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 ( ). Provides the strongest RNA binding activity of the NELF complex and may initially recruit the NELF complex to RNA ( ).
(Microbial infection) The NELF complex is involved in HIV-1 latency possibly involving recruitment of PCF11 to paused RNA polymerase II.
Subcellular locations: Nucleus, Chromosome
Localizes to chromatin . Phosphorylation by the P-TEFb complex promotes its release from chromatin .
Widely expressed. Expressed in heart, brain, lung, placenta, liver, skeletal muscle, kidney and pancreas.