1
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Palo MZ, Zhu J, Mishanina TV, Landick R. Conserved Trigger Loop Histidine of RNA Polymerase II Functions as a Positional Catalyst Primarily through Steric Effects. Biochemistry 2021; 60:3323-3336. [PMID: 34705427 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.1c00528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In all domains of life, multisubunit RNA polymerases (RNAPs) catalyze both the extension of mRNA transcripts by nucleotide addition and the hydrolysis of RNA, which enables proofreading by removal of misincorporated nucleotides. A highly conserved catalytic module within RNAPs called the trigger loop (TL) functions as the key controller of these activities. The TL is proposed to act as a positional catalyst of phosphoryl transfer and transcript cleavage via electrostatic and steric contacts with substrates in its folded helical form. The function of a near-universally conserved TL histidine that contacts NTP phosphates is of particular interest. Despite its exceptional conservation, substitutions of the TL His with Gln support efficient catalysis in bacterial and yeast RNAPs. Unlike bacterial TLs, which contain a nearby Arg, the TL His is the only acid-base catalyst candidate in the eukaryotic RNAPII TL. Nonetheless, replacement of the TL His with Leu is reported to support cell growth in yeast, suggesting that even hydrogen bonding and polarity at this position may be dispensable for efficient catalysis by RNAPII. To test how a TL His-to-Leu substitution affects the enzymatic functions of RNAPII, we compared its rates of nucleotide addition, pyrophosphorolysis, and RNA hydrolysis to those of the wild-type RNAPII enzyme. The His-to-Leu substitution slightly reduced rates of phosphoryl transfer with little if any effect on intrinsic transcript cleavage. These findings indicate that the highly conserved TL His is neither an obligate acid-base catalyst nor a polar contact for NTP phosphates but instead functions as a positional catalyst mainly through steric effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Z Palo
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Junqiao Zhu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Tatiana V Mishanina
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Robert Landick
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States.,Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
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2
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Inorganic phosphate, arsenate, and vanadate enhance exonuclease transcript cleavage by RNA polymerase by 2000-fold. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:2746-2751. [PMID: 29483274 PMCID: PMC5856549 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1720370115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Inorganic Pi is involved in all major biochemical pathways. Here we describe a previously unreported activity of Pi We show that Pi and its structural mimics, vanadate and arsenate, enhance nascent transcript cleavage by RNA polymerase (RNAP). They engage an Mg2+ ion in catalysis and activate an attacking water molecule. Pi, vanadate, and arsenate stimulate the intrinsic exonuclease activity of the enzyme nearly 2,000-fold at saturating concentrations of the reactant anions and Mg2+ This enhancement is comparable to that of specialized transcript cleavage protein factors Gre and TFIIS (3,000- to 4,000-fold). Unlike these protein factors, Pi and its analogs do not stimulate endonuclease transcript cleavage. Conversely, the protein factors only marginally enhance exonucleolytic cleavage. Pi thus complements cellular protein factors in assisting hydrolytic RNA cleavage by extending the repertoire of RNAP transcript degradation modes.
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3
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Lukačišin M, Landon M, Jajoo R. Sequence-specific thermodynamic properties of nucleic acids influence both transcriptional pausing and backtracking in yeast. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0174066. [PMID: 28301878 PMCID: PMC5354634 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0174066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA Polymerase II pauses and backtracks during transcription, with many consequences for gene expression and cellular physiology. Here, we show that the energy required to melt double-stranded nucleic acids in the transcription bubble predicts pausing in Saccharomyces cerevisiae far more accurately than nucleosome roadblocks do. In addition, the same energy difference also determines when the RNA polymerase backtracks instead of continuing to move forward. This data-driven model corroborates—in a genome wide and quantitative manner—previous evidence that sequence-dependent thermodynamic features of nucleic acids influence both transcriptional pausing and backtracking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Lukačišin
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
- IST Austria, Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Matthieu Landon
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Ecole des Mines de Paris, Mines Paristech, Paris, France
| | - Rishi Jajoo
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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4
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Čabart P, Jin H, Li L, Kaplan CD. Activation and reactivation of the RNA polymerase II trigger loop for intrinsic RNA cleavage and catalysis. Transcription 2015; 5:e28869. [PMID: 25764335 PMCID: PMC4574878 DOI: 10.4161/trns.28869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In addition to RNA synthesis, multisubunit RNA polymerases (msRNAPs) support enzymatic reactions such as intrinsic transcript cleavage. msRNAP active sites from different species appear to exhibit differential intrinsic transcript cleavage efficiency and have likely evolved to allow fine-tuning of the transcription process. Here we show that a single amino-acid substitution in the trigger loop (TL) of Saccharomyces RNAP II, Rpb1 H1085Y, engenders a gain of intrinsic cleavage activity where the substituted tyrosine appears to participate in acid-base chemistry at alkaline pH for both intrinsic cleavage and nucleotidyl transfer. We extensively characterize this TL substitution for each of these reactions by examining the responses RNAP II enzymes to catalytic metals, altered pH, and factor inputs. We demonstrate that TFIIF stimulation of the first phosphodiester bond formation by RNAP II requires wild type TL function and that H1085Y substitution within the TL compromises or alters RNAP II responsiveness to both TFIIB and TFIIF. Finally, Mn(2+) stimulation of H1085Y RNAP II reveals possible allosteric effects of TFIIB on the active center and cooperation between TFIIB and TFIIF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel Čabart
- a Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics; Texas A&M University; College Station, TX
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5
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Xu L, Wang W, Chong J, Shin JH, Xu J, Wang D. RNA polymerase II transcriptional fidelity control and its functional interplay with DNA modifications. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2015; 50:503-19. [PMID: 26392149 DOI: 10.3109/10409238.2015.1087960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Accurate genetic information transfer is essential for life. As a key enzyme involved in the first step of gene expression, RNA polymerase II (Pol II) must maintain high transcriptional fidelity while it reads along DNA template and synthesizes RNA transcript in a stepwise manner during transcription elongation. DNA lesions or modifications may lead to significant changes in transcriptional fidelity or transcription elongation dynamics. In this review, we will summarize recent progress toward understanding the molecular basis of RNA Pol II transcriptional fidelity control and impacts of DNA lesions and modifications on Pol II transcription elongation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Xu
