The interaction of RNA polymerase II with the adenovirus-2 major late promoter is precluded by phosphorylation of the C-terminal domain of subunit IIa

Coordination of transcription, processing, and export of highly expressed RNAs by distinct biomolecular condensates

Genes under control of super-enhancers are expressed at extremely high levels and are frequently associated with nuclear speckles. Recent data suggest that the high concentration of unphosphorylated RNA polymerase II (Pol II) and Mediator recruited to super-enhancers create phase-separated condensates. Transcription initiates within or at the surface of these phase-separated droplets and the phosphorylation of Pol II, associated with transcription initiation and elongation, dissociates Pol II from these domains leading to engagement with nuclear speckles, which are enriched with RNA processing factors. The transitioning of Pol II from transcription initiation domains to RNA processing domains effectively co-ordinates transcription and processing of highly expressed RNAs which are then rapidly exported into the cytoplasm.

Phase Separation and Transcription Regulation: Are Super-Enhancers and Locus Control Regions Primary Sites of Transcription Complex Assembly?

It is proposed that the multiple enhancer elements associated with locus control regions and super-enhancers recruit RNA polymerase II and efficiently assemble elongation competent transcription complexes that are transferred to target genes by transcription termination and transient looping mechanisms. It is well established that transcription complexes are recruited not only to promoters but also to enhancers, where they generate enhancer RNAs. Transcription at enhancers is unstable and frequently aborted. Furthermore, the Integrator and WD-domain containing protein 82 mediate transcription termination at enhancers. Abortion and termination of transcription at the multiple enhancers of locus control regions and super-enhancers provide a large pool of elongation competent transcription complexes. These are efficiently captured by strong basal promoter elements at target genes during transient looping interactions.

Human RNA Polymerase II Promoter Recruitment in Vitro Is Regulated by O-Linked N-Acetylglucosaminyltransferase (OGT)

Although the O-linked N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) modification of the RNA polymerase II C-terminal domain was described 20 years ago, the function of this RNA polymerase II (pol II) species is not known. We show here that an O-GlcNAcylated pol II species (pol IIγ) exists on promoters in vitro Inhibition of O-GlcNAc-transferase activity and O-GlcNAcylation prevents pol II entry into the promoter, and O-GlcNAc removal from pol II is an ATP-dependent step during initiation. These data indicate that O-GlcNAc-transferase activity is essential for RNA pol II promoter recruitment and that pol II goes through a cycling of O-GlcNAcylation at the promoter. Mass spectrometry shows that serine residues 2 and 5 of the pol II C-terminal domain are O-GlcNAcylated, suggesting an overlap with the transcription factor IIH (TFIIH)-dependent serine 5 phosphorylation events during initiation and P-TEFb (positive transcriptional elongation factor b) events during elongation. These data provide unexpected and important insights into the role of a previously ill-defined species of RNA polymerase II in regulating transcription.

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.

Modifications of RNA polymerase II CTD: Connections to the histone code and cellular function

At the onset of transcription, many protein machineries interpret the cellular signals that regulate gene expression. These complex signals are mostly transmitted to the indispensable primary proteins involved in transcription, RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) and histones. RNAPII and histones are so well coordinated in this cellular function that each cellular signal is precisely allocated to specific machinery depending on the stage of transcription. The carboxy-terminal domain (CTD) of RNAPII in eukaryotes undergoes extensive posttranslational modification, called the 'CTD code', that is indispensable for coupling transcription with many cellular processes, including mRNA processing. The posttranslational modification of histones, known as the 'histone code', is also critical for gene transcription through the reversible and dynamic remodeling of chromatin structure. Notably, the histone code is closely linked with the CTD code, and their combinatorial effects enable the delicate regulation of gene transcription. This review elucidates recent findings regarding the CTD modifications of RNAPII and their coordination with the histone code, providing integrative pathways for the fine-tuned regulation of gene expression and cellular function.

O-GlcNAc and the epigenetic regulation of gene expression

O-GlcNAcylation is an abundant nutrient-driven modification linked to cellular signaling and regulation of gene expression. Utilizing precursors derived from metabolic flux, O-GlcNAc functions as a homeostatic regulator. The enzymes of O-GlcNAc cycling, OGT and O-GlcNAcase, act in mitochondria, the cytoplasm, and the nucleus in association with epigenetic "writers" and "erasers" of the histone code. Both O-GlcNAc and O-phosphate modify repeats within the RNA polymerase II C-terminal domain (CTD). By communicating with the histone and CTD codes, O-GlcNAc cycling provides a link between cellular metabolic status and the epigenetic machinery. Thus, O-GlcNAcylation is poised to influence trans-generational epigenetic inheritance.

