POLR3K
Description
The POLR3K (RNA polymerase III subunit K) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 16.
POLR3K is a gene that encodes a subunit of RNA polymerase III, an enzyme essential for the synthesis of transfer and small ribosomal RNAs in humans. This subunit shares sequence similarity with a subunit of RNA polymerase II, suggesting a role in transcription regulation. Specifically, it is involved in proper pausing and termination during transcription.
POLR3K is a core component of RNA polymerase III (Pol III), which is responsible for synthesizing small non-coding RNAs using ribonucleoside triphosphates. It plays a role in proofreading nascent RNA transcripts, ensuring accurate transcription by monitoring transcription fidelity, cleaving mis-incorporated nucleotides, and restarting the process. POLR3K also participates in transcription termination by inducing Pol III clamp opening when the poly(dT) termination signal is reached. Beyond its role in transcription, POLR3K contributes to the innate immune response by acting as a nuclear and cytosolic DNA sensor. It recognizes non-self dsDNA, triggering the transcription of dsRNA, which in turn activates type I interferon and NF-kappa-B signaling pathways via the RIG-I pathway, ultimately leading to an antiviral response.
POLR3K is also known as C11, C11-RNP3, HLD21, My010, RPC10, RPC11, RPC12.5.