- a Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of California San Diego , La Jolla , CA , USA
| | - Wei Wang
- a Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of California San Diego , La Jolla , CA , USA
| | - Jenny Chong
- a Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of California San Diego , La Jolla , CA , USA
| | - Ji Hyun Shin
- a Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of California San Diego , La Jolla , CA , USA
| | - Jun Xu
- a Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of California San Diego , La Jolla , CA , USA
| | - Dong Wang
- a Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of California San Diego , La Jolla , CA , USA
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6
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Xu L, Da L, Plouffe SW, Chong J, Kool E, Wang D. Molecular basis of transcriptional fidelity and DNA lesion-induced transcriptional mutagenesis. DNA Repair (Amst) 2014; 19:71-83. [PMID: 24767259 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2014.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Maintaining high transcriptional fidelity is essential for life. Some DNA lesions lead to significant changes in transcriptional fidelity. In this review, we will summarize recent progress towards understanding the molecular basis of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) transcriptional fidelity and DNA lesion-induced transcriptional mutagenesis. In particular, we will focus on the three key checkpoint steps of controlling Pol II transcriptional fidelity: insertion (specific nucleotide selection and incorporation), extension (differentiation of RNA transcript extension of a matched over mismatched 3'-RNA terminus), and proofreading (preferential removal of misincorporated nucleotides from the 3'-RNA end). We will also discuss some novel insights into the molecular basis and chemical perspectives of controlling Pol II transcriptional fidelity through structural, computational, and chemical biology approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Xu
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0625, United States
| | - Linati Da
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0625, United States
| | - Steven W Plouffe
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0625, United States
| | - Jenny Chong
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0625, United States
| | - Eric Kool
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305-5080, United States.
| | - Dong Wang
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0625, United States.
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7
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Knippa K, Peterson DO. Fidelity of RNA Polymerase II Transcription: Role of Rbp9 in Error Detection and Proofreading. Biochemistry 2013; 52:7807-17. [DOI: 10.1021/bi4009566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Knippa
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-2128, United States
| | - David O. Peterson
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-2128, United States
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8
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Sosunova E, Sosunov V, Epshtein V, Nikiforov V, Mustaev A. Control of transcriptional fidelity by active center tuning as derived from RNA polymerase endonuclease reaction. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:6688-703. [PMID: 23283976 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.424002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Precise transcription by cellular RNA polymerase requires the efficient removal of noncognate nucleotide residues that are occasionally incorporated. Mis-incorporation causes the transcription elongation complex to backtrack, releasing a single strand 3'-RNA segment bearing a noncognate residue, which is hydrolyzed by the active center that carries two Mg(2+) ions. However, in most x-ray structures only one Mg(2+) is present. This Mg(2+) is tightly bound to the active center aspartates, creating an inactive stable state. The first residue of the single strand RNA segment in the backtracked transcription elongation complex strongly promotes transcript hydrolytic cleavage by establishing a network of interactions that force a shift of stably bound Mg(2+) to release some of its aspartate coordination valences for binding to the second Mg(2+) thus enabling catalysis. Such a rearrangement that we call active center tuning (ACT) occurs when all recognition contacts of the active center-bound RNA segment are established and verified by tolerance to stress. Transcription factor Gre builds on the ACT mechanism in the same reaction by increasing the retention of the second Mg(2+) and by activating the attacking water, causing 3000-4000-fold reaction acceleration and strongly reinforcing proofreading. The unified mechanism for RNA synthesis and degradation by RNA polymerase predicts that ACT also executes NTP selection thereby contributing to high transcription fidelity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Sosunova
- Public Health Research Institute Center, New Jersey Medical School, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey 07103, USA
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9
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Kaplan CD. Basic mechanisms of RNA polymerase II activity and alteration of gene expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2012; 1829:39-54. [PMID: 23022618 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2012.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2012] [Revised: 09/18/2012] [Accepted: 09/20/2012] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Transcription by RNA polymerase II (Pol II), and all RNA polymerases for that matter, may be understood as comprising two cycles. The first cycle relates to the basic mechanism of the transcription process wherein Pol II must select the appropriate nucleoside triphosphate (NTP) substrate complementary to the DNA template, catalyze phosphodiester bond formation, and translocate to the next position on the DNA template. Performing this cycle in an iterative fashion allows the synthesis of RNA chains that can be over one million nucleotides in length in some larger eukaryotes. Overlaid upon this enzymatic cycle, transcription may be divided into another cycle of three phases: initiation, elongation, and termination. Each of these phases has a large number of associated transcription factors that function to promote or regulate the gene expression process. Complicating matters, each phase of the latter transcription cycle are coincident with cotranscriptional RNA processing events. Additionally, transcription takes place within a highly dynamic and regulated chromatin environment. This chromatin environment is radically impacted by active transcription and associated chromatin modifications and remodeling, while also functioning as a major platform for Pol II regulation. This review will focus on our basic knowledge of the Pol II transcription mechanism, and how altered Pol II activity impacts gene expression in vivo in the model eukaryote Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: RNA Polymerase II Transcript Elongation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig D Kaplan
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-2128, USA.
