Essential component of the NELF complex, a complex that negatively regulates the elongation of transcription by RNA polymerase II . The NELF complex, which acts via an association with the DSIF complex and causes transcriptional pausing, is counteracted by the P-TEFb kinase complex . May be able to induce chromatin unfolding . Essential for early embryogenesis; plays an important role in maintaining the undifferentiated state of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) by preventing unscheduled expression of developmental genes (By similarity). Plays a key role in establishing the responsiveness of stem cells to developmental cues; facilitates plasticity and cell fate commitment in ESCs by establishing the appropriate expression level of signaling molecules (By similarity). Supports the transcription of genes involved in energy metabolism in cardiomyocytes; facilitates the association of transcription initiation factors with the promoters of the metabolism-related genes (By similarity).
(Microbial infection) The NELF complex is involved in HIV-1 latency possibly involving recruitment of PCF11 to paused RNA polymerase II . In vitro, binds weakly to the HIV-1 TAR RNA which is located in the long terminal repeat (LTR) of HIV-1 .
Subcellular locations: Nucleus
Widely expressed. Expressed in heart, brain, lung, placenta, liver, skeletal muscle, kidney and pancreas.