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P聚合酶A结合的F actor 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，我们研究了来自各种生物的一系列最新研究，这些研究基于对发芽酵母的基础研究。这些研究确定了Paf1C在基因表达控制和染色质结构调控中的新作用。在探索这些进展时，我们发现Paf1C的各种功能（例如启动子近端暂停的调控和高等真核生物的发育）是复杂的且依赖于上下文。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。