General transcription factor IIH subunit 1 (GTF2H1)

Part of the general transcription and DNA repair factor IIH (TFIIH) core complex, which is involved in general and transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair (NER) of damaged DNA and, when complexed to CAK, in RNA transcription by RNA polymerase II. In NER, TFIIH acts by opening DNA around the lesion to enable the excision of the damaged oligonucleotide and its replacement by a new DNA fragment.

In transcription, TFIIH has an essential role in transcription initiation. When the pre- initiation complex (PIC) has been established, TFIIH is required for promoter opening and promoter escape.