RFX5 : regulatory factor X5
Description
The RFX5 (regulatory factor X5) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 1.
The RFX5 gene provides instructions for making a protein that plays a key role in controlling the activity of genes called major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II genes. This protein, RFX5, is part of the regulatory factor X (RFX) complex, which binds to a specific region of DNA involved in regulating MHC class II gene activity. RFX5 helps the complex attach to the correct DNA region. The RFX complex attracts other proteins, turning on MHC class II gene transcription and allowing the production of MHC class II proteins. These proteins are found on the surface of immune cells, like lymphocytes, and are essential for the body's immune response to foreign invaders. They bind to fragments of proteins from invaders, presenting them to other immune cells, triggering an immune response to eliminate the invaders. The RFX complex also appears to play a role in the transcription of MHC class I genes, but other proteins play a more significant role in their regulation.
RFX5 activates transcription from class II MHC promoters by recognizing and binding to X-boxes. It mediates cooperative binding between RFX and NF-Y, specifically binding to the X1 box of MHC-II promoters.
RFX5 is also known as MHC2D3, MHC2D5.