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10
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Hartzog GA, Fu J. The Spt4-Spt5 complex: a multi-faceted regulator of transcription elongation. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2012; 1829:105-15. [PMID: 22982195 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2012.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2012] [Revised: 08/21/2012] [Accepted: 08/29/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
In all domains of life, elongating RNA polymerases require the assistance of accessory factors to maintain their processivity and regulate their rate. Among these elongation factors, the Spt5/NusG factors stand out. Members of this protein family appear to be the only transcription accessory proteins that are universally conserved across all domains of life. In archaea and eukaryotes, Spt5 associates with a second protein, Spt4. In addition to regulating elongation, the eukaryotic Spt4-Spt5 complex appears to couple chromatin modification states and RNA processing to transcription elongation. This review discusses the experimental bases for our current understanding of Spt4-Spt5 function and recent studies that are beginning to elucidate the structure of Spt4-Spt5/RNA polymerase complexes and mechanism of Spt4-Spt5 action. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: RNA polymerase II Transcript Elongation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant A Hartzog
- Department of MCD Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA.
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11
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Kellinger MW, Ulrich S, Chong J, Kool ET, Wang D. Dissecting chemical interactions governing RNA polymerase II transcriptional fidelity. J Am Chem Soc 2012; 134:8231-40. [PMID: 22509745 DOI: 10.1021/ja302077d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Maintaining high transcriptional fidelity is essential to life. For all eukaryotic organisms, RNA polymerase II (Pol II) is responsible for messenger RNA synthesis from the DNA template. Three key checkpoint steps are important in controlling Pol II transcriptional fidelity: nucleotide selection and incorporation, RNA transcript extension, and proofreading. Some types of DNA damage significantly reduce transcriptional fidelity. However, the chemical interactions governing each individual checkpoint step of Pol II transcriptional fidelity and the molecular basis of how subtle DNA base damage leads to significant losses of transcriptional fidelity are not fully understood. Here we use a series of "hydrogen bond deficient" nucleoside analogues to dissect chemical interactions governing Pol II transcriptional fidelity. We find that whereas hydrogen bonds between a Watson-Crick base pair of template DNA and incoming NTP are critical for efficient incorporation, they are not required for efficient transcript extension from this matched 3'-RNA end. In sharp contrast, the fidelity of extension is strongly dependent on the discrimination of an incorrect pattern of hydrogen bonds. We show that U:T wobble base interactions are critical to prevent extension of this mismatch by Pol II. Additionally, both hydrogen bonding and base stacking play important roles in controlling Pol II proofreading activity. Strong base stacking at the 3'-RNA terminus can compensate for loss of hydrogen bonds. Finally, we show that Pol II can distinguish very subtle size differences in template bases. The current work provides the first systematic evaluation of electrostatic and steric effects in controlling Pol II transcriptional fidelity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W Kellinger
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0625, United States
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12
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Gómez-Herreros F, de Miguel-Jiménez L, Morillo-Huesca M, Delgado-Ramos L, Muñoz-Centeno MC, Chávez S. TFIIS is required for the balanced expression of the genes encoding ribosomal components under transcriptional stress. Nucleic Acids Res 2012; 40:6508-19. [PMID: 22544605 PMCID: PMC3413141 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gks340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription factor IIS (TFIIS) stimulates RNA cleavage by RNA polymerase II by allowing backtracked enzymes to resume transcription elongation. Yeast cells do not require TFIIS for viability, unless they suffer severe transcriptional stress due to NTP-depleting drugs like 6-azauracil or mycophenolic acid. In order to broaden our knowledge on the role of TFIIS under transcriptional stress, we carried out a genetic screening for suppressors of TFIIS-lacking cells’ sensitivity to 6-azauracil and mycophenolic acid. Five suppressors were identified, four of which were related to the transcriptional regulation of those genes encoding ribosomal components [rRNAs and ribosomal proteins (RP)], including global regulator SFP1. This led us to discover that RNA polymerase II is hypersensitive to the absence of TFIIS under NTP scarcity conditions when transcribing RP genes. The absence of Sfp1 led to a profound alteration of the transcriptional response to NTP-depletion, thus allowing the expression of RP genes to resist these stressful conditions in the absence of TFIIS. We discuss the effect of transcriptional stress on ribosome biogenesis and propose that TFIIS contributes to prevent a transcriptional imbalance between rDNA and RP genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Gómez-Herreros
- Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Avda Reina Mercedes 6. E-41012 Seville, Spain
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13
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Cheung ACM, Cramer P. Structural basis of RNA polymerase II backtracking, arrest and reactivation. Nature 2011; 471:249-53. [PMID: 21346759 DOI: 10.1038/nature09785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 271] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2010] [Accepted: 12/23/2010] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
