General transcription factor IIE subunit 1 (GTF2E1), also known as transcription initiation factor IIE subunit alpha (TFIIE-alpha), is a protein that in humans is encoded by the GTF2E1 gene. Recruits TFIIH to the initiation complex and stimulates the RNA polymerase II C-terminal domain kinase and DNA-dependent ATPase activities of TFIIH. Both TFIIH and TFIIE are required for promoter clearance by RNA polymerase.