Definition:

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. May be able to induce chromatin unfolding. Essential for early embryogenesis; plays an important role in maintaining the undifferentiated state of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) by preventing unscheduled expression of developmental genes (By similarity). Plays a key role in establishing the responsiveness of stem cells to developmental cues; facilitates plasticity and cell fate commitment in ESCs by establishing the appropriate expression level of signaling molecules (By similarity). Supports the transcription of genes involved in energy metabolism in cardiomyocytes; facilitates the association of transcription initiation factors with the promoters of the metabolism-related genes (By similarity).; (Microbial infection) The NELF complex is involved in HIV-1 latency possibly involving recruitment of PCF11 to paused RNA polymerase II. In vitro, binds weakly to the HIV-1 TAR RNA which is located in the long terminal repeat (LTR) of HIV-1.