Human general transcription factor IIH phosphorylates the C-terminal domain of RNA polymerase II

CDK11 facilitates centromeric transcription to maintain centromeric cohesion during mitosis

Actively-transcribing RNA polymerase (RNAP)II is remained on centromeres to maintain centromeric cohesion during mitosis, although it is largely released from chromosome arms. This pool of RNAPII plays an important role in centromere functions. However, the mechanism of RNAPII retention on mitotic centromeres is poorly understood. We here demonstrate that Cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk)11 is involved in RNAPII regulation on mitotic centromeres. Consistently, we show that Cdk11 knockdown induces centromeric cohesion defects and decreases Bub1 on kinetochores, but the centromeric cohesion defects are partially attributed to Bub1. Furthermore, Cdk11 knockdown and the expression of its kinase-dead version significantly reduce both RNAPII and elongating RNAPII (pSer2) levels on centromeres and decrease centromeric transcription. Importantly, the overexpression of centromeric α-satellite RNAs fully rescues Cdk11-knockdown defects. These results suggest that the maintenance of centromeric cohesion requires Cdk11-facilitated centromeric transcription. Mechanistically, Cdk11 localizes on centromeres where it binds and phosphorylates RNAPII to promote transcription. Remarkably, mitosis-specific degradation of G2/M Cdk11-p58 recapitulates Cdk11-knockdown defects. Altogether, our findings establish Cdk11 as an important regulator of centromeric transcription and as part of the mechanism for retaining RNAPII on centromeres during mitosis.

Collaborators or competitors: the communication between RNA polymerase II and the nucleosome during eukaryotic transcription

Decades of scientific research have been devoted to unraveling the intricacies of eukaryotic transcription since the groundbreaking discovery of eukaryotic RNA polymerases in the late 1960s. RNA polymerase II, the polymerase responsible for mRNA synthesis, has always attracted the most attention. Despite its structural resemblance to its bacterial counterpart, eukaryotic RNA polymerase II faces a unique challenge in progressing transcription due to the presence of nucleosomes that package DNA in the nuclei. In this review, we delve into the impact of RNA polymerase II and histone signaling on the progression of eukaryotic transcription. We explore the pivotal points of interactions that bridge the RNA polymerase II and histone signaling systems. Finally, we present an analysis of recent cryo-electron microscopy structures, which captured RNA polymerase II-nucleosome complexes at different stages of the transcription cycle. The combination of the signaling crosstalk and the direct visualization of RNA polymerase II-nucleosome complexes provides a deeper understanding of the communication between these two major players in eukaryotic transcription.

PRO-IP-seq tracks molecular modifications of engaged Pol II complexes at nucleotide resolution

RNA Polymerase II (Pol II) is a multi-subunit complex that undergoes covalent modifications as transcription proceeds through genes and enhancers. Rate-limiting steps of transcription control Pol II recruitment, site and degree of initiation, pausing duration, productive elongation, nascent transcript processing, transcription termination, and Pol II recycling. Here, we develop Precision Run-On coupled to Immuno-Precipitation sequencing (PRO-IP-seq), which double-selects nascent RNAs and transcription complexes, and track phosphorylation of Pol II C-terminal domain (CTD) at nucleotide-resolution. We uncover precise positional control of Pol II CTD phosphorylation as transcription proceeds from the initiating nucleotide (+1 nt), through early (+18 to +30 nt) and late (+31 to +60 nt) promoter-proximal pause, and into productive elongation. Pol II CTD is predominantly unphosphorylated from initiation until the early pause-region, whereas serine-2- and serine-5-phosphorylations are preferentially deposited in the later pause-region. Upon pause-release, serine-7-phosphorylation rapidly increases and dominates over the region where Pol II assembles elongation factors and accelerates to its full elongational speed. Interestingly, tracking CTD modifications upon heat-induced transcriptional reprogramming demonstrates that Pol II with phosphorylated CTD remains paused on thousands of heat-repressed genes. These results uncover dynamic Pol II regulation at rate-limiting steps of transcription and provide a nucleotide-resolution technique for tracking composition of engaged transcription complexes.

Chromatin expansion microscopy reveals nanoscale organization of transcription and chromatin

Nanoscale chromatin organization regulates gene expression. Although chromatin is notably reprogrammed during zygotic genome activation (ZGA), the organization of chromatin regulatory factors during this universal process remains unclear. In this work, we developed chromatin expansion microscopy (ChromExM) to visualize chromatin, transcription, and transcription factors in vivo. ChromExM of embryos during ZGA revealed how the pioneer factor Nanog interacts with nucleosomes and RNA polymerase II (Pol II), providing direct visualization of transcriptional elongation as string-like nanostructures. Blocking elongation led to more Pol II particles clustered around Nanog, with Pol II stalled at promoters and Nanog-bound enhancers. This led to a new model termed "kiss and kick", in which enhancer-promoter contacts are transient and released by transcriptional elongation. Our results demonstrate that ChromExM is broadly applicable to study nanoscale nuclear organization.

Dynamic structures of intrinsically disordered proteins related to the general transcription factor TFIIH, nucleosomes, and histone chaperones

Advances in structural analysis by cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and X-ray crystallography have revealed the tertiary structures of various chromatin-related proteins, including transcription factors, RNA polymerases, nucleosomes, and histone chaperones; however, the dynamic structures of intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) in these proteins remain elusive. Recent studies using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), together with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, are beginning to reveal dynamic structures of the general transcription factor TFIIH complexed with target proteins including the general transcription factor TFIIE, the tumor suppressor p53, the cell cycle protein DP1, the DNA repair factors XPC and UVSSA, and three RNA polymerases, in addition to the dynamics of histone tails in nucleosomes and histone chaperones. In complexes of TFIIH, the PH domain of the p62 subunit binds to an acidic string formed by the IDR in TFIIE, p53, XPC, UVSSA, DP1, and the RPB6 subunit of three RNA polymerases by a common interaction mode, namely extended string-like binding of the IDR on the positively charged surface of the PH domain. In the nucleosome, the dynamic conformations of the N-tails of histones H2A and H2B are correlated, while the dynamic conformations of the N-tails of H3 and H4 form a histone tail network dependent on their modifications and linker DNA. The acidic IDRs of the histone chaperones of FACT and NAP1 play important roles in regulating the accessibility to histone proteins in the nucleosome.

Control of non-productive RNA polymerase II transcription via its early termination in metazoans

Transcription establishes the universal first step of gene expression where RNA is produced by a DNA-dependent RNA polymerase. The most versatile of eukaryotic RNA polymerases, RNA polymerase II (Pol II), transcribes a broad range of DNA including protein-coding and a variety of non-coding transcription units. Although Pol II can be configured as a durable enzyme capable of transcribing hundreds of kilobases, there is reliable evidence of widespread abortive Pol II transcription termination shortly after initiation, which is often followed by rapid degradation of the associated RNA. The molecular details underlying this phenomenon are still vague but likely reflect the action of quality control mechanisms on the early Pol II complex. Here, we summarize current knowledge of how and when such promoter-proximal quality control is asserted on metazoan Pol II.

