REST corepressor 1 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the RCOR1 gene.

This gene encodes a protein that is well-conserved, downregulated at birth, and with a specific role in determining neural cell differentiation. The encoded protein binds to the C-terminal domain of REST (repressor element-1 silencing transcription factor). [provided by RefSeq, Aug 2011]. Publication Note: This RefSeq record includes a subset of the publications that are available for this gene. Please see the Gene record to access additional publications.
Function: Essential component of the BHC complex, a corepressor complex that represses transcription of neuron-specific genes in non-neuronal cells. The BHC complex is recruited at RE1/NRSE sites by REST and acts by deacetylating and demethylating specific sites on histones, thereby acting as a chromatin modifier. In the BHC complex, it serves as a molecular beacon for the recruitment of molecular machinery, including MeCP2 and SUV39H1, that imposes silencing across a chromosomal interval. Plays a central role in demethylation of Lys-4 of histone H3 by promoting demethylase activity of KDM1A on core histones and nucleosomal substrates. It also protects KDM1A from the proteasome.