Stress induces changes in the phosphorylation of Trypanosoma cruzi RNA polymerase II, affecting its association with chromatin and RNA processing

The phosphorylation of the carboxy-terminal heptapeptide repeats of the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) controls several transcription-related events in eukaryotes. Trypanosomatids lack these typical repeats and display an unusual transcription control. RNA Pol II associates with the transcription site of the spliced leader (SL) RNA, which is used in the trans-splicing of all mRNAs transcribed on long polycistronic units. We found that Trypanosoma cruzi RNA Pol II associated with chromatin is highly phosphorylated. When transcription is inhibited by actinomycin D, the enzyme runs off from SL genes, remaining hyperphosphorylated and associated with polycistronic transcription units. Upon heat shock, the enzyme is dephosphorylated and remains associated with the chromatin. Transcription is partially inhibited with the accumulation of housekeeping precursor mRNAs, except for heat shock genes. DNA damage caused dephosphorylation and transcription arrest, with RNA Pol II dissociating from chromatin although staying at the SL. In the presence of calyculin A, the hyperphosphorylated form detached from chromatin, including the SL loci. These results indicate that in trypanosomes, the unusual RNA Pol II is phosphorylated during the transcription of SL and polycistronic operons. Different types of stresses modify its phosphorylation state, affecting pre-RNA processing.

O-GlcNAcylation at promoters, nutrient sensors, and transcriptional regulation

Post-translational modifications play important roles in transcriptional regulation. Among the less understood PTMs is O-GlcNAcylation. Nevertheless, O-GlcNAcylation in the nucleus is found on hundreds of transcription factors and coactivators and is often found in a mutually exclusive ying-yang relationship with phosphorylation. O-GlcNAcylation also links cellular metabolism directly to the proteome, serving as a conduit of metabolic information to the nucleus. This review serves as a brief introduction to O-GlcNAcylation, emphasizing its important thematic roles in transcriptional regulation, and highlights several recent and important additions to the literature that illustrate the connections between O-GlcNAc and transcription.

The RNA polymerase II CTD coordinates transcription and RNA processing

The C-terminal domain (CTD) of the RNA polymerase II largest subunit consists of multiple heptad repeats (consensus Tyr1-Ser2-Pro3-Thr4-Ser5-Pro6-Ser7), varying in number from 26 in yeast to 52 in vertebrates. The CTD functions to help couple transcription and processing of the nascent RNA and also plays roles in transcription elongation and termination. The CTD is subject to extensive post-translational modification, most notably phosphorylation, during the transcription cycle, which modulates its activities in the above processes. Therefore, understanding the nature of CTD modifications, including how they function and how they are regulated, is essential to understanding the mechanisms that control gene expression. While the significance of phosphorylation of Ser2 and Ser5 residues has been studied and appreciated for some time, several additional modifications have more recently been added to the CTD repertoire, and insight into their function has begun to emerge. Here, we review findings regarding modification and function of the CTD, highlighting the important role this unique domain plays in coordinating gene activity.

Fcp1 dephosphorylation of the RNA polymerase II C-terminal domain is required for efficient transcription of heat shock genes

Fcp1 dephosphorylates the C-terminal domain of the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) to recycle it into a form that can initiate a new round of transcription. Previously, we identified Drosophila Fcp1 as an important factor in optimal Hsp70 mRNA accumulation after heat shock. Here, we examine the role of Fcp1 in transcription of heat shock genes in vivo. We demonstrate that Fcp1 localizes to active sites of transcription including the induced Hsp70 gene. The reduced Hsp70 mRNA accumulation seen by RNA interference (RNAi) depletion of Fcp1 in S2 cells is a result of a loss of Pol II in the coding region of highly transcribed heat shock-induced genes: Hsp70, Hsp26, and Hsp83. Moreover, Fcp1 depletion dramatically increases phosphorylation of the non-chromatin-bound Pol II. Reexpression of either wild-type or catalytically dead versions of Fcp1 demonstrates that both the reduced Pol II levels on heat shock genes and the increased levels of phosphorylated free Pol II are dependent on the catalytic activity of Fcp1. Our results indicate that Fcp1 is required to maintain the pool of initiation-competent unphosphorylated Pol II, and this function is particularly important for the highly transcribed heat shock genes.

