The Drosophila gene brahma (brm) encodes a non-specific RNA polymerase II transcription co-activator, assisting one or more transcriptional activators of ANT-C and BX-C homeotic genes. Brm can counteract the repressive effect of polycomb protein and exhibits DNA-dependent ATPase activity. It contains a SNF2 related domain, a DEAD/DEAH box helicase, a helicase C-terminal domain, and belongs to the SNF2/RAD54 helicase family. Two isoforms (long and short) may be produced by alternative splicing. Highest expression is seen in unfertilized eggs and early embryos. It interacts genetically with Antp, trx, Psc, Pc, hh, and several other genes. Similar sequences have been identified in Caenorhabditis elegans, Gallus gallus, Homo sapiens, Mus musculus, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. (from SWISS-PROT P25439, FlyBase 0000212, and NCI) [ ]