General transcription and DNA repair factor IIH helicase subunit XPB

UniProtKB accession:  Q00578

Grouped By:  Matching UniProtKB accession

UniProtKB description:  ATP-dependent 3'-5' DNA helicase, component of the general transcription and DNA repair factor IIH (TFIIH) core complex, which is involved in general and transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair (NER) of damaged DNA and, when complexed to TFIIK, in RNA transcription by RNA polymerase II. In NER, TFIIH acts by opening DNA around the lesion to allow the excision of the damaged oligonucleotide and its replacement by a new DNA fragment. The ATPase activity of XPB/SSL2, but not its helicase activity, is required for DNA opening. In transcription, TFIIH has an essential role in transcription initiation. When the pre-initiation complex (PIC) has been established, TFIIH is required for promoter opening and promoter escape. The ATP-dependent helicase activity of XPB/SSL2 is required for promoter opening and promoter escape. Phosphorylation of the C-terminal tail (CTD) of the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II by the kinase module TFIIK controls the initiation of transcription (PubMed:8269516, PubMed:7693549, PubMed:7961739, PubMed:8202161, PubMed:7813015, PubMed:8631896). XPB/SSL2 acts as a double-stranded DNA translocase promoting DNA opening by tracking along the nontemplate promoter strand, rotating and inserting DNA into the Pol II active site cleft, leading to DNA unwinding. May also use this translocase mechanism during DNA repair rather than physically wedging open damaged DNA (PubMed:25775526).