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Tarău D, Grünberger F, Pilsl M, Reichelt R, Heiß F, König S, Urlaub H, Hausner W, Engel C, Grohmann D. Structural basis of archaeal RNA polymerase transcription elongation and Spt4/5 recruitment. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:6017-6035. [PMID: 38709902 PMCID: PMC11162788 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Archaeal transcription is carried out by a multi-subunit RNA polymerase (RNAP) that is highly homologous in structure and function to eukaryotic RNAP II. Among the set of basal transcription factors, only Spt5 is found in all domains of life, but Spt5 has been shaped during evolution, which is also reflected in the heterodimerization of Spt5 with Spt4 in Archaea and Eukaryotes. To unravel the mechanistic basis of Spt4/5 function in Archaea, we performed structure-function analyses using the archaeal transcriptional machinery of Pyrococcus furiosus (Pfu). We report single-particle cryo-electron microscopy reconstructions of apo RNAP and the archaeal elongation complex (EC) in the absence and presence of Spt4/5. Surprisingly, Pfu Spt4/5 also binds the RNAP in the absence of nucleic acids in a distinct super-contracted conformation. We show that the RNAP clamp/stalk module exhibits conformational flexibility in the apo state of RNAP and that the enzyme contracts upon EC formation or Spt4/5 engagement. We furthermore identified a contact of the Spt5-NGN domain with the DNA duplex that stabilizes the upstream boundary of the transcription bubble and impacts Spt4/5 activity in vitro. This study, therefore, provides the structural basis for Spt4/5 function in archaeal transcription and reveals a potential role beyond the well-described support of elongation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Tarău
- Institute of Microbiology & Archaea Centre, Single-Molecule Biochemistry Lab, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Felix Grünberger
- Institute of Microbiology & Archaea Centre, Single-Molecule Biochemistry Lab, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Michael Pilsl
- Regensburg Center for Biochemistry (RCB), Structural Biochemistry Group, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Robert Reichelt
- Institute of Microbiology & Archaea Centre, Single-Molecule Biochemistry Lab, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Florian Heiß
- Regensburg Center for Biochemistry (RCB), Structural Biochemistry Group, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sabine König
- Bioanalytic Mass Spectrometry, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Henning Urlaub
- Bioanalytic Mass Spectrometry, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Winfried Hausner
- Institute of Microbiology & Archaea Centre, Single-Molecule Biochemistry Lab, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Engel
- Regensburg Center for Biochemistry (RCB), Structural Biochemistry Group, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Dina Grohmann
- Institute of Microbiology & Archaea Centre, Single-Molecule Biochemistry Lab, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
- Regensburg Center for Biochemistry (RCB), University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
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Sekine SI, Ehara H, Kujirai T, Kurumizaka H. Structural perspectives on transcription in chromatin. Trends Cell Biol 2024; 34:211-224. [PMID: 37596139 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2023.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
In eukaryotes, all genetic processes take place in the cell nucleus, where DNA is packaged as chromatin in 'beads-on-a-string' nucleosome arrays. RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) transcribes protein-coding and many non-coding genes in this chromatin environment. RNAPII elongates RNA while passing through multiple nucleosomes and maintaining the integrity of the chromatin structure. Recent structural studies have shed light on the detailed mechanisms of this process, including how transcribing RNAPII progresses through a nucleosome and reassembles it afterwards, and how transcription elongation factors, chromatin remodelers, and histone chaperones participate in these processes. Other studies have also illuminated the crucial role of nucleosomes in preinitiation complex assembly and transcription initiation. In this review we outline these advances and discuss future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun-Ichi Sekine
- Laboratory for Transcription Structural Biology, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan.
| | - Haruhiko Ehara
- Laboratory for Transcription Structural Biology, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
| | - Tomoya Kujirai
- Laboratory for Transcription Structural Biology, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan; Laboratory of Chromatin Structure and Function, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Kurumizaka
- Laboratory for Transcription Structural Biology, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan; Laboratory of Chromatin Structure and Function, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan.