During gene transcription, RNA polymerase (Pol) II moves forwards along DNA and synthesizes messenger RNA. However, at certain DNA sequences, Pol II moves backwards, and such backtracking can arrest transcription. Arrested Pol II is reactivated by transcription factor IIS (TFIIS), which induces RNA cleavage that is required for cell viability. Pol II arrest and reactivation are involved in transcription through nucleosomes and in promoter-proximal gene regulation. Here we present X-ray structures at 3.3 Å resolution of an arrested Saccharomyces cerevisiae Pol II complex with DNA and RNA, and of a reactivation intermediate that additionally contains TFIIS. In the arrested complex, eight nucleotides of backtracked RNA bind a conserved 'backtrack site' in the Pol II pore and funnel, trapping the active centre trigger loop and inhibiting mRNA elongation. In the reactivation intermediate, TFIIS locks the trigger loop away from backtracked RNA, displaces RNA from the backtrack site, and complements the polymerase active site with a basic and two acidic residues that may catalyse proton transfers during RNA cleavage. The active site is demarcated from the backtrack site by a 'gating tyrosine' residue that probably delimits backtracking. These results establish the structural basis of Pol II backtracking, arrest and reactivation, and provide a framework for analysing gene regulation during transcription elongation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan C M Cheung
- Department of Biochemistry, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 25, 81377 Munich, Germany
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14
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Jin J, Bai L, Johnson DS, Fulbright RM, Kireeva ML, Kashlev M, Wang MD. Synergistic action of RNA polymerases in overcoming the nucleosomal barrier. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2010; 17:745-52. [PMID: 20453861 PMCID: PMC2938954 DOI: 10.1038/nsmb.1798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2009] [Accepted: 03/05/2010] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
During gene expression, RNA polymerase (RNAP) encounters a major barrier at a nucleosome and yet must access the nucleosomal DNA. Previous in vivo evidence has suggested that multiple RNAPs might increase transcription efficiency through nucleosomes. Here we have quantitatively investigated this hypothesis using Escherichia coli RNAP as a model system by directly monitoring its location on the DNA via a single-molecule DNA-unzipping technique. When an RNAP encountered a nucleosome, it paused with a distinctive 10-base pair periodicity and backtracked by approximately 10-15 base pairs. When two RNAPs elongate in close proximity, the trailing RNAP apparently assists in the leading RNAP's elongation, reducing its backtracking and enhancing its transcription through a nucleosome by a factor of 5. Taken together, our data indicate that histone-DNA interactions dictate RNAP pausing behavior, and alleviation of nucleosome-induced backtracking by multiple polymerases may prove to be a mechanism for overcoming the nucleosomal barrier in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Jin
- Department of Physics, Laboratory of Atomic and Solid State Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
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15
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Stepanova E, Wang M, Severinov K, Borukhov S. Early transcriptional arrest at Escherichia coli rplN and ompX promoters. J Biol Chem 2010; 284:35702-13. [PMID: 19854830 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m109.053983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial transcription elongation factors GreA and GreB stimulate the intrinsic RNase activity of RNA polymerase (RNAP), thus helping the enzyme to read through pausing and arresting sites on DNA. Gre factors also accelerate RNAP transition from initiation to elongation. Here, we characterized the molecular mechanism by which Gre factors facilitate transcription at two Escherichia coli promoters, PrplN and PompX, that require GreA for optimal in vivo activity. Using in vitro transcription assays, KMnO(4) footprinting, and Fe(2+)-induced hydroxyl radical mapping, we show that during transcription initiation at PrplN and PompX in the absence of Gre factors, RNAP falls into a condition of promoter-proximal transcriptional arrest that prevents production of full-length transcripts both in vitro and in vivo. Arrest occurs when RNAP synthesizes 9-14-nucleotide-long transcripts and backtracks by 5-7 (PrplN) or 2-4 (PompX) nucleotides. Initiation factor sigma(70) contributes to the formation of arrested complexes at both promoters. The signal for promoter-proximal arrest at PrplN is bipartite and requires two elements: the extended -10 promoter element and the initial transcribed region from positions +2 to +6. GreA and GreB prevent arrest at PrplN and PompX by inducing cleavage of the 3'-proximal backtracked portion of RNA at the onset of arrested complex formation and stimulate productive transcription by allowing RNAP to elongate the 5'-proximal transcript cleavage products in the presence of substrates. We propose that promoter-proximal arrest is a common feature of many bacterial promoters and may represent an important physiological target of regulation by transcript cleavage factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Stepanova
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Osteopathic Medicine at Stratford, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Stratford, New Jersey 08084, USA
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16
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Taft RJ, Glazov EA, Cloonan N, Simons C, Stephen S, Faulkner GJ, Lassmann T, Forrest ARR, Grimmond SM, Schroder K, Irvine K, Arakawa T, Nakamura M, Kubosaki A, Hayashida K, Kawazu C, Murata M, Nishiyori H, Fukuda S, Kawai J, Daub CO, Hume DA, Suzuki H, Orlando V, Carninci P, Hayashizaki Y, Mattick JS. Tiny RNAs associated with transcription start sites in animals. Nat Genet 2009; 41:572-8. [PMID: 19377478 DOI: 10.1038/ng.312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 262] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2008] [Accepted: 12/06/2008] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
