Taf11, short for TATA-binding protein-associated factor 11, is involved in multiple biological processes. It is known to be an important factor in the assembly of the RISC loading complex (RLC) in Drosophila, which enhances RNAi efficiency. Taf11 also participates in the regulation of gene expression as part of the general transcription factor TFIID, and is associated with pathways related to cell adhesion, neural crest cell migration, and may be involved in processes relevant to rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease [1,2,3,4].

In Drosophila, genetic screening identified Taf11 as a missing factor of RLC. Taf11(-/-) ovary extract showed defective RLC assembly, and in vitro reconstitution demonstrated that Taf11 tetramer facilitates Dcr-2-R2D2 tetramerization to enhance siRNA binding and RISC loading activities [1]. In zebrafish, overexpression of Taf11 contributed to disturbed migration of cranial neural crest cells and abnormal craniofacial development, suggesting its role in these processes [2].

In conclusion, Taf11 is essential for RLC assembly to enhance RNAi efficiency and plays a role in regulating cell migration during craniofacial development. The use of Drosophila and zebrafish as research models has provided insights into these functions, which may have implications for understanding related biological processes and potentially associated diseases.