Transcription factor IIH: A key player in the cellular response to DNA damage

TFIIH (transcription factor IIH) is a multiprotein complex consisting of ni ne subunits initially characterized as a basal transcription factor require d for initiation of protein-coding RNA synthesis. TFIIH was the first trans cription factor shown to harbor several enzymatic activities, likely indica tive of functional complexity. This intricacy was further emphasized with t he cloning of the genes encoding the different subunits which disclosed dir ect connections between transcription, DNA repair and cell cycle regulation . In this review, we emphasize those functions of TFIIH involved in DNA rep air, as well as their relationship to TFIIH's roles in transcription, cell cycle control and apoptosis. These connections may prove to be essential fo r the cellular response to DNA damage. (C) Societe francaise de biochimie e t biologie moleculaire / Elsevier, Paris.