C. elegans TFIIH subunit GTF-2H5/TTDA is a non-essential transcription factor indispensable for DNA repair

The 10-subunit TFIIH complex is vital to transcription and nucleotide excision repair. Hereditary mutations in its smallest subunit, TTDA/GTF2H5, cause a photosensitive form of the rare developmental disorder trichothiodystrophy. Some trichothiodystrophy features are thought to be caused by subtle transcription or gene expression defects. TTDA/GTF2H5 knockout mice are not viable, making it difficult to investigate TTDA/GTF2H5 in vivo function. Here we show that deficiency of C. elegans TTDA ortholog GTF-2H5 is, however, compatible with life, in contrast to depletion of other TFIIH subunits. GTF-2H5 promotes TFIIH stability in multiple tissues and is indispensable for nucleotide excision repair, in which it facilitates recruitment of TFIIH to DNA damage. Strikingly, when transcription is challenged, gtf-2H5 embryos die due to the intrinsic TFIIH fragility in absence of GTF-2H5. These results support the idea that TTDA/GTF2H5 mutations cause transcription impairment underlying trichothiodystrophy and establish C. elegans as model for studying pathogenesis of this disease.

Phosphorylation of OGFOD1 by Cell Cycle-Dependent Kinase 7/9 Enhances the Transcriptional Activity of RNA Polymerase II in Breast Cancer Cells

Simple Summary

Among the causes of accelerating cancer properties, dysregulated transcription is considerably prominent in many cancers. However, it is difficult to target transcriptional machineries due to their fundamental importance. Compared to breast cancer cell lines, we found that OGFOD1 aggravates cancers by enhancing RNA polymerase II transcriptional activity and it is improved by cell cycle-dependent kinases. Overall, we uncovered the novel mechanism for how OGFOD1 maliciously functions in breast cancers, suggesting it as a rational cancer treatment target protein.

Abstract

2-oxoglutarate and iron-dependent oxygenase domain-containing protein 1 (OGFOD1) expression is upregulated in a variety of cancers and has been related to poor prognosis. However, despite this significance to cancer progression, the precise oncogenic mechanism of OGFOD1 is not understood. We demonstrated that OGFOD1 plays a role in enhancing the transcriptional activity of RNA polymerase II in breast cancer cells. OGFOD1 directly binds to the C-terminal domain of RNA polymerase II to alter phosphorylation status. The elimination of OGFOD1 resulted in decreased tumor development. Additionally, cell cycle-dependent kinase 7 and cell cycle-dependent kinase 9, critical enzymes for activating RNA polymerase II, phosphorylated serine 256 of OGFOD1, whereas a non-phosphorylated mutant OGFOD1 failed to enhance transcriptional activation and tumor growth. Consequently, OGFOD1 helps promote tumor growth by enhancing RNA polymerase II, whereas simultaneous phosphorylation of OGFOD1 by CDK enzymes is essential in stimulating RNA polymerase II-mediated transcription both in vitro and in vivo, and expression of target genes.

The Long Road to Understanding RNAPII Transcription Initiation and Related Syndromes

In eukaryotes, transcription of protein-coding genes requires the assembly at core promoters of a large preinitiation machinery containing RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) and general transcription factors (GTFs). Transcription is potentiated by regulatory elements called enhancers, which are recognized by specific DNA-binding transcription factors that recruit cofactors and convey, following chromatin remodeling, the activating cues to the preinitiation complex. This review summarizes nearly five decades of work on transcription initiation by describing the sequential recruitment of diverse molecular players including the GTFs, the Mediator complex, and DNA repair factors that support RNAPII to enable RNA synthesis. The elucidation of the transcription initiation mechanism has greatly benefited from the study of altered transcription components associated with human diseases that could be considered transcription syndromes.

Novel role of CAP1 in regulation RNA polymerase II-mediated transcription elongation depends on its actin-depolymerization activity in nucleoplasm

Lung cancer is one of the most intractable diseases with high incidence and mortality worldwide. Adenylate cyclase-associated protein 1 (CAP1), a well-known actin depolymerization factor, is recently reported to be an oncogene accelerating cancer cell proliferation. However, the physiological significance of CAP1 in lung cancer is incompletely understood and the novel functions of CAP1 in transcriptional regulation remain unknown. Here we found that CAP1 was highly expressed in lung cancer tissues and cells, which was also negatively associated with prognosis in lung cancer patients. Moreover, CAP1 promoted A549 cells proliferation by promoting protein synthesis to accelerate cell cycle progression. Mechanistically, we revealed that CAP1 facilitated cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9)-mediated RNA polymerases (Pol) II-Ser2 phosphorylation and subsequent transcription elongation, and CAP1 performed its function in this progress depending on its actin-depolymerization activity in nucleoplasm. Furthermore, our in vivo findings confirmed that CAP1-promoted A549 xenograft tumor growth was associated with CDK9-mediated Pol II-Ser2 phosphorylation. Our study elucidates a novel role of CAP1 in modulating transcription by promoting polymerase II phosphorylation and suggests that CAP1 is a newly identified biomarker for lung cancer treatment and prognosis prediction.

Structural insights into preinitiation complex assembly on core promoters

Transcription factor IID (TFIID) recognizes core promoters and supports preinitiation complex (PIC) assembly for RNA polymerase II (Pol II)-mediated eukaryotic transcription. We determined the structures of human TFIID-based PIC in three stepwise assembly states and revealed two-track PIC assembly: stepwise promoter deposition to Pol II and extensive modular reorganization on track I (on TATA-TFIID-binding element promoters) versus direct promoter deposition on track II (on TATA-only and TATA-less promoters). The two tracks converge at an ~50-subunit holo PIC in identical conformation, whereby TFIID stabilizes PIC organization and supports loading of cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)-activating kinase (CAK) onto Pol II and CAK-mediated phosphorylation of the Pol II carboxyl-terminal domain. Unexpectedly, TBP of TFIID similarly bends TATA box and TATA-less promoters in PIC. Our study provides structural visualization of stepwise PIC assembly on highly diversified promoters.

Structure of TFIIK for phosphorylation of CTD of RNA polymerase II

During transcription initiation, the general transcription factor TFIIH marks RNA polymerase II by phosphorylating Ser5 of the carboxyl-terminal domain (CTD) of Rpb1, which is followed by extensive modifications coupled to transcription elongation, mRNA processing, and histone dynamics. We have determined a 3.5-Å resolution cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of the TFIIH kinase module (TFIIK in yeast), which is composed of Kin28, Ccl1, and Tfb3, yeast homologs of CDK7, cyclin H, and MAT1, respectively. The carboxyl-terminal region of Tfb3 was lying at the edge of catalytic cleft of Kin28, where a conserved Tfb3 helix served to stabilize the activation loop in its active conformation. By combining the structure of TFIIK with the previous cryo-EM structure of the preinitiation complex, we extend the previously proposed model of the CTD path to the active site of TFIIK.

