TFC3: gene encoding the B-block binding subunit of the yeast transcription factor IIIC.

Yeast transcription factor IIIC (TFIIIC) is a multisubunit protein complex that interacts with two control elements of class III promoters called the A and B blocks. Here we describe the gene encoding the 138-kDa subunit (tau 138), which is involved in B-block binding. From the DNA sequence, the open reading frame, interrupted by an intron with an unusual 3' splice acceptor site, is in agreement with all the microsequencing data for peptides within tau 138. TFC3 is a single-copy gene located on chromosome I; it is essential for cell viability as shown by a gene disruption experiment. Epitope-tagging of the TFC3 gene product and DNA binding experiments are consistent with the presence of one copy of tau 138 in TFIIIC-DNA complexes.