RFXANK : regulatory factor X associated ankyrin containing protein
Description
The RFXANK (regulatory factor X associated ankyrin containing protein) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 19.
The RFXANK gene provides instructions for creating a protein that primarily regulates the activity (transcription) of genes known as major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II genes. Transcription is the initial step in protein production, and RFXANK is crucial for producing specialized immune proteins called MHC class II proteins from these genes. The RFXANK protein is part of a protein group called the regulatory factor X (RFX) complex. This complex attaches to a specific region of DNA involved in regulating MHC class II gene activity. RFXANK aids the complex in attaching to the correct DNA region. The RFX complex attracts other necessary proteins to this area and helps activate MHC class II gene transcription, enabling the production of MHC class II proteins. MHC class II proteins are found on the surface of various immune cells, including white blood cells (lymphocytes) involved in immune reactions. These proteins are vital for the body's immune response to foreign invaders like bacteria, viruses, and fungi. To aid in recognizing and combating infections, MHC class II proteins bind to fragments of proteins (peptides) from foreign invaders, allowing other specialized immune system cells to interact with them. When these immune system cells recognize the peptides as harmful, they trigger lymphocytes and other immune cells to launch immune responses to eliminate the foreign invaders. The RFX complex appears to also play a role in the transcription of MHC class I genes, which provide instructions for producing immune system proteins called MHC class I proteins. Similar to MHC class II proteins, MHC class I proteins attach to peptides from foreign invaders and present them to specific immune system cells. These cells then attack the foreign invaders to remove them from the body. While the RFX complex can help control MHC class I gene activity, it is not the primary regulator of these genes. Other proteins play a more prominent role in their transcription.
The RFXANK protein is crucial for activating transcription from class II MHC promoters. This activation relies on the presence of the MHC class II transactivator/CIITA. RFXANK may also regulate other genes within the cell. It binds to the X1 box of MHC-II promoters and potentially enhances the activation of RAF1.
RFXANK is also known as ANKRA1, BLS, F14150_1, MHC2D2, RFX-B.