Cyclin-Dependent Kinases (CDK) and Their Role in Diseases Development-Review

Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are involved in many crucial processes, such as cell cycle and transcription, as well as communication, metabolism, and apoptosis. The kinases are organized in a pathway to ensure that, during cell division, each cell accurately replicates its DNA, and ensure its segregation equally between the two daughter cells. Deregulation of any of the stages of the cell cycle or transcription leads to apoptosis but, if uncorrected, can result in a series of diseases, such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease), and stroke. This review presents the current state of knowledge about the characteristics of cyclin-dependent kinases as potential pharmacological targets.

How to limit the speed of a motor: the intricate regulation of the XPB ATPase and translocase in TFIIH

The superfamily 2 helicase XPB is an integral part of the general transcription factor TFIIH and assumes essential catalytic functions in transcription initiation and nucleotide excision repair. The ATPase activity of XPB is required in both processes. We investigated the interaction network that regulates XPB via the p52 and p8 subunits with functional mutagenesis based on our crystal structure of the p52/p8 complex and current cryo-EM structures. Importantly, we show that XPB’s ATPase can be activated either by DNA or by the interaction with the p52/p8 proteins. Intriguingly, we observe that the ATPase activation by p52/p8 is significantly weaker than the activation by DNA and when both p52/p8 and DNA are present, p52/p8 dominates the maximum activation. We therefore define p52/p8 as the master regulator of XPB acting as an activator and speed limiter at the same time. A correlative analysis of the ATPase and translocase activities of XPB shows that XPB only acts as a translocase within the context of complete core TFIIH and that XPA increases the processivity of the translocase complex without altering XPB’s ATPase activity. Our data define an intricate network that tightly controls the activity of XPB during transcription and nucleotide excision repair.

Cell-type specific concentration regulation of the basal transcription factor TFIIH in XPBy/y mice model

Background

The basal transcription/repair factor TFIIH is a ten sub-unit complex essential for RNA polymerase II (RNAP2) transcription initiation and DNA repair. In both these processes TFIIH acts as a DNA helix opener, required for promoter escape of RNAP2 in transcription initiation, and to set the stage for strand incision within the nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway.

Methods

We used a knock-in mouse model that we generated and that endogenously expresses a fluorescent version of XPB (XPB-YFP). Using different microscopy, cellular biology and biochemistry approaches we quantified the steady state levels of this protein in different cells, and cells imbedded in tissues.

Results

Here we demonstrate, via confocal imaging of ex vivo tissues and cells derived from this mouse model, that TFIIH steady state levels are tightly regulated at the single cell level, thus keeping nuclear TFIIH concentrations remarkably constant in a cell type dependent manner. Moreover, we show that individual cellular TFIIH levels are proportional to the speed of mRNA production, hence to a cell’s transcriptional activity, which we can correlate to proliferation status. Importantly, cancer tissue presents a higher TFIIH than normal healthy tissues.

Conclusion

This study shows that TFIIH cellular concentration can be used as a bona-fide quantitative marker of transcriptional activity and cellular proliferation.

TFIIE orchestrates the recruitment of the TFIIH kinase module at promoter before release during transcription

In eukaryotes, the general transcription factors TFIIE and TFIIH assemble at the transcription start site with RNA Polymerase II. However, the mechanism by which these transcription factors incorporate the preinitiation complex and coordinate their action during RNA polymerase II transcription remains elusive. Here we show that the TFIIEα and TFIIEβ subunits anchor the TFIIH kinase module (CAK) within the preinitiation complex. In addition, we show that while RNA polymerase II phosphorylation and DNA opening occur, CAK and TFIIEα are released from the promoter. This dissociation is impeded by either ATP-γS or CDK7 inhibitor THZ1, but still occurs when XPB activity is abrogated. Finally, we show that the Core-TFIIH and TFIIEβ are subsequently removed, while elongation factors such as DSIF are recruited. Remarkably, these early transcriptional events are affected by TFIIE and TFIIH mutations associated with the developmental disorder, trichothiodystrophy.

The general transcription factors TFIIE and TFIIH assemble at the transcription start site with RNA Polymerase II. Here the authors provide evidence that the TFIIEα and TFIIEβ subunits anchor the TFIIH kinase module within the preinitiation complex before their release during transcription.

Spironolactone-induced XPB degradation depends on CDK7 kinase and SCFFBXL18 E3 ligase

The multisubunit complex transcription factor IIH (TFIIH) has dual functions in transcriptional initiation and nucleotide excision repair (NER). TFIIH is comprised of two subcomplexes, the core subcomplex (seven subunits) including XPB and XPD helicases and the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)-activating kinase (CAK) subcomplex (three subunits) containing CDK7 kinase. Recently, it has been reported that spironolactone, an anti-aldosterone drug, inhibits cellular NER by inducing proteasomal degradation of XPB and potentiates the cytotoxicity of platinum-based drugs in cancer cells, suggesting possible drug repositioning. In this study, we have tried to uncover the mechanism underlying the chemical-induced XPB destabilization. Based on siRNA library screening and subsequent analyses, we identified SCF^FBXL18 E3 ligase consisting of Skp1, Cul1, F-box protein FBXL18 and Rbx1 responsible for spironolactone-induced XPB polyubiquitination and degradation. In addition, we showed that CDK7 kinase activity is required for this process. Finally, we found that the Ser90 residue of XPB is essential for the chemical-induced destabilization. These results led us to propose a model that spironolactone may trigger the phosphorylation of XPB at Ser90 by CDK7, which promotes the recognition and polyubiquitination of XPB by SCF^FBXL18 for proteasomal degradation.

TFIIH: A multi-subunit complex at the cross-roads of transcription and DNA repair

Transcription factor IIH (TFIIH) is a multiprotein complex involved in both eukaryotic transcription and DNA repair, revealing a tight connection between these two processes. Composed of 10 subunits, it can be resolved into a 7-subunits core complex with the XPB translocase and the XPD helicase, and the 3-subunits kinase complex CAK, which also exists as a free complex with a distinct function. Initially identified as basal transcription factor, TFIIH also participates in transcription regulation and plays a key role in nucleotide excision repair (NER) for opening DNA at damaged sites, lesion verification and recruitment of additional repair factors. Our understanding of TFIIH function in eukaryotic cells has greatly benefited from studies of the genetic rare diseases xeroderma pigmentosum (XP), Cockayne syndrome (CS) and trichothiodystrophy (TTD), that are not only characterized by cancer and aging predispositions but also by neurological and developmental defects. Although much remains unknown about TFIIH function, significant progresses have been done regarding the structure of the complex, the functions of its catalytic subunits and the multiple roles of the regulatory core-TFIIH subunits. This review provides a non-exhaustive survey of key discoveries on the structure and function of this pivotal factor, which can be considered as a promising target for therapeutic strategies.