It has been reported that relatively short RNAs of heterogeneous sizes are derived from sequences near the promoters of eukaryotic genes. In conjunction with the FANTOM4 project, we have identified tiny RNAs with a modal length of 18 nt that map within -60 to +120 nt of transcription start sites (TSSs) in human, chicken and Drosophila. These transcription initiation RNAs (tiRNAs) are derived from sequences on the same strand as the TSS and are preferentially associated with G+C-rich promoters. The 5' ends of tiRNAs show peak density 10-30 nt downstream of TSSs, indicating that they are processed. tiRNAs are generally, although not exclusively, associated with highly expressed transcripts and sites of RNA polymerase II binding. We suggest that tiRNAs may be a general feature of transcription in metazoa and possibly all eukaryotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J Taft
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia
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17
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Kuhn CD, Geiger SR, Baumli S, Gartmann M, Gerber J, Jennebach S, Mielke T, Tschochner H, Beckmann R, Cramer P. Functional architecture of RNA polymerase I. Cell 2008; 131:1260-72. [PMID: 18160037 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2007.10.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2007] [Revised: 10/02/2007] [Accepted: 10/26/2007] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Synthesis of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) by RNA polymerase (Pol) I is the first step in ribosome biogenesis and a regulatory switch in eukaryotic cell growth. Here we report the 12 A cryo-electron microscopic structure for the complete 14-subunit yeast Pol I, a homology model for the core enzyme, and the crystal structure of the subcomplex A14/43. In the resulting hybrid structure of Pol I, A14/43, the clamp, and the dock domain contribute to a unique surface interacting with promoter-specific initiation factors. The Pol I-specific subunits A49 and A34.5 form a heterodimer near the enzyme funnel that acts as a built-in elongation factor and is related to the Pol II-associated factor TFIIF. In contrast to Pol II, Pol I has a strong intrinsic 3'-RNA cleavage activity, which requires the C-terminal domain of subunit A12.2 and, apparently, enables ribosomal RNA proofreading and 3'-end trimming.
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MESH Headings
- Binding Sites
- Cryoelectron Microscopy
- Crystallography, X-Ray
- DNA Polymerase I/chemistry
- DNA Polymerase I/genetics
- DNA Polymerase I/metabolism
- Models, Molecular
- Mutation
- Peptide Elongation Factors/chemistry
- Peptide Elongation Factors/metabolism
- Peptide Initiation Factors/chemistry
- Peptide Initiation Factors/metabolism
- Promoter Regions, Genetic
- Protein Conformation
- Protein Interaction Domains and Motifs
- Protein Interaction Mapping
- Protein Structure, Tertiary
- Protein Subunits
- RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional
- RNA, Ribosomal/genetics
- RNA, Ribosomal/metabolism
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae/enzymology
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae/genetics
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins/chemistry
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins/genetics
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins/metabolism
- Structure-Activity Relationship
- Transcription Factors, TFII/chemistry
- Transcription Factors, TFII/metabolism
- Transcription, Genetic
- Transcriptional Elongation Factors/chemistry
- Transcriptional Elongation Factors/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Claus-D Kuhn
- Gene Center Munich and Center for Integrated Protein Science CIPSM, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 25, 81377 Munich, Germany
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18
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Galburt EA, Grill SW, Wiedmann A, Lubkowska L, Choy J, Nogales E, Kashlev M, Bustamante C. Backtracking determines the force sensitivity of RNAP II in a factor-dependent manner. Nature 2007; 446:820-3. [PMID: 17361130 DOI: 10.1038/nature05701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 211] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2006] [Accepted: 02/23/2007] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
RNA polymerase II (RNAP II) is responsible for transcribing all messenger RNAs in eukaryotic cells during a highly regulated process that is conserved from yeast to human, and that serves as a central control point for cellular function. Here we investigate the transcription dynamics of single RNAP II molecules from Saccharomyces cerevisiae against force and in the presence and absence of TFIIS, a transcription elongation factor known to increase transcription through nucleosomal barriers. Using a single-molecule dual-trap optical-tweezers assay combined with a novel method to enrich for active complexes, we found that the response of RNAP II to a hindering force is entirely determined by enzyme backtracking. Surprisingly, RNAP II molecules ceased to transcribe and were unable to recover from backtracks at a force of 7.5 +/- 2 pN, only one-third of the force determined for Escherichia coli RNAP. We show that backtrack pause durations follow a t(-3/2) power law, implying that during backtracking RNAP II diffuses in discrete base-pair steps, and indicating that backtracks may account for most of RNAP II pauses. Significantly, addition of TFIIS rescued backtracked enzymes and allowed transcription to proceed up to a force of 16.9 +/- 3.4 pN. Taken together, these results describe a regulatory mechanism of transcription elongation in eukaryotes by which transcription factors modify the mechanical performance of RNAP II, allowing it to operate against higher loads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric A Galburt
- Physical Biosciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
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19
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Röther S, Clausing E, Kieser A, Strässer K. Swt1, a novel yeast protein, functions in transcription. J Biol Chem 2006; 281:36518-25. [PMID: 17030511 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m607510200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The conserved TREX complex couples transcription to nuclear mRNA export. Here, we report that the uncharacterized open reading frame YOR166c genetically interacts with TREX complex components and encodes a novel protein named Swt1 for "synthetically lethal with TREX." Co-immunoprecipitation experiments show that Swt1 also interacts with the TREX complex biochemically. Consistent with a potential role in transcription as suggested by its interaction with TREX, Swt1 localizes mainly to the nucleus. Importantly, deletion of Swt1 leads to decreased transcription. Taken together, these data suggest that Swt1 functions in gene expression in conjunction with the TREX complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Röther
- Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Feodor-Lynen-Strasse 25, 81377 Munich, Germany
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20
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McCullock S, Kinard T, McCullough L, Formosa T. blm3-1 Is an Allele of UBP3, a Ubiquitin Protease that Appears to Act During Transcription of Damaged DNA. J Mol Biol 2006; 363:660-72. [PMID: 16997324 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2006.08.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2006] [Revised: 08/05/2006] [Accepted: 08/25/2006] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Yeast Blm10 and mammalian PA200 proteins share significant sequence similarity and both cap the ends of 20 S proteasomes and enhance degradation of some peptide substrates. Blm10 was identified as a suppressor of the yeast blm3-1 mutation, and initially was thought to be the Blm3 protein. Both the blm3-1 and blm10-Delta mutations were reported to cause sensitivity to bleomycin and other forms of DNA damage, suggesting a role for Blm10/PA200-proteasome complexes in DNA repair. We have been unable to observe significant DNA damage sensitivity in blm10-Delta mutants in several genetic backgrounds, and we have therefore further investigated the relationship between BLM10 and blm3-1. We find that blm3-1 is a nonsense mutation in the ubiquitin protease gene UBP3. Deleting UBP3 causes phenotypes similar to those caused by blm3-1, but neither causes a general defect in DNA repair. Ubp3 has several known functions, and genetic interaction data presented here suggest an additional role in transcriptional elongation. The phenotypes caused by blm3-1 and ubp3-Delta mutations are not suppressed by over-expression of BLM10, nor are they affected by deletion of BLM10. These results remove key components of the previously reported connection between Blm10/PA200-proteasome complexes and DNA repair, and they suggest a novel way to interpret sensitivity to bleomycin as resulting from defects in transcription elongation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon McCullock
- University of Utah School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, 15 N Medical Drive East RM 4100, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-5640, USA
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21
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Nesser NK, Peterson DO, Hawley DK. RNA polymerase II subunit Rpb9 is important for transcriptional fidelity in vivo. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2006; 103:3268-73. [PMID: 16492753 PMCID: PMC1413937 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0511330103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The fidelity of yeast RNA polymerase II (Pol II) was assessed in vivo with an assay in which errors in transcription of can1-100, a nonsense allele of CAN1, result in enhanced sensitivity to the toxic arginine analog canavanine. The Pol II accessory factor TFIIS has been proposed to play a role in transcript editing by stimulating the intrinsic nuclease activity of the RNA polymerase. However, deletion of DST1, the gene encoding the yeast homolog of TFIIS, had only a small effect on transcriptional fidelity, as determined by this assay. In contrast, strains containing a deletion of RPB9, which encodes a small core subunit of Pol II, were found to engage in error-prone transcription. rpb9Delta strains also had increased steady-state levels of can1-100 mRNA, consistent with transcriptional errors that decrease the normal sensitivity of the can1-100 transcript to nonsense-mediated decay, a pathway that degrades mRNAs with premature stop codons. Sequences of cDNAs from rpb9Delta strains confirmed a significantly increased occurrence of transcriptional substitutions and insertions. These results suggest that Rpb9 plays an important role in maintaining transcriptional fidelity, whereas TFIIS may serve a different primary purpose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole K. Nesser
- *Department of Chemistry and Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403-1229; and
| | - David O. Peterson
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-2128
| | - Diane K. Hawley
- *Department of Chemistry and Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403-1229; and
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
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22
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Palangat M, Renner DB, Price DH, Landick R. A negative elongation factor for human RNA polymerase II inhibits the anti-arrest transcript-cleavage factor TFIIS. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2005; 102:15036-41. [PMID: 16214896 PMCID: PMC1257689 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0409405102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2004] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Formation of productive transcription complexes after promoter escape by RNA polymerase II is a major event in eukaryotic gene regulation. Both negative and positive factors control this step. The principal negative elongation factor (NELF) contains four polypeptides and requires for activity the two-polypeptide 5,6-dichloro-1-beta-D-ribobenzimidazole-sensitivity inducing factor (DSIF). DSIF/NELF inhibits early transcript elongation until it is counteracted by the positive elongation factor P-TEFb. We report a previously undescribed activity of DSIF/NELF, namely inhibition of the transcript cleavage factor TFIIS. These two activities of DSIF/NELF appear to be mechanistically distinct. Inhibition of nucleotide addition requires > or = 18 nt of nascent RNA, whereas inhibition of TFIIS occurs at all transcript lengths. Because TFIIS promotes escape from promoter-proximal pauses by stimulating cleavage of back-tracked nascent RNA, TFIIS inhibition may help DSIF/NELF negatively regulate productive transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murali Palangat