Evidence of the involvement of O-GlcNAc-modified human RNA polymerase II CTD in transcription in vitro and in vivo

The RNA polymerase II C-terminal domain (CTD), which serves as a scaffold to recruit machinery involved in transcription, is modified post-translationally. Although the O-GlcNAc modification of RNA polymerase II CTD was documented in 1993, its functional significance remained obscure. We show that O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) modified CTD serine residues 5 and 7. Drug inhibition of OGT and OGA (N-acetylglucosaminidase) blocked transcription during preinitiation complex assembly. Polymerase II and OGT co-immunoprecipitated, and OGT is a component of the preinitiation complex. OGT shRNA experiments showed that reduction of OGT causes a reduction in transcription and RNA polymerase II occupancy at several B-cell promoters. These data suggest that the cycling of O-GlcNAc on and off of polymerase II occurs during assembly of the preinitiation complex. Our results define unexpected roles for both the CTD and O-GlcNAc in the regulation of transcription initiation in higher eukaryotes.

AtCPL5, a novel Ser-2-specific RNA polymerase II C-terminal domain phosphatase, positively regulates ABA and drought responses in Arabidopsis

Arabidopsis RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) C-terminal domain (CTD) phosphatases regulate stress-responsive gene expression and plant development via the dephosphorylation of serine (Ser) residues of the CTD. Some of these phosphatases (CTD phosphatase-like 1 (CPL1) to CPL3) negatively regulate ABA and stress responses. Here, we isolated AtCPL5, a cDNA encoding a protein containing two CTD phosphatase domains (CPDs). To characterize AtCPL5, we analyzed the gene expression patterns and subcellular protein localization, investigated various phenotypes of AtCPL5-overexpressors and knockout mutants involved in ABA and drought responses, performed microarray and RNA hybridization analyses using AtCPL5-overexpressors, and assessed the CTD phosphatase activities of the purified AtCPL5 and each CPD of the protein. Transcripts of the nucleus-localized AtCPL5 were induced by ABA and drought. AtCPL5-overexpressors exhibited ABA-hypersensitive phenotypes (increased inhibition of seed germination, seedling growth, and stomatal aperture), lower transpiration rates upon dehydration, and enhanced drought tolerance, while the knockout mutants showed weak ABA hyposensitivity. AtCPL5 overexpression changed the expression of numerous genes, including those involved in ABA-mediated responses. In contrast to Ser-5-specific phosphatase activity of the negative stress response regulators, purified AtCPL5 and each CPD of the protein specifically dephosphorylated Ser-2 in RNAPII CTD. We conclude that AtCPL5 is a unique CPL family protein that positively regulates ABA-mediated development and drought responses in Arabidopsis.

Abundance of the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II in the nucleus is regulated by nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling

Eukaryotic RNA polymerase II is a complex enzyme composed of 12 distinct subunits that is present in cells in low abundance. Transcription of mRNA by RNA polymerase II involves a phosphorylation/dephosphorylation cycle of the carboxyl-terminal domain (CTD) of the enzyme's largest subunit. We have generated stable murine cell lines expressing an alpha-amanitin-resistant form of the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (RNA Pol II LS). These cells maintained transcriptional activity in the presence of alpha-amanitin, indicating that the exogenous protein was functional. We observed that over-expressed RNA Pol II LS was predominantly hypophosphorylated, soluble and accumulated in the cytoplasm in a CRM1-dependent manner. Our results further showed that the transcriptionally active form of RNA Pol II LS containing phosphoserine in position 2 of the CTD repeats was restricted to the nucleus and its levels remained remarkably constant. We propose that nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling of RNA Pol II LS may provide a mechanism to control the pool of RNA polymerase subunits that is accessible for assembly of a functional enzyme in the nucleus.

Fcp1 directly recognizes the C-terminal domain (CTD) and interacts with a site on RNA polymerase II distinct from the CTD

Fcp1 is an essential protein phosphatase that hydrolyzes phosphoserines within the C-terminal domain (CTD) of the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (Pol II). Fcp1 plays a major role in the regulation of CTD phosphorylation and, hence, critically influences the function of Pol II throughout the transcription cycle. The basic understanding of Fcp1-CTD interaction has remained ambiguous because two different modes have been proposed: the "dockingsite" model versus the "distributive" mechanism. Here we demonstrate biochemically that Fcp1 recognizes and dephosphorylates the CTD directly, independent of the globular non-CTD part of the Pol II structure. We point out that the recognition of CTD by the phosphatase is based on random access and is not driven by Pol II conformation. Results from three different types of experiments reveal that the overall interaction between Fcp1 and Pol II is not stable but dynamic. In addition, we show that Fcp1 also interacts with a region on the polymerase distinct from the CTD. We emphasize that this non-CTD site is functionally distinct from the docking site invoked previously as essential for the CTD phosphatase activity of Fcp1. We speculate that Fcp1 interaction with the non-CTD site may mediate its stimulatory effect on transcription elongation reported previously.