The essential and multifunctional TFIIH complex

TFIIH is a 10‐subunit complex that regulates RNA polymerase II (pol II) transcription but also serves other important biological roles. Although much remains unknown about TFIIH function in eukaryotic cells, much progress has been made even in just the past few years, due in part to technological advances (e.g. cryoEM and single molecule methods) and the development of chemical inhibitors of TFIIH enzymes. This review focuses on the major cellular roles for TFIIH, with an emphasis on TFIIH function as a regulator of pol II transcription. We describe the structure of TFIIH and its roles in pol II initiation, promoter‐proximal pausing, elongation, and termination. We also discuss cellular roles for TFIIH beyond transcription (e.g. DNA repair, cell cycle regulation) and summarize small molecule inhibitors of TFIIH and diseases associated with defects in TFIIH structure and function.

The emerging picture of CDK9/P-TEFb: more than 20 years of advances since PITALRE

CDK9 is a prominent member of the transcriptional CDKs subfamily, a group of kinases whose function is to control the primary steps of mRNA synthesis and processing by eukaryotic RNA polymerase II. As a cyclin-dependent kinase, CDK9 activation in vivo depends upon its association with T-type cyclins to assemble the positive transcription elongation factor (P-TEFb). Although CDK9/P-TEFb phosphorylates the C-terminal domain of RNAP II in the same positions targeted by CDK7 (TFIIH) and CDK8 (Mediator), the former does not participate in the transcription initiation, but rather plays a unique role by driving the polymerase to productive elongation. In addition to RNAP II CTD, the negative transcription elongation factors DSIF and NELF also represent major CDK9 substrates, whose phosphorylation is required to overcome the proximal pause of the polymerase. CDK9 is recruited to specific genes through proteins that interact with both P-TEFb and distinct elements in DNA, RNA or chromatin, where it modulates the activity of individual RNAP II transcription complexes. The regulation of CDK9 function is an intricate network that includes post-translational modifications (phosphorylation/dephosphorylation and acetylation/deacetylation of key residues) as well as the association of P-TEFb with various proteins that can stimulate or inhibit its kinase activity. Several cases of CDK9 deregulation have been linked to important human diseases, including various types of cancer and also AIDS (due to its essential role in HIV replication). Not only HIV, but also many other human viruses have been shown to depend strongly on CDK9 activity to be transcribed within host cells. This review summarizes the main advances made on CDK9/P-TEFb field in more than 20 years, introducing the structural, functional and genetic aspects that have been elucidated ever since.

Inhibitor Selectivity for Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 7: A Structural, Thermodynamic, and Modelling Study

Deregulation of the cell cycle by mechanisms that lead to elevated activities of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) is a feature of many human diseases, cancer in particular. We identified small-molecule inhibitors that selectively inhibit CDK7, the kinase that phosphorylates cell-cycle CDKs to promote their activities. To investigate the selectivity of these inhibitors we used a combination of structural, biophysical, and modelling approaches. We determined the crystal structures of the CDK7-selective compounds ICEC0942 and ICEC0943 bound to CDK2, and used these to build models of inhibitor binding to CDK7. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of inhibitors bound to CDK2 and CDK7 generated possible models of inhibitor binding. To experimentally validate these models, we gathered isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) binding data for recombinant wild-type and binding site mutants of CDK7 and CDK2. We identified specific residues of CDK7, notably Asp155, that are involved in determining inhibitor selectivity. Our MD simulations also show that the flexibility of the G-rich and activation loops of CDK7 is likely an important determinant of inhibitor specificity similar to CDK2.

RNA polymerase II components and Rrn7 form a preinitiation complex on the HomolD box to promote ribosomal protein gene expression in Schizosaccharomyces pombe

In Schizosaccharomyces pombe, ribosomal protein gene (RPG) promoters contain a TATA box analog, the HomolD box, which is bound by the Rrn7 protein. Despite the importance of ribosome biogenesis for cell survival, the mechanisms underlying RPG transcription remain unknown. In this study, we found that components of the RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) system, consisting of the initiation or general transcription factors (GTFs) TFIIA, IIB, IIE, TATA-binding protein (TBP) and the RNAPII holoenzyme, interacted directly with Rrn7 in vitro, and were able to form a preinitiation complex (PIC) on the HomolD box. PIC complex formation follows an ordered pathway on these promoters. The GTFs and RNAPII can also be cross-linked to HomolD-containing promoters in vivo. In an in vitro reconstituted transcription system, RNAPII components and Rrn7 were necessary for HomolD-directed transcription. The Mediator complex was required for basal transcription from those promoters in whole cell extract (WCE). The Med17 subunit of Mediator also can be cross-linked to the promoter region of HomolD-containing promoters in vivo, suggesting the presence of the Mediator complex on HomolD box-containing promoters. Together, these data show that components of the RNAPII machinery and Rrn7 participate in the PIC assembly on the HomolD box, thereby directing RPG transcription.

THZ1 targeting CDK7 suppresses STAT transcriptional activity and sensitizes T-cell lymphomas to BCL2 inhibitors

Peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL) are aggressive diseases with poor response to chemotherapy and dismal survival. Identification of effective strategies to target PTCL biology represents an urgent need. Here we report that PTCL are sensitive to transcription-targeting drugs, and, in particular, to THZ1, a covalent inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7). The STAT-signalling pathway is highly vulnerable to THZ1 even in PTCL cells that carry the activating STAT3 mutation Y640F. In mutant cells, CDK7 inhibition decreases STAT3 chromatin binding and expression of highly transcribed target genes like MYC, PIM1, MCL1, CD30, IL2RA, CDC25A and IL4R. In surviving cells, THZ1 decreases the expression of STAT-regulated anti-apoptotic BH3 family members MCL1 and BCL-XL sensitizing PTCL cells to BH3 mimetic drugs. Accordingly, the combination of THZ1 and the BH3 mimetic obatoclax improves lymphoma growth control in a primary PTCL ex vivo culture and in two STAT3-mutant PTCL xenografts, delineating a potential targeted agent-based therapeutic option for these patients.

T-cell lymphomas are aggressive diseases associated with poor outcome. Here, the authors show that the THZ1, a CDK7 inhibitor, suppresses STAT transcriptional activity leading to apoptosis and sensitization to BCL2 inhibitors in T-cell lymphomas.

Intron-Mediated Enhancement: A Tool for Heterologous Gene Expression in Plants?