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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23
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Langelier MF, Baali D, Trinh V, Greenblatt J, Archambault J, Coulombe B. The highly conserved glutamic acid 791 of Rpb2 is involved in the binding of NTP and Mg(B) in the active center of human RNA polymerase II. Nucleic Acids Res 2005; 33:2629-39. [PMID: 15886393 PMCID: PMC1092279 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gki570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2005] [Revised: 04/21/2005] [Accepted: 04/21/2005] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
During transcription by RNA polymerase (RNAP) II, the incoming ribonucleoside triphosphate (NTP) enters the catalytic center in association with an Mg2+ ion, termed metal B [Mg(B)]. When bound to RNAP II, Mg(B) is coordinated by the beta and gamma phosphates of the NTP, Rpb1 residues D481 and D483 and Rpb2 residue D837. Rpb2 residue D837 is highly conserved across species. Notably, its neighboring residue, E836 (E791 in human RNAP II), is also highly conserved. To probe the role of E791 in transcription, we have affinity purified and characterized a human RNAP II mutant in which this residue was substituted for alanine. Our results indicate that the transcription activity of the Rpb2 E791A mutant is impaired at low NTP concentrations both in vitro and in vivo. They also revealed that both its NTP polymerization and transcript cleavage activities are decreased at low Mg concentrations. Because Rpb2 residue E791 appears to be located too far from the NTP-Mg(B) complex to make direct contact at either the entry (E) or addition (A) site, we propose alternative mechanisms by which this highly conserved residue participates in loading NTP-Mg(B) in the active site during transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-France Langelier
- Laboratory of Gene Transcription, Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal110 avenue des Pins Ouest, Montréal, Québec, Canada H2W 1R7
- Banting and Best Department of Medical Research, University of TorontoToronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1L6
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal110 avenue des Pins Ouest, Montréal, Québec, Canada H2W 1R7
| | - Dania Baali
- Laboratory of Gene Transcription, Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal110 avenue des Pins Ouest, Montréal, Québec, Canada H2W 1R7
- Banting and Best Department of Medical Research, University of TorontoToronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1L6
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal110 avenue des Pins Ouest, Montréal, Québec, Canada H2W 1R7
| | - Vincent Trinh
- Laboratory of Gene Transcription, Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal110 avenue des Pins Ouest, Montréal, Québec, Canada H2W 1R7
- Banting and Best Department of Medical Research, University of TorontoToronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1L6
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal110 avenue des Pins Ouest, Montréal, Québec, Canada H2W 1R7
| | - Jack Greenblatt
- Banting and Best Department of Medical Research, University of TorontoToronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1L6
| | - Jacques Archambault
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal110 avenue des Pins Ouest, Montréal, Québec, Canada H2W 1R7
| | - Benoit Coulombe
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +1 514 987 5662; Fax: +1 514 987 5663;
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24
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Malagon F, Tong AH, Shafer BK, Strathern JN. Genetic interactions of DST1 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae suggest a role of TFIIS in the initiation-elongation transition. Genetics 2004; 166:1215-27. [PMID: 15082542 PMCID: PMC1470799 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.166.3.1215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
TFIIS promotes the intrinsic ability of RNA polymerase II to cleave the 3'-end of the newly synthesized RNA. This stimulatory activity of TFIIS, which is dependent upon Rpb9, facilitates the resumption of transcription elongation when the polymerase stalls or arrests. While TFIIS has a pronounced effect on transcription elongation in vitro, the deletion of DST1 has no major effect on cell viability. In this work we used a genetic approach to increase our knowledge of the role of TFIIS in vivo. We showed that: (1) dst1 and rpb9 mutants have a synthetic growth defective phenotype when combined with fyv4, gim5, htz1, yal011w, ybr231c, soh1, vps71, and vps72 mutants that is exacerbated during germination or at high salt concentrations; (2) TFIIS and Rpb9 are essential when the cells are challenged with microtubule-destabilizing drugs; (3) among the SDO (synthetic with Dst one), SOH1 shows the strongest genetic interaction with DST1; (4) the presence of multiple copies of TAF14, SUA7, GAL11, RTS1, and TYS1 alleviate the growth phenotype of dst1 soh1 mutants; and (5) SRB5 and SIN4 genetically interact with DST1. We propose that TFIIS is required under stress conditions and that TFIIS is important for the transition between initiation and elongation in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Malagon
- Gene Regulation and Chromosome Biology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, Maryland 21702, USA
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25
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Abstract
New structural studies of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) complexes mark the beginning of a detailed mechanistic analysis of the eukaryotic mRNA transcription cycle. Crystallographic models of the complete Pol II, together with new biochemical and electron microscopic data, give insights into transcription initiation. The first X-ray analysis of a Pol II complex with a transcription factor, the elongation factor TFIIS, supports the idea that the polymerase has a 'tunable' active site that switches between mRNA synthesis and cleavage. The new studies also show that domains of transcription factors can enter polymerase openings, to modulate function during transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Cramer
- Institute of Biochemistry and Gene Center, University of Munich, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 25, 81377 Munich, Germany.
