Unexpected roles for core promoter recognition factors in cell-type-specific transcription and gene regulation

Accumulating evidence suggests that core promoter recognition complexes have active roles in generating specific transcriptional programmes during development. Other new roles for components of these complexes have also been identified, such as maintaining gene expression states across cell divisions. The eukaryotic core promoter recognition complex was generally thought to play an essential but passive role in the regulation of gene expression. However, recent evidence now indicates that core promoter recognition complexes together with 'non-prototypical' subunits may have a vital regulatory function in driving cell-specific programmes of transcription during development. Furthermore, new roles for components of these complexes have been identified beyond development; for example, in mediating interactions with chromatin and in maintaining active gene expression across cell divisions.