Many plant promoters were characterized and used for transgene expression in plants. Even though these promoters drive high levels of transgene expression in plants, the expression patterns are rarely constitutive but restricted to some tissues and developmental stages. In terms of crop improvement not only the enhancement of expression per se but, in particular, tissue-specific and spatial expression of genes plays an important role. Introns were used to boost expression in transgenic plants in the field of crop improvement for a long time. However, the mechanism behind this so called intron-mediated enhancement (IME) is still largely unknown. This review highlights the complexity of IME on the levels of its regulation and modes of action and gives an overview on IME methodology, examples in fundamental research and models of proposed mechanisms. In addition, the application of IME in heterologous gene expression is discussed.

Specific Inhibition of HIV Infection by the Action of Spironolactone in T Cells

Tat protein, the HIV transactivator, regulates transcription of the HIV genome by the host transcription machinery. Efficient inhibitors of HIV transcription that target Tat or the cellular cofactor NF-κB are well known. However, inhibition of HIV Tat-dependent transcription by targeting the general transcription and DNA repair factor II human (TFIIH) has not been reported. Here, we show that spironolactone (SP), an aldosterone antagonist approved for clinical use, inhibits HIV-1 and HIV-2 infection of permissive T cells by blocking viral Tat-dependent transcription from the long terminal repeat (LTR). We found that treatment of Jurkat and primary CD4⁺ T cells with SP induces degradation of the XPB cellular helicase, a component of the TFIIH complex, without affecting cellular mRNA levels, T cell viability, or T cell proliferation. We further demonstrate that the effect of SP on HIV infection is independent of its aldosterone antagonist function, since the structural analogue, eplerenone, does not induce XPB degradation and does not inhibit HIV infection. Rescue experiments showed that the SP-induced block of HIV infection relies, at least partially, on XPB degradation. In addition, we demonstrate that SP specifically inhibits Tat-dependent transcription, since basal transcription from the LTR is not affected. Our results demonstrate that SP is a specific inhibitor of HIV Tat-dependent transcription in T cells, which additionally suggests that XPB is a cofactor required for HIV infection. Targeting a cellular cofactor of HIV transcription constitutes an alternative strategy to inhibit HIV infection, together with the existing antiretroviral therapy.

IMPORTANCE

Transcription from the HIV promoter is regulated by the combined activities of the host transcription machinery and the viral transactivator Tat protein. Here, we report that the drug spironolactone-an antagonist of aldosterone-blocks viral Tat-dependent transcription, thereby inhibiting both HIV-1 and HIV-2 infection of permissive T cells. This inhibition relies on the degradation of the cellular helicase XPB, a component of the TFIIH transcription factor complex. Consequently, XPB appears to be a novel HIV cofactor. Our discovery of the HIV-inhibitory activity of spironolactone opens the way for the development of novel anti-HIV strategies targeting a cellular cofactor without the limitations of antiretroviral therapy of drug resistance and high cost.

Co-transcriptional splicing and the CTD code

Transcription and splicing are fundamental steps in gene expression. These processes have been studied intensively over the past four decades, and very recent findings are challenging some of the formerly established ideas. In particular, splicing was shown to occur much faster than previously thought, with the first spliced products observed as soon as splice junctions emerge from RNA polymerase II (Pol II). Splicing was also found coupled to a specific phosphorylation pattern of Pol II carboxyl-terminal domain (CTD), suggesting a new layer of complexity in the CTD code. Moreover, phosphorylation of the CTD may be scarcer than expected, and other post-translational modifications of the CTD are emerging with unanticipated roles in gene expression regulation.

Hyperphosphorylation amplifies UPF1 activity to resolve stalls in nonsense-mediated mRNA decay

Many gene expression factors contain repetitive phosphorylation sites for single kinases, but the functional significance is poorly understood. Here we present evidence for hyperphosphorylation as a mechanism allowing UPF1, the central factor in nonsense-mediated decay (NMD), to increasingly attract downstream machinery with time of residence on target mRNAs. Indeed, slowing NMD by inhibiting late-acting factors triggers UPF1 hyperphosphorylation, which in turn enhances affinity for factors linking UPF1 to decay machinery. Mutational analyses reveal multiple phosphorylation sites contributing to different extents to UPF1 activity with no single site being essential. Moreover, the ability of UPF1 to undergo hyperphosphorylation becomes increasingly important for NMD when downstream factors are depleted. This hyperphosphorylation-dependent feedback mechanism may serve as a molecular clock ensuring timely degradation of target mRNAs while preventing degradation of non-targets, which, given the prevalence of repetitive phosphorylation among central gene regulatory factors, may represent an important general principle in gene expression.

Gene expression is regulated by a range of mechanisms, including post-translational modifications such as phosphorylation. Here the authors present evidence for a feedback mechanism whereby hyperphosphorylation of UPF1 in response to delays in nonsense-mediated decay enhances recruitment of mRNA decay machinery.

Specific threonine-4 phosphorylation and function of RNA polymerase II CTD during M phase progression

Dynamic phosphorylation of Tyr1-Ser2-Pro3-Thr4-Ser5-Pro6-Ser7 heptad-repeats in the C-terminal domain (CTD) of the large subunit coordinates progression of RNA polymerase (Pol) II through the transcription cycle. Here, we describe an M phase-specific form of Pol II phosphorylated at Thr4, but not at Tyr1, Ser2, Ser5, and Ser7 residues. Thr4 phosphorylated Pol II binds to centrosomes and midbody and interacts with the Thr4-specific Polo-like kinase 1. Binding of Pol II to centrosomes does not require the CTD but may involve subunits of the non-canonical R2TP-Prefoldin-like complex, which bind to and co-localize with Pol II at centrosomes. CTD Thr4 mutants, but not Ser2 and Ser5 mutants, display severe mitosis and cytokinesis defects characterized by multipolar spindles and polyploid cells. We conclude that proper M phase progression of cells requires binding of Pol II to centrosomes to facilitate regulation of mitosis and cytokinesis in a CTD Thr4-P dependent manner.

GTF2E2 Mutations Destabilize the General Transcription Factor Complex TFIIE in Individuals with DNA Repair-Proficient Trichothiodystrophy

The general transcription factor IIE (TFIIE) is essential for transcription initiation by RNA polymerase II (RNA pol II) via direct interaction with the basal transcription/DNA repair factor IIH (TFIIH). TFIIH harbors mutations in two rare genetic disorders, the cancer-prone xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) and the cancer-free, multisystem developmental disorder trichothiodystrophy (TTD). The phenotypic complexity resulting from mutations affecting TFIIH has been attributed to the nucleotide excision repair (NER) defect as well as to impaired transcription. Here, we report two unrelated children showing clinical features typical of TTD who harbor different homozygous missense mutations in GTF2E2 (c.448G>C [p.Ala150Pro] and c.559G>T [p.Asp187Tyr]) encoding the beta subunit of transcription factor IIE (TFIIEβ). Repair of ultraviolet-induced DNA damage was normal in the GTF2E2 mutated cells, indicating that TFIIE was not involved in NER. We found decreased protein levels of the two TFIIE subunits (TFIIEα and TFIIEβ) as well as decreased phosphorylation of TFIIEα in cells from both children. Interestingly, decreased phosphorylation of TFIIEα was also seen in TTD cells with mutations in ERCC2, which encodes the XPD subunit of TFIIH, but not in XP cells with ERCC2 mutations. Our findings support the theory that TTD is caused by transcriptional impairments that are distinct from the NER disorder XP.

