanine and glutamine rich region. Via its histone fold motif, DR1 forms a heterodimer with NC2å (DRAP1) to comprise the conserved eukaryotic complex, NC2 (negative cofactor 2). The NC2 complex can both positively and negatively regulate transcription by RNA Pol II. More specifically, NC2 acts as a repressor of TATA-dependent transcription and acts as an activator for DPE-dependent transcription. NC2 represses RNA Pol II transcription by binding to TFIID and inhibiting association of the transcription factors TFIIA and TFIIB. NC2 activity is regulated by phosphorylation. Both subunits, NC2å and DR1, are phosphorylated in vivo.