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Jacobs RQ, Schneider DA. Transcription elongation mechanisms of RNA polymerases I, II, and III and their therapeutic implications. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:105737. [PMID: 38336292 PMCID: PMC10907179 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.105737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Transcription is a tightly regulated, complex, and essential cellular process in all living organisms. Transcription is comprised of three steps, transcription initiation, elongation, and termination. The distinct transcription initiation and termination mechanisms of eukaryotic RNA polymerases I, II, and III (Pols I, II, and III) have long been appreciated. Recent methodological advances have empowered high-resolution investigations of the Pols' transcription elongation mechanisms. Here, we review the kinetic similarities and differences in the individual steps of Pol I-, II-, and III-catalyzed transcription elongation, including NTP binding, bond formation, pyrophosphate release, and translocation. This review serves as an important summation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) Pol I, II, and III kinetic investigations which reveal that transcription elongation by the Pols is governed by distinct mechanisms. Further, these studies illustrate how basic, biochemical investigations of the Pols can empower the development of chemotherapeutic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Q Jacobs
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - David A Schneider
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.
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Chen Y, Cramer P. RNA polymerase II elongation factors use conserved regulatory mechanisms. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2024; 84:102766. [PMID: 38181687 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2023.102766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
RNA polymerase II (Pol II) transcription is regulated by many elongation factors. Among these factors, TFIIF, PAF-RTF1, ELL and Elongin stimulate mRNA chain elongation by Pol II. Cryo-EM structures of Pol II complexes with these elongation factors now reveal some general principles on how elongation factors bind Pol II and how they stimulate transcription. All four elongation factors contact Pol II at domains external 2 and protrusion, whereas TFIIF and ELL additionally bind the Pol II lobe. All factors apparently stabilize cleft-flanking elements, whereas RTF1 and Elongin additionally approach the active site with a latch element and may influence catalysis or translocation. Due to the shared binding sites on Pol II, factor binding is mutually exclusive, and thus it remains to be studied what determines which elongation factors bind at a certain gene and under which condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Chen
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Patrick Cramer
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany.
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Cornejo KG, Venegas A, Sono MH, Door M, Gutierrez-Ruiz B, Karabedian LB, Nandi SG, Dykhuizen EC, Saha RN. Activity-assembled nBAF complex mediates rapid immediate early gene transcription by regulating RNA Polymerase II productive elongation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.30.573688. [PMID: 38234780 PMCID: PMC10793463 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.30.573688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Signal-dependent RNA Polymerase II (Pol2) productive elongation is an integral component of gene transcription, including those of immediate early genes (IEGs) induced by neuronal activity. However, it remains unclear how productively elongating Pol2 overcome nucleosomal barriers. Using RNAi, three degraders, and several small molecule inhibitors, we show that the mammalian SWI/SNF complex of neurons (neuronal BAF, or nBAF) is required for activity-induced transcription of neuronal IEGs, including Arc . The nBAF complex facilitates promoter-proximal Pol2 pausing, signal-dependent Pol2 recruitment (loading), and importantly, mediates productive elongation in the gene body via interaction with the elongation complex and elongation-competent Pol2. Mechanistically, Pol2 elongation is mediated by activity-induced nBAF assembly (especially, ARID1A recruitment) and its ATPase activity. Together, our data demonstrate that the nBAF complex regulates several aspects of Pol2 transcription and reveal mechanisms underlying activity-induced Pol2 elongation. These findings may offer insights into human maladies etiologically associated with mutational interdiction of BAF functions.