Dephosphorylating eukaryotic RNA polymerase II

The phosphorylation state of the C-terminal domain of RNA polymerase II is required for the temporal and spatial recruitment of various factors that mediate transcription and RNA processing throughout the transcriptional cycle. Therefore, changes in CTD phosphorylation by site-specific kinases/phosphatases are critical for the accurate transmission of information during transcription. Unlike kinases, CTD phosphatases have been traditionally neglected as they are thought to act as passive negative regulators that remove all phosphate marks at the conclusion of transcription. This over-simplified view has been disputed in recent years and new data assert the active and regulatory role phosphatases play in transcription. We now know that CTD phosphatases ensure the proper transition between different stages of transcription, balance the distribution of phosphorylation for accurate termination and re-initiation, and prevent inappropriate expression of certain genes. In this review, we focus on the specific roles of CTD phosphatases in regulating transcription. In particular, we emphasize how specificity and timing of dephosphorylation are achieved for these phosphatases and consider the various regulatory factors that affect these dynamics.

Occupancy of RNA Polymerase II Phosphorylated on Serine 5 (RNAP S5P) and RNAP S2P on Varicella-Zoster Virus Genes 9, 51, and 66 Is Independent of Transcript Abundance and Polymerase Location within the Gene

Regulation of gene transcription in varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a ubiquitous human neurotropic alphaherpesvirus, requires coordinated binding of multiple host and virus proteins onto specific regions of the virus genome. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) is widely used to determine the location of specific proteins along a genomic region. Since the size range of sheared virus DNA fragments governs the limit of accurate protein localization, particularly for compact herpesvirus genomes, we used a quantitative PCR (qPCR)-based assay to determine the efficiency of VZV DNA shearing before ChIP, after which the assay was used to determine the relationship between transcript abundance and the occupancy of phosphorylated RNA polymerase II (RNAP) on the gene promoter, body, and terminus of VZV genes 9, 51, and 66. The abundance of VZV gene 9, 51, and 66 transcripts in VZV-infected human fetal lung fibroblasts was determined by reverse transcription-linked quantitative PCR. Our results showed that the C-terminal domain of RNAP is hyperphosphorylated at serine 5 (S5(P)) on VZV genes 9, 51, and 66 independently of transcript abundance and the location within the virus gene at both 1 and 3 days postinfection (dpi). In contrast, phosphorylated serine 2 (S2(P))-modified RNAP was not detected at any virus gene location at 3 dpi and was detected at levels only slightly above background levels at 1 dpi.

IMPORTANCE

Regulation of herpesvirus gene transcription is an elaborate choreography between proteins and DNA that is revealed by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). We used a quantitative PCR-based assay to determine fragment size after DNA shearing, a critical parameter in ChIP assays, and exposed a basic difference in the mechanism of transcription between mammalian cells and VZV. We found that hyperphosphorylation at serine 5 of the C-terminal domain of RNAP along the lengths of VZV genes (the promoter, body, and transcription termination site) was independent of mRNA abundance. In contrast, little to no enrichment of serine 3 phosphorylation of RNAP was detected at these virus gene regions. This is distinct from the findings for RNAP at highly regulated host genes, where RNAP S5(P) occupancy decreased and S2(P) levels increased as the polymerase transited through the gene. Overall, these results suggest that RNAP associates with human and virus transcriptional units through different mechanisms.

TFIIH subunit alterations causing xeroderma pigmentosum and trichothiodystrophy specifically disturb several steps during transcription

Mutations in genes encoding the ERCC3 (XPB), ERCC2 (XPD), and GTF2H5 (p8 or TTD-A) subunits of the transcription and DNA-repair factor TFIIH lead to three autosomal-recessive disorders: xeroderma pigmentosum (XP), XP associated with Cockayne syndrome (XP/CS), and trichothiodystrophy (TTD). Although these diseases were originally associated with defects in DNA repair, transcription deficiencies might be also implicated. By using retinoic acid receptor beta isoform 2 (RARB2) as a model in several cells bearing mutations in genes encoding TFIIH subunits, we observed that (1) the recruitment of the TFIIH complex was altered at the activated RARB2 promoter, (2) TFIIH participated in the recruitment of nucleotide excision repair (NER) factors during transcription in a manner different from that observed during NER, and (3) the different TFIIH variants disturbed transcription by having distinct consequences on post-translational modifications of histones, DNA-break induction, DNA demethylation, and gene-loop formation. The transition from heterochromatin to euchromatin was disrupted depending on the variant, illustrating the fact that TFIIH, by contributing to NER factor recruitment, orchestrates chromatin remodeling. The subtle transcriptional differences found between various TFIIH variants thus participate in the phenotypic variability observed among XP, XP/CS, and TTD individuals.

Dynamic partnership between TFIIH, PGC-1α and SIRT1 is impaired in trichothiodystrophy

The expression of protein-coding genes requires the selective role of many transcription factors, whose coordinated actions remain poorly understood. To further grasp the molecular mechanisms that govern transcription, we focused our attention on the general transcription factor TFIIH, which gives rise, once mutated, to Trichothiodystrophy (TTD), a rare autosomal premature-ageing disease causing inter alia, metabolic dysfunctions. Since this syndrome could be connected to transcriptional defects, we investigated the ability of a TTD mouse model to cope with food deprivation, knowing that energy homeostasis during fasting involves an accurate regulation of the gluconeogenic genes in the liver. Abnormal amounts of gluconeogenic enzymes were thus observed in TTD hepatic parenchyma, which was related to the dysregulation of the corresponding genes. Strikingly, such gene expression defects resulted from the inability of PGC1-α to fulfill its role of coactivator. Indeed, extensive molecular analyses unveiled that wild-type TFIIH cooperated in an ATP-dependent manner with PGC1-α as well as with the deacetylase SIRT1, thereby contributing to the PGC1-α deacetylation by SIRT1. Such dynamic partnership was, however, impaired when TFIIH was mutated, having as a consequence the disruption of PGC1-α recruitment to the promoter of target genes. Therefore, besides a better understanding of the etiology of TFIIH-related disease, our results shed light on the synergistic relationship that exist between different types of transcription factors, which is necessary to properly regulate the expression of protein coding genes.

