DNA-directed RNA polymerase III subunit RPC2; RNA polymerase III subunit C2; C128; DNA-directed RNA polymerase III 127.6 kD polypeptide; DNA-directed RNA polymerase III subunit B (POLR3B)

Function

• second largest core component of RNA polymerase 3
• contributes to the polymerase catalytic activity & forms the polymerase active center together with the largest subunit of polymerase 3
• part of the core element of RNA polymerase 3 with the central large cleft & probably a clamp element that moves to open & close the cleft (putative)
• role in sensing & limiting infection by intracellular bacteria & DNA viruses
• acts as nuclear & cytosolic DNA sensor involved in innate immune response
• can sense non-self dsDNA that serves as template for transcription into dsRNA
• the non-self RNA polymerase 3 transcripts, such as Epstein-Barr virus-encoded RNAs (EBERs) induce type 1 interferon & NF- Kappa-B through the RIG-I pathway

Structure

belongs to the RNA polymerase beta chain family

Compartment

nucleus (putative)

More general terms

• nuclear protein
• protein subunit
• zinc finger protein
• phosphoprotein

Component of

• RNA polymerase 3

Database

• Entrez gene: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?db=gene&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Graphics&list_uids=55703
• UniProt: http://www.uniprot.org/uniprot/Q9NW08.html