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26
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Cramer
- Institute of Biochemistry and Gene Center, University of Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
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27
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Current awareness on yeast. Yeast 2003; 20:1309-16. [PMID: 14664230 DOI: 10.1002/yea.951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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28
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Jung Y, Lippard SJ. Multiple states of stalled T7 RNA polymerase at DNA lesions generated by platinum anticancer agents. J Biol Chem 2003; 278:52084-92. [PMID: 14534300 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m310120200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcription inhibition by DNA adducts of cisplatin is considered to be one of the major routes by which this anticancer drug kills cancer cells. Stalled RNA polymerases at platinum-DNA lesions evoke various cellular responses such as nucleotide excision repair, polymerase degradation, and apoptosis. T7 RNA polymerase and site-specifically platinated DNA templates immobilized on a solid support were used to study stalled transcription elongation complexes. In vitro transcription studies were performed in both a promoter-dependent and -independent manner. An elongation complex is strongly blocked by cisplatin 1,2-intrastrand d(GpG) and 1,3-intrastrand d(GpTpG) cross-links located on the template strand. Polymerase action is inhibited at multiple sites in the vicinity of the platinum lesion, the nature of which can be altered by the choice and concentration of NTPs. The [(1R,2R-diaminocyclohexane)Pt]2+ DNA adducts formed by oxaliplatin, which carries a stereochemically more demanding spectator ligand than the ammine groups in cisplatin, also strongly block the polymerase with measurable differences compared with cis-[(NH3)2Pt]2+ lesions. Elongation complexes stopped at sites of platinum damage were isolated and characterized. The stalled polymerase can be dissociated from the DNA by subsequent polymerases initiated from the same template. We also discovered that a polymerase stalled at the platinum-DNA lesion can resume transcription after the platinum adduct is chemically removed from the template.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongwon Jung
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139-4307, USA
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29
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Abstract
Long recognized as a target of regulation in prokaryotes, transcript elongation has recently become the focus of many investigators interested in eukaryotic gene expression. The growth of this area has been fueled by the availability of new methods and molecular structures, expanding sequence databases and an appreciation for the exquisite coordination required among different processes in the nucleus. Our article collates new information on regulatory accessory factors, as well as their ultimate target, RNA polymerase, in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells. How this regulation influences the biology of the organism is quite profound, and from single cell to multicellular eukaryotes significant similarities exist in the molecular responses to extracellular signals during transcript elongation. The most advanced genetic knowledge in this area comes from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, but the biochemistry and cell biology results from other organisms are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen M Arndt
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
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30
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Kettenberger H, Armache KJ, Cramer P. Architecture of the RNA polymerase II-TFIIS complex and implications for mRNA cleavage. Cell 2003; 114:347-57. [PMID: 12914699 DOI: 10.1016/s0092-8674(03)00598-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 269] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The transcription elongation factor TFIIS induces mRNA cleavage by enhancing the intrinsic nuclease activity of RNA polymerase (Pol) II. We have diffused TFIIS into Pol II crystals and derived a model of the Pol II-TFIIS complex from X-ray diffraction data to 3.8 A resolution. TFIIS extends from the polymerase surface via a pore to the internal active site, spanning a distance of 100 A. Two essential and invariant acidic residues in a TFIIS loop complement the Pol II active site and could position a metal ion and a water molecule for hydrolytic RNA cleavage. TFIIS also induces extensive structural changes in Pol II that would realign nucleic acids in the active center. Our results support the idea that Pol II contains a single tunable active site for RNA polymerization and cleavage, in contrast to DNA polymerases with two separate active sites for DNA polymerization and cleavage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hubert Kettenberger
- Institute of Biochemistry, Gene Center, University of Munich, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 25, 81377 Munich, Germany
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