In eukaryotes, the expression of genes encoding proteins requires the action of hundreds of factors, together with the RNA polymerase II. While these factors are timely and selectively required for the expression of a given gene, little is known about their partnership upon gene expression. Our results reveal a cooperation between different types of transcription factors, namely the general transcription factor TFIIH, the cofactor PGC-1α and the deacetylase SIRT1. Such partnership is however impaired when TFIIH is mutated, as observed in Trichothiodystrophy patients that develop premature ageing. These results thus shed light on the coordinated action of factors during transcription and allow us to better understand molecular deficiencies observed in many human diseases.

UVB induces a genome-wide acting negative regulatory mechanism that operates at the level of transcription initiation in human cells

Faithful transcription of DNA is constantly threatened by different endogenous and environmental genotoxic effects. Transcription coupled repair (TCR) has been described to stop transcription and quickly remove DNA lesions from the transcribed strand of active genes, permitting rapid resumption of blocked transcription. This repair mechanism has been well characterized in the past using individual target genes. Moreover, numerous efforts investigated the fate of blocked RNA polymerase II (Pol II) during DNA repair mechanisms and suggested that stopped Pol II complexes can either backtrack, be removed and degraded or bypass the lesions to allow TCR. We investigated the effect of a non-lethal dose of UVB on global DNA-bound Pol II distribution in human cells. We found that the used UVB dose did not induce Pol II degradation however surprisingly at about 93% of the promoters of all expressed genes Pol II occupancy was seriously reduced 2-4 hours following UVB irradiation. The presence of Pol II at these cleared promoters was restored 5-6 hours after irradiation, indicating that the negative regulation is very dynamic. We also identified a small set of genes (including several p53 regulated genes), where the UVB-induced Pol II clearing did not operate. Interestingly, at promoters, where Pol II promoter clearance occurs, TFIIH, but not TBP, follows the behavior of Pol II, suggesting that at these genes upon UVB treatment TFIIH is sequestered for DNA repair by the TCR machinery. In agreement, in cells where the TCR factor, the Cockayne Syndrome B protein, was depleted UVB did not induce Pol II and TFIIH clearance at promoters. Thus, our study reveals a UVB induced negative regulatory mechanism that targets Pol II transcription initiation on the large majority of transcribed gene promoters, and a small subset of genes, where Pol II escapes this negative regulation.

Erk1/2 activity promotes chromatin features and RNAPII phosphorylation at developmental promoters in mouse ESCs

Erk1/2 activation contributes to mouse ES cell pluripotency. We found a direct role of Erk1/2 in modulating chromatin features required for regulated developmental gene expression. Erk2 binds to specific DNA sequence motifs typically accessed by Jarid2 and PRC2. Negating Erk1/2 activation leads to increased nucleosome occupancy and decreased occupancy of PRC2 and poised RNAPII at Erk2-PRC2-targeted developmental genes. Surprisingly, Erk2-PRC2-targeted genes are specifically devoid of TFIIH, known to phosphorylate RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) at serine-5, giving rise to its initiated form. Erk2 interacts with and phosphorylates RNAPII at its serine 5 residue, which is consistent with the presence of poised RNAPII as a function of Erk1/2 activation. These findings underscore a key role for Erk1/2 activation in promoting the primed status of developmental genes in mouse ES cells and suggest that the transcription complex at developmental genes is different than the complexes formed at other genes, offering alternative pathways of regulation.

Acetylation of RNA polymerase II regulates growth-factor-induced gene transcription in mammalian cells

Lysine acetylation regulates transcription by targeting histones and nonhistone proteins. Here we report that the central regulator of transcription, RNA polymerase II, is subject to acetylation in mammalian cells. Acetylation occurs at eight lysines within the C-terminal domain (CTD) of the largest polymerase subunit and is mediated by p300/KAT3B. CTD acetylation is specifically enriched downstream of the transcription start sites of polymerase-occupied genes genome-wide, indicating a role in early stages of transcription initiation or elongation. Mutation of lysines or p300 inhibitor treatment causes the loss of epidermal growth-factor-induced expression of c-Fos and Egr2, immediate-early genes with promoter-proximally paused polymerases, but does not affect expression or polymerase occupancy at housekeeping genes. Our studies identify acetylation as a new modification of the mammalian RNA polymerase II required for the induction of growth factor response genes.

Cross-talk of phosphorylation and prolyl isomerization of the C-terminal domain of RNA Polymerase II

Post-translational modifications of the heptad repeat sequences in the C-terminal domain (CTD) of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) are well recognized for their roles in coordinating transcription with other nuclear processes that impinge upon transcription by the Pol II machinery; and this is primarily achieved through CTD interactions with the various nuclear factors. The identification of novel modifications on new regulatory sites of the CTD suggests that, instead of an independent action for all modifications on CTD, a combinatorial effect is in operation. In this review we focus on two well-characterized modifications of the CTD, namely serine phosphorylation and prolyl isomerization, and discuss the complex interplay between the enzymes modifying their respective regulatory sites. We summarize the current understanding of how the prolyl isomerization state of the CTD dictates the specificity of writers (CTD kinases), erasers (CTD phosphatases) and readers (CTD binding proteins) and how that correlates to transcription status. Subtle changes in prolyl isomerization states cannot be detected at the primary sequence level, we describe the methods that have been utilized to investigate this mode of regulation. Finally, a general model of how prolyl isomerization regulates the phosphorylation state of CTD, and therefore transcription-coupled processes, is proposed.

Temporal association of herpes simplex virus ICP4 with cellular complexes functioning at multiple steps in PolII transcription

The herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) immediate early protein, ICP4, participates in the regulation of viral gene expression by both activating and repressing RNA polII transcription. We used affinity purification of ICP4 expressed in infected cells followed by mass spectrometry and western blot analysis to determine the composition of cellular complexes associated with ICP4 throughout infection. ICP4 was associated with TFIID complexes containing a distinct set of TAFs. These complexes were most abundant early, but were detected throughout infection, whereas Mediator was found in ICP4 containing complexes later in infection, indicating a temporal pattern for the utilization of these complexes for the transcription of the viral genome. The form of Mediator copurifying with ICP4 was enriched for the kinase domain and also lacked the activator-specific component, Med26, suggesting that Mediator-ICP4 interactions may be involved in repression of viral transcription. The N-terminal 774 amino acids of ICP4, which retains partial function, were sufficient to form complexes with TFIID and Mediator, although these interactions were not as strong as with full-length ICP4. Additionally, components involved in transcription elongation, chromatin remodeling, and mRNA processing were isolated with ICP4. Together our data indicate that ICP4 plays a more integrated role in mediating HSV transcription, possibly affecting multiple steps in transcription and gene expression.