An agarose–acrylamide composite native gel system suitable for separating ultra-large protein complexes

An agarose-acrylamide composite native gel (CNG) system has been developed for separating protein complexes of ultra-large molecular sizes (over 500kDa) and for analyzing protein-protein interactions in their native states. Various native gel conditions were explored and techniques were improved to facilitate the formation and performance of the CNG system. We demonstrate here that the CNG technique is capable of resolving a complex of RNA polymerase II and an associated factor from the free components, which had not been previously achieved with other methods. Furthermore, this CNG electrophoresis can be conveniently coupled to second-dimension sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis for identification of protein components within discrete complexes separated during the CNG run. The CNG technique is particularly suitable for capturing dynamic protein-protein interactions as exemplified here by the formation and demonstration of RNA polymerase II-Fcp1 complex.

Cloning and characterization of a novel RNA polymerase II C-terminal domain phosphatase

Reversible phosphorylation of RNA polymerase (RNAP) II's largest subunit C-terminal domain (CTD) is a key event during mRNA metabolism. The CTD phosphatase, FCP1, catalyzes the dephosphorylation of RNAP II and is thought to play a major role in polymerase recycling. In this study, we isolated a novel phosphatase gene by large-scale sequencing analysis of a human fetal brain cDNA library. Its cDNA is 2215 bp in length, encoding a 318-amino acid polypeptide that contains a ubiquitin-like domain and a CTD phosphatase domain. Therefore, it was termed ubiquitin-like domain containing CTD phosphatase 1 (UBLCP1). Reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) revealed that UBLCP1 was expressed with relatively lower levels in most adult normal tissues and higher levels in fast growing or tumor tissues. Transient transfection experiment suggested that UBLCP1 was localized in the nucleus of COS-7 cells. Significantly, UBLCP1 could dephosphorylate GST-CTD in vitro. Accordingly, UBLCP1 may play a role in the regulation of phosphorylation state of RNA polymerase II C-terminal domain.

BAF complex is closely related to and interacts with NF1/CTF and RNA polymerase II in gene transcriptional activation

Brg- or hBrm-associated factor (BAF) complexes, a chromatin-remodeling complex family of mammalian cells, facilitate transcriptional activity by remodeling nucleosome structure. Brg1 is the core subunit of Brg-associated factor complexes. In the present study, we investigated the spatial relationship between Brg1 and nuclear factor 1 (NF1/CTF) and RNA polymerase II (RNAP II) upon gene transcriptional activation in vivo by employing immuno-gold labeling. The data showed that Brg1 was closely co-localized with NF1/CTF and RNAP II in HeLa cells. Moreover, the co-immunoprecipitation assay further revealed that Brg1 can be isolated together with NF1/CTF and RNAP II in the ConA-stimulated, but not the resting, T lymphocyte. The combined results suggested that BAF complexes can interact with NF1/CTF and RNAP II, and this interaction is closely dependent on the activation of gene transcription.

Do nuclear bodies in oocytes of Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Polyphaga, Tenebrionidae) contain two forms of RNA polymerase II?

Late vitellogenic oocytes of the mealworm beetle, Tenebrio molitor, which are transcriptionally inert, contain numerous fibrogranular nuclear bodies (NBs). Previously, we have shown that these NBs contain both unphosphorylated and phosphorylated forms of RNA polymerase II (pol II) [Tissue Cell 33 (2001) 549]. The conclusion on the presence of phosphorylated pol II was based on our immunoelectron experiments with monoclonal antibody (mAb) H5 against the phosphorylated serine-2 of the carboxy-terminal domain (CTD) of pol II. Because the specificity of mAb H5 was recently questioned by demonstration of its cross-reaction with SR-proteins [J. Struct. Biol. 140 (2002) 154], we re-examined here the occurence of pol II in T. molitor oocyte NBs using other appropriate antibodies. We confirm the presence of phosphorylated pol II in NBs using the affinity-purified polyclonal antibody against the phosphorylated CTD. Using double immunogold labeling with this antibody plus mAb 8WG16 against the unphosphorylated CTD, we confirm the presence of two forms of pol II in NBs. Additionally, the presence of pol II in NBs was verified here using mAb ARNA3 against the epitope outside CTD. We suggest that at the transcriptionally inactive stage, T. molitor oocyte NBs represent storage domains for pol II disengaged from the transcription.

