GTF2E2, also known as TFIIE, is essential for transcription initiation by RNA polymerase II in conjunction with other general factors. TFIIE is a heterotetramer containing two subunits of relative molecular mass 57,000 (TFIIE-alpha) and two of 34,000 (TFIIE-beta). TFIIE-beta is required in conjunction with TFIIE-alpha for transcription initiation. GTF2E2 recruits TFIIH to the initiation complex and stimulates the RNA polymerase II Cterminal domain kinase and DNA-dependent ATPase activities of TFIIH.