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Chanarat S. Transcription machinery of the minimalist: comparative genomic analysis provides insights into the (de)regulated transcription mechanism of microsporidia - fungal-relative parasites. Transcription 2023; 14:1-17. [PMID: 36757099 PMCID: PMC10353337 DOI: 10.1080/21541264.2023.2174765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are eukaryotic obligate intracellular parasites closely related to fungi. Co-evolving with infected hosts, microsporidia have highly reduced their genomes and lacked several biological components. As it is beneficial for intracellular parasites like microsporidia to reduce their genome size, it is therefore reasonable to assume that genes encoding multifactorial complex machinery of transcription could be a potential target to be excluded from microsporidian genomes during the reductive evolution. In such a case, an evolutionary dilemma occurs because microsporidia cannot remove all transcription-machinery-encoding genes, products of which are essential for initialthe initial steps of gene expression. Here, I propose that while genes encoding core machinery are conserved, several genes known to function in fine-tune regulation of transcription are absent. This genome compaction strategy may come at the cost of loosely regulated or less controllable transcription. Alternatively, analogous to microsporidian polar tube, the parasites may have specialized factors to regulate their RNA synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sittinan Chanarat
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Center for Excellence in Protein and Enzyme Technology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Shenasa H, Bentley DL. Pre-mRNA splicing and its cotranscriptional connections. Trends Genet 2023; 39:672-685. [PMID: 37236814 PMCID: PMC10524715 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2023.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Transcription of eukaryotic genes by RNA polymerase II (Pol II) yields RNA precursors containing introns that must be spliced out and the flanking exons ligated together. Splicing is catalyzed by a dynamic ribonucleoprotein complex called the spliceosome. Recent evidence has shown that a large fraction of splicing occurs cotranscriptionally as the RNA chain is extruded from Pol II at speeds of up to 5 kb/minute. Splicing is more efficient when it is tethered to the transcription elongation complex, and this linkage permits functional coupling of splicing with transcription. We discuss recent progress that has uncovered a network of connections that link splicing to transcript elongation and other cotranscriptional RNA processing events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Shenasa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, RNA Bioscience Initiative, University of Colorado School of Medicine, PO Box 6511, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - David L Bentley
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, RNA Bioscience Initiative, University of Colorado School of Medicine, PO Box 6511, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
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Kujirai T, Ehara H, Sekine SI, Kurumizaka H. Structural Transition of the Nucleosome during Transcription Elongation. Cells 2023; 12:1388. [PMID: 37408222 DOI: 10.3390/cells12101388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In eukaryotes, genomic DNA is tightly wrapped in chromatin. The nucleosome is a basic unit of chromatin, but acts as a barrier to transcription. To overcome this impediment, the RNA polymerase II elongation complex disassembles the nucleosome during transcription elongation. After the RNA polymerase II passage, the nucleosome is rebuilt by transcription-coupled nucleosome reassembly. Nucleosome disassembly-reassembly processes play a central role in preserving epigenetic information, thus ensuring transcriptional fidelity. The histone chaperone FACT performs key functions in nucleosome disassembly, maintenance, and reassembly during transcription in chromatin. Recent structural studies of transcribing RNA polymerase II complexed with nucleosomes have provided structural insights into transcription elongation on chromatin. Here, we review the structural transitions of the nucleosome during transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoya Kujirai
- Laboratory of Chromatin Structure and Function, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
- Laboratory for Transcription Structural Biology, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Ehara
- Laboratory for Transcription Structural Biology, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
| | - Shun-Ichi Sekine
- Laboratory for Transcription Structural Biology, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Kurumizaka
- Laboratory of Chromatin Structure and Function, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
- Laboratory for Transcription Structural Biology, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
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Fujinaga K, Huang F, Peterlin BM. P-TEFb: The master regulator of transcription elongation. Mol Cell 2023; 83:393-403. [PMID: 36599353 PMCID: PMC9898187 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2022.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The positive transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb) is composed of cyclins T1 or T2 and cyclin-dependent kinase 9 that regulate the elongation phase of transcription by RNA polymerase II. By antagonizing negative elongation factors and phosphorylating the C-terminal domain of RNA polymerase II, P-TEFb facilitates the elongation and co-transcriptional processing of nascent transcripts. This step is critical for the expression of most eukaryotic genes. In growing cells, P-TEFb is regulated negatively by its reversible associations with HEXIM1/2 in the 7SK snRNP and positively by a number of transcription factors, as well as the super elongation complex. In resting cells, P-TEFb falls apart, and cyclin T1 is degraded by the proteasome. This complex regulation of P-TEFb has evolved for the precise temporal and spatial regulation of gene expression in the organism. Its dysregulation contributes to inflammatory and neoplastic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koh Fujinaga
- Departments of Medicine, Microbiology and Immunology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
| | - Fang Huang
- Departments of Medicine, Microbiology and Immunology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - B Matija Peterlin
- Departments of Medicine, Microbiology and Immunology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
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