Dephosphorylation of RNA Polymerase II by CTD-phosphatase FCP1 is Inhibited by Phospho-CTD Associating Proteins

Reversible phosphorylation of the repetitive C-terminal domain (CTD) of the largest RNA polymerase (RNAP) II subunit plays a key role in the progression of RNAP through the transcription cycle. The level of CTD phosphorylation is determined by multiple CTD kinases and a CTD phosphatase, FCP1. The phosphorylated CTD binds to a variety of proteins including the cis/trans peptidyl-prolyl isomerase (PPIase) Pin1 and enzymes involved in processing of the primary transcript such as the capping enzyme Hce1 and CA150, a nuclear factor implicated in transcription elongation. Results presented here establish that the dephosphorylation of hyperphosphorylated RNAP II (RNAP IIO) by FCP1 is impaired in the presence of Pin1 or Hce1, whereas CA150 has no influence on FCP1 activity. The inhibition of dephosphorylation is observed with free RNAP IIO generated by different CTD kinases as well as with RNAP IIO engaged in an elongation complex. These findings support the idea that specific phospho-CTD associating proteins can differentially modulate the dephosphorylation of RNAP IIO by steric hindrance and may play an important role in the regulation of gene expression.

Investigating RNA polymerase II carboxyl-terminal domain (CTD) phosphorylation

Phosphorylation of RNA polymerase II's largest subunit C-terminal domain (CTD) is a key event during mRNA metabolism. Numerous enzymes, including cell cycle-dependent kinases and TFIIF-dependent phosphatases target the CTD. However, the repetitive nature of the CTD prevents determination of phosphorylated sites by conventional biochemistry methods. Fortunately, a panel of monoclonal antibodies is available that distinguishes between phosphorylated isoforms of RNA polymerase II's (RNAP II) largest subunit. Here, we review how successful these tools have been in monitoring RNAP II phosphorylation changes in vivo by immunofluorescence, chromatin immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting experiments. The CTD phosphorylation pattern is precisely modified as RNAP II progresses along the genes and is involved in sequential recruitment of RNA processing factors. One of the most popular anti-phosphoCTD Igs, H5, has been proposed in several studies as a landmark of RNAP II molecules engaged in transcription. Finally, we discuss how global RNAP II phosphorylation changes are affected by the physiological context such as cell stress and embryonic development.

A novel RNA polymerase II C-terminal domain phosphatase that preferentially dephosphorylates serine 5

The transcription and processing of pre-mRNA in eukaryotic cells are regulated in part by reversible phosphorylation of the C-terminal domain of the largest RNA polymerase (RNAP) II subunit. The CTD phosphatase, FCP1, catalyzes the dephosphorylation of RNAP II and is thought to play a major role in polymerase recycling. This study describes a family of small CTD phosphatases (SCPs) that preferentially catalyze the dephosphorylation of Ser5 within the consensus repeat. The preferred substrate for SCP1 is RNAP II phosphorylated by TFIIH. Like FCP1, the activity of SCP1 is enhanced by the RAP74 subunit of TFIIF. Expression of SCP1 inhibits activated transcription from a number of promoters, whereas a phosphatase-inactive mutant of SCP1 enhances transcription. Accordingly, SCP1 may play a role in the regulation of gene expression, possibly by controlling the transition from initiation/capping to processive transcript elongation.

The C-terminal domain phosphatase and transcription elongation activities of FCP1 are regulated by phosphorylation

The C-terminal domain (CTD) of the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) is heavily phosphorylated during the transition from transcription initiation to the establishment of an elongation-competent transcription complex. FCP1 is the only phosphatase known to be specific for the CTD of the largest subunit of RNAPII, and its activity is believed to be required to reactivate RNAPII, so that RNAPII can enter another round of transcription. We demonstrate that FCP1 is a phosphoprotein, and that phosphorylation regulates FCP1 activities. FCP1 is phosphorylated at multiple sites in vivo. The CTD phosphatase activity of phosphorylated FCP1 is stimulated by TFIIF, whereas dephosphorylated FCP1 is not. In addition to its role in the recycling of RNAPII, FCP1 also affects transcription elongation. Phosphorylated FCP1 is more active in stimulating transcription elongation than the dephosphorylated form of FCP1. We found that only phosphorylated FCP1 can physically interact with TFIIF. We set out to purify an FCP1 kinase from HeLa cells and identified casein kinase 2, which, surprisingly, displayed a negative effect on FCP1-associated activities.

