RNA Polymerase II, DNA Directed Polypeptide C (POLR2C)

POLR2C encodes the third largest subunit of RNA polymerase II, the polymerase responsible for synthesizing messenger RNA in eukaryotes. The product of this gene contains a cysteine rich region and exists as a heterodimer with another polymerase subunit, POLR2J. These two subunits form a core subassembly unit of the polymerase. A pseudogene has been identified on chromosome 21.

The deduced 275-amino acid human POLR2C protein, termed RPB33 by the authors, shares 45% sequence identity with the yeast homolog RPB3. POLR2C contains a single cysteine-rich region. Northern blot analysis of HeLa cell mRNA detected an approximately 1.8-kb POLR2C doublet.