The conserved, multifunctional Polymerase-Associated Factor 1 complex (Paf1C) regulates all stages of the RNA polymerase (Pol) II transcription cycle. In this review, we examine a diverse set of recent studies from various organisms that build on foundational studies in budding yeast. These studies identify new roles for Paf1C in the control of gene expression and the regulation of chromatin structure. In exploring these advances, we find that various functions of Paf1C, such as the regulation of promoter-proximal pausing and development in higher eukaryotes, are complex and context dependent. As more becomes known about the role of Paf1C in human disease, interest in the molecular mechanisms underpinning Paf1C function will continue to increase.

保守的多功能聚合酶A相关因子1 复合物 (Paf1C) 调节 RNA 聚合酶 (Pol) II 转录周期的所有阶段。在这篇综述中，我们研究了基于芽殖酵母基础研究的各种生物体的近期研究。这些研究确定了 Paf1C 在控制基因表达和调节染色质结构中的新作用。在探索这些进展的过程中，我们发现 Paf1C 的各种功能（例如高等真核生物中启动子近端暂停和发育的调节）是复杂的且依赖于环境。随着人们对 Paf1C 在人类疾病中的作用的了解越来越多，人们对支持 Paf1C 功能的分子机制的兴趣将继续增加。