Modulation of the transcriptional activity of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma by protein-protein interactions and post-translational modifications

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) belongs to a nuclear receptor superfamily; members of which play key roles in the control of body metabolism principally by acting on adipose tissue. Ligands of PPARγ, such as thiazolidinediones, are widely used in the treatment of metabolic syndromes and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Although these drugs have potential benefits in the treatment of T2DM, they also cause unwanted side effects. Thus, understanding the molecular mechanisms governing the transcriptional activity of PPARγ is of prime importance in the development of new selective drugs or drugs with fewer side effects. Recent advancements in molecular biology have made it possible to obtain a deeper understanding of the role of PPARγ in body homeostasis. The transcriptional activity of PPARγ is subject to regulation either by interacting proteins or by modification of the protein itself. New interacting partners of PPARγ with new functions are being unveiled. In addition, post-translational modification by various cellular signals contributes to fine-tuning of the transcriptional activities of PPARγ. In this review, we will summarize recent advancements in our understanding of the post-translational modifications of, and proteins interacting with, PPARγ, both of which affect its transcriptional activities in relation to adipogenesis.

Cockayne syndrome group B (CSB) protein: at the crossroads of transcriptional networks

Cockayne syndrome (CS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by a variety of growth and developmental defects, photosensitivity, cachectic dwarfism, hearing loss, skeletal abnormalities, progressive neurological degeneration, and premature aging. CS arises due to mutations in the CSA and CSB genes. Both gene products are required for the transcription-coupled (TC) branch of the nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway, however, the severe phenotype of CS patients is hard to reconcile with a sole defect in TC-NER. Studies using cells from patients and mouse models have shown that the CSB protein is involved in a variety of cellular pathways and plays a major role in the cellular response to stress. CSB has been shown to regulate processes such as the transcriptional recovery after DNA damage, the p53 transcriptional response, the response to hypoxia, the response to insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), transactivation of nuclear receptors, transcription of housekeeping genes and the transcription of rDNA. Some of these processes are also affected in combined XP/CS patients. These new advances in the function(s) of CSB shed light onto the etiology of the clinical features observed in CS patients and could potentially open therapeutic avenues for these patients in the future. Moreover, the study of CS could further our knowledge of the aging process.

Cyclin-dependent kinase modulators and cancer therapy

The cell cycle of eukaryotic cells varies greatly from species to species and tissue to tissue. Since an erroneous control of the cell cycle can have disastrous consequences for cellular life, there are genetically programmed signals, so-called cell cycle checkpoints, which ensure that all events of each stage are completed before beginning the next phase. Among the numerous molecules involved in this process, the most important are the cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), proteins that are activated only when bound to cyclins (regulatory proteins with fluctuating concentrations). In general, more CDKs are overexpressed in cancer cells than in normal cells, which explains why cancer cells divide uncontrollably. Succeeding in modulating CDK activity with pharmacological agents could result in decreasing the abnormal proliferation rate of cancer cells. This review offers an overview of CDK-cyclin complexes in relation to different cell cycle phases, an analysis of CDK activation and inhibition of molecular mechanisms, and an extensive report, including clinical trials, regarding four new drugs acting as CDK modulators: alvocidib, P276-00, SNS-032 and seliciclib.

Cyclin-dependent kinase modulators and cancer therapy

The cell cycle of eukaryotic cells varies greatly from species to species and tissue to tissue. Since an erroneous control of the cell cycle can have disastrous consequences for cellular life, there are genetically programmed signals, so-called cell cycle checkpoints, which ensure that all events of each stage are completed before beginning the next phase. Among the numerous molecules involved in this process, the most important are the cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), proteins that are activated only when bound to cyclins (regulatory proteins with fluctuating concentrations). In general, more CDKs are overexpressed in cancer cells than in normal cells, which explains why cancer cells divide uncontrollably. Succeeding in modulating CDK activity with pharmacological agents could result in decreasing the abnormal proliferation rate of cancer cells. This review offers an overview of CDK-cyclin complexes in relation to different cell cycle phases, an analysis of CDK activation and inhibition of molecular mechanisms, and an extensive report, including clinical trials, regarding four new drugs acting as CDK modulators: alvocidib, P276-00, SNS-032 and seliciclib.

Transcription factor Sp3 represses expression of p21CIP¹ via inhibition of productive elongation by RNA polymerase II

Like that of many protein-coding genes, expression of the p21(CIP1) cell cycle inhibitor is regulated at the level of transcription elongation. While many transcriptional activators have been shown to stimulate elongation, the mechanisms by which promoter-specific repressors regulate pausing and elongation by RNA polymerase II (RNA PolII) are not well described. Here we report that the transcription factor Sp3 inhibits basal p21(CIP1) gene expression by promoter-bound RNA PolII. Knockdown of Sp3 led to increased p21(CIP1) mRNA levels and reduced occupancy of the negative elongation factor (NELF) at the p21(CIP1) promoter, although the level of binding of the positive transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb) kinase was not increased. Sp3 depletion correlated with increased H3K36me3 and H2Bub1, two histone modifications associated with transcription elongation. Further, Sp3 was shown to promote the binding of protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) to the p21(CIP1) promoter, leading to reduced H3S10 phosphorylation, a finding consistent with Sp3-dependent regulation of the local balance between kinase and phosphatase activities. Analysis of other targets of Sp3-mediated repression suggests that, in addition to previously described SUMO modification-dependent chromatin-silencing mechanisms, inhibition of the transition of paused RNA PolII to productive elongation, described here for p21(CIP1), is a general mechanism by which transcription factor Sp3 fine-tunes gene expression.

ARCH domain of XPD, an anchoring platform for CAK that conditions TFIIH DNA repair and transcription activities

The xeroderma pigmentosum group D (XPD) helicase is a subunit of transcription/DNA repair factor, transcription factor II H (TFIIH) that catalyzes the unwinding of a damaged DNA duplex during nucleotide excision repair. Apart from two canonical helicase domains, XPD is composed of a 4Fe-S cluster domain involved in DNA damage recognition and a module of uncharacterized function termed the "ARCH domain." By investigating the consequences of a mutation found in a patient with trichothiodystrophy, we show that the ARCH domain is critical for the recruitment of the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)-activating kinase (CAK) complex. Indeed, this mutation not only affects the interaction with the MAT1 CAK subunit, thereby decreasing the in vitro basal transcription activity of TFIIH itself and impeding the efficient recruitment of the transcription machinery on the promoter of an activated gene, but also impairs the DNA unwinding activity of XPD and the nucleotide excision repair activity of TFIIH. We further demonstrate the role of CAK in downregulating the XPD helicase activity within TFIIH. Taken together, our results identify the ARCH domain of XPD as a platform for the recruitment of CAK and as a potential molecular switch that might control TFIIH composition and play a key role in the conversion of TFIIH from a factor active in transcription to a factor involved in DNA repair.