CTD phosphatase

CTD phosphatase is an enzyme that plays a key role in gene regulation by modifying the C-terminal domain (CTD) of RNA polymerase II, the enzyme responsible for copying DNA into RNA. During gene transcription, the CTD undergoes chemical changes called phosphorylation, which act like signals to turn different stages of gene expression on or off. CTD phosphatase removes phosphate groups from the CTD, helping reset or coordinate the transcription process. This regulation ensures proper gene expression timing and quality, which is crucial for cell function and response to environmental signals.