TFIIF-associating carboxyl-terminal domain phosphatase dephosphorylates phosphoserines 2 and 5 of RNA polymerase II

The carboxyl-terminal domain (CTD) of the largest RNA polymerase (RNAP) II subunit undergoes reversible phosphorylation throughout the transcription cycle. The unphosphorylated form of RNAP II is referred to as IIA, whereas the hyperphosphorylated form is known as IIO. Phosphorylation occurs predominantly at serine 2 and serine 5 within the CTD heptapeptide repeat and has functional implications for RNAP II with respect to initiation, elongation, and transcription-coupled RNA processing. In an effort to determine the role of the major CTD phosphatase (FCP1) in regulating events in transcription that appear to be influenced by serine 2 and serine 5 phosphorylation, the specificity of FCP1 was examined. FCP1 is capable of dephosphorylating heterogeneous RNAP IIO populations of HeLa nuclear extracts. The extent of dephosphorylation at specific positions was assessed by immunoreactivity with monoclonal antibodies specific for phosphoserine 2 or phosphoserine 5. As an alternative method to assess FCP1 specificity, RNAP IIO isozymes were prepared in vitro by the phosphorylation of purified calf thymus RNAP IIA with specific CTD kinases and used as substrates for FCP1. FCP1 dephosphorylates serine 2 and serine 5 with comparable efficiency. Accordingly, the specificity of FCP1 is sufficiently broad to dephosphorylate RNAP IIO at any point in the transcription cycle irrespective of the site of serine phosphorylation within the consensus repeat.

Subnuclear localization of Ku protein: functional association with RNA polymerase II elongation sites

Ku is an abundant nuclear protein with an essential function in the repair of DNA double-strand breaks. Various observations suggest that Ku also interacts with the cellular transcription machinery, although the mechanism and significance of this interaction are not well understood. In the present study, we investigated the subnuclear distribution of Ku in normally growing human cells by using confocal microscopy, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and protein immunoprecipitation. All three approaches indicated association of Ku with RNA polymerase II (RNAP II) elongation sites. This association occurred independently of the DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit and was highly selective. There was no detectable association with the initiating isoform of RNAP II or with the general transcription initiation factors. In vitro protein-protein interaction assays demonstrated that the association of Ku with elongation proteins is mediated, in part, by a discrete C-terminal domain in the Ku80 subunit. Functional disruption of this interaction with a dominant-negative mutant inhibited transcription in vitro and in vivo and suppressed cell growth. These results suggest that association of Ku with transcription sites is important for maintenance of global transcription levels. Tethering of double-strand break repair proteins to defined subnuclear structures may also be advantageous in maintenance of genome stability.

CTD phosphatase: role in RNA polymerase II cycling and the regulation of transcript elongation

The repetitive C-terminal domain (CTD) of the largest RNA polymerase II subunit plays a critical role in the regulation of gene expression. The activity of the CTD is dependent on its state of phosphorylation. A variety of CTD kinases act on RNA polymerase II at specific steps in the transcription cycle and preferentially phosphorylate distinct positions within the CTD consensus repeat. A single CTD phosphatase has been identified and characterized that in concert with CTD kinases establishes the level of CTD phosphorylation. The involvement of CTD phosphatase in controlling the progression of RNAP II around the transcription cycle, the mobilization of stored RNAP IIO, and the regulation of transcript elongation and RNA processing is discussed.

Association of herpes simplex virus type 1 ICP8 and ICP27 proteins with cellular RNA polymerase II holoenzyme

Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) infection causes the shutoff of host gene transcription and the induction of a transcriptional program of viral gene expression. Cellular RNA polymerase II is responsible for transcription of all the viral genes, but several viral proteins stimulate viral gene transcription. ICP4 is required for all delayed-early and late gene transcription, ICP0 stimulates transcription of viral genes, and ICP27 stimulates expression of some early genes and transcription of at least some late viral genes. The early DNA-binding protein, ICP8, also stimulates late gene transcription. We therefore investigated which HSV proteins interact with RNA polymerase II. Using immunoprecipitation and Western blotting methods, we observed the coprecipitation of ICP27 and ICP8 with RNA polymerase II holoenzyme. The association of ICP27 with RNA polymerase II was detectable as early as 3 h postinfection, while ICP8 association became evident by 5 h postinfection, and the association of both was independent of viral DNA synthesis. Infections with ICP27 gene mutant viruses revealed that ICP27 is required for the association of ICP8 with RNA polymerase II, while studies with ICP8 gene deletion mutants showed no apparent role for ICP8 in the association of ICP27 with RNA polymerase II. The association of ICP27 and ICP8 with RNA polymerase II holoenzyme appeared to be independent of nucleic acids. We hypothesize that the interaction of ICP27 with RNA polymerase II holoenzyme reflects its role in stimulating early and late gene expression and/or its role in inhibiting host transcription and that the interaction of ICP8 with RNA polymerase II holoenzyme reflects its role in stimulating late gene transcription.

Hyperphosphorylation of RNA polymerase II and reduced neuronal RNA levels precede neurofibrillary tangles in Alzheimer disease

Affected neurons of Alzheimer disease (AD) brain are distinguished by the presence of the cell cycle cdc2 kinase and mitotic phosphoepitopes. A significant body of previous data has documented a decrease in neuronal RNA levels and nucleolar volume in AD brain. Here we present evidence that integrates these seemingly distinct findings and offers an explanation for the degenerative outcome of the disease. During mitosis cdc2 phosphorylates and inhibits the major transcriptional regulator RNA polymerase II (RNAP II). We therefore investigated cdc2 phosphorylation of RNAP II in AD brain. Using the H5 and H14 monoclonal antibodies specific for the cdc2-phosphorylated sites in RNAP II, we found that the polymerase is highly phosphorylated in AD. Moreover, RNAP II in AD translocates from its normally nuclear compartment to the cytoplasm of affected neurons, where it colocalizes with cdc2. These M phase-like changes in RNAP II correlate with decreased levels of poly-A RNA in affected neurons. Significantly, they precede tau phosphorylation and neurofibrillary tangle formation. Our data support the hypothesis that inappropriate activation of the cell cycle cdc2 kinase in differentiated neurons contributes to neuronal dysfunction and degeneration in part by inhibiting RNAP II and cellular processes dependent on transcription.

DSIF and NELF interact with RNA polymerase II elongation complex and HIV-1 Tat stimulates P-TEFb-mediated phosphorylation of RNA polymerase II and DSIF during transcription elongation

Control of transcription elongation requires a complex interplay between the recently discovered positive transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb) and negative transcription elongation factors, 5,6-dichloro-1-beta-d-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole (DRB) sensitivity inducing factors (DSIF) and the negative elongation factor (NELF). Activation of HIV-1 gene expression is regulated by a nascent RNA structure, termed TAR RNA, in concert with HIV-1 Tat protein and these positive and negative elongation factors. We have used a stepwise RNA pol II walking approach and Western blotting to determine the dynamics of interactions between HIV-1 Tat, DSIF/NELF, and the transcription complexes actively engaged in elongation. In addition, we developed an in vitro kinase assay to determine the phosphorylation status of proteins during elongation stages. Our results demonstrate that DSIF/NELF associates with RNA pol II complexes during early transcription elongation and travels with elongation complexes as the nascent RNA is synthesized. Our results also show that HIV-1 Tat protein stimulated DSIF and RNA pol II phosphorylation by P-TEFb during elongation. These findings reveal a molecular mechanism for the negative and positive regulation of transcriptional elongation at the HIV-1 promoter.

Three RNA polymerase II carboxyl-terminal domain kinases display distinct substrate preferences

CDK7, CDK8, and CDK9 are cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) that phosphorylate the C-terminal domain (CTD) of RNA polymerase II. They have distinct functions in transcription. Because the three CDKs target only serine 5 in the heptad repeat of model CTD substrates containing various numbers of repeats, we tested the hypothesis that the kinases differ in their ability to phosphorylate CTD heptad arrays. Our data show that the kinases display different preferences for phosphorylating individual heptads in a synthetic CTD substrate containing three heptamer repeats and specific regions of the CTD in glutathione S-transferase fusion proteins. They also exhibit differences in their ability to phosphorylate a synthetic CTD peptide that contains Ser-2-PO(4). This phosphorylated peptide is a poor substrate for CDK9 complexes. CDK8 and CDK9 complexes, bound to viral activators E1A and Tat, respectively, target only serine 5 for phosphorylation in the CTD peptides, and binding to the viral activators does not change the substrate preference of these kinases. These results imply that the display of different CTD heptads during transcription, as well as their phosphorylation state, can affect their phosphorylation by the different transcription-associated CDKs.

Transcription of eukaryotic protein-coding genes

The past decade has seen an explosive increase in information about regulation of eukaryotic gene transcription, especially for protein-coding genes. The most striking advances in our knowledge of transcriptional regulation involve the chromatin template, the large complexes recruited by transcriptional activators that regulate chromatin structure and the transcription apparatus, the holoenzyme forms of RNA polymerase II involved in initiation and elongation, and the mechanisms that link mRNA processing with its synthesis. We describe here the major advances in these areas, with particular emphasis on the modular complexes associated with RNA polymerase II that are targeted by activators and other regulators of mRNA biosynthesis.

Synthetic lethal interactions suggest a role for the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Rtf1 protein in transcription elongation

Strong evidence indicates that transcription elongation by RNA polymerase II (pol II) is a highly regulated process. Here we present genetic results that indicate a role for the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Rtf1 protein in transcription elongation. A screen for synthetic lethal mutations was carried out with an rtf1 deletion mutation to identify factors that interact with Rtf1 or regulate the same process as Rtf1. The screen uncovered mutations in SRB5, CTK1, FCP1, and POB3. These genes encode an Srb/mediator component, a CTD kinase, a CTD phosphatase, and a protein involved in the regulation of transcription by chromatin structure, respectively. All of these gene products have been directly or indirectly implicated in transcription elongation, indicating that Rtf1 may also regulate this process. In support of this view, we show that RTF1 functionally interacts with genes that encode known elongation factors, including SPT4, SPT5, SPT16, and PPR2. We also show that a deletion of RTF1 causes sensitivity to 6-azauracil and mycophenolic acid, phenotypes correlated with a transcription elongation defect. Collectively, our results suggest that Rtf1 may function as a novel transcription elongation factor in yeast.

A motif shared by TFIIF and TFIIB mediates their interaction with the RNA polymerase II carboxy-terminal domain phosphatase Fcp1p in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Transcription by RNA polymerase II is accompanied by cyclic phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of the carboxy-terminal heptapeptide repeat domain (CTD) of its largest subunit. We have used deletion and point mutations in Fcp1p, a TFIIF-interacting CTD phosphatase, to show that the integrity of its BRCT domain, like that of its catalytic domain, is important for cell viability, mRNA synthesis, and CTD dephosphorylation in vivo. Although regions of Fcp1p carboxy terminal to its BRCT domain and at its amino terminus were not essential for viability, deletion of either of these regions affected the phosphorylation state of the CTD. Two portions of this carboxy-terminal region of Fcp1p bound directly to the first cyclin-like repeat in the core domain of the general transcription factor TFIIB, as well as to the RAP74 subunit of TFIIF. These regulatory interactions with Fcp1p involved closely related amino acid sequence motifs in TFIIB and RAP74. Mutating the Fcp1p-binding motif KEFGK in the RAP74 (Tfg1p) subunit of TFIIF to EEFGE led to both synthetic phenotypes in certain fcp1 tfg1 double mutants and a reduced ability of Fcp1p to activate transcription when it is artificially tethered to a promoter. These results suggest strongly that this KEFGK motif in RAP74 mediates its interaction with Fcp1p in vivo.

Protein-interaction modules that organize nuclear function: FF domains of CA150 bind the phosphoCTD of RNA polymerase II

An approach for purifying nuclear proteins that bind directly to the hyperphosphorylated C-terminal repeat domain (CTD) of RNA polymerase II was developed and used to identify one human phosphoCTD-associating protein as CA150. CA150 is a nuclear factor implicated in transcription elongation. Because the hyperphosphorylated CTD is a feature of actively transcribing RNA polymerase II (Pol II), phosphoCTD (PCTD) binding places CA150 in a location appropriate for performing a role in transcription elongation-related events. Several recombinant segments of CA150 bound the PCTD. Predominant binding is mediated by the portion of CA150 containing six FF domains, compact modules of previously unknown function. In fact, small recombinant proteins containing the fifth FF domain bound the PCTD. PCTD binding is the first specific function assigned to an FF domain. As FF domains are found in a variety of nuclear proteins, it is likely that some of these proteins are also PCTD-associating proteins. Thus FF domains appear to be compact protein-interaction modules that, like WW domains, can be evolutionarily shuffled to organize nuclear function.

Transcription elongation and human disease

Eukaryotic mRNA synthesis is catalyzed by multisubunit RNA polymerase II and proceeds through multiple stages referred to as preinitiation, initiation, elongation, and termination. Over the past 20 years, biochemical studies of eukaryotic mRNA synthesis have largely focused on the preinitiation and initiation stages of transcription. These studies led to the discovery of the class of general initiation factors (TFIIB, TFIID, TFIIE, TFIIF, and TFIIH), which function in intimate association with RNA polymerase II and are required for selective binding of polymerase to its promoters, formation of the open complex, and synthesis of the first few phosphodiester bonds of nascent transcripts. Recently, biochemical studies of the elongation stage of eukaryotic mRNA synthesis have led to the discovery of several cellular proteins that have properties expected of general elongation factors and that have been found to play unanticipated roles in human disease. Among these candidate general elongation factors are the positive transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb), eleven-nineteen lysine-rich in leukemia (ELL), Cockayne syndrome complementation group B (CSB), and elongin proteins, which all function in vitro to expedite elongation by RNA polymerase II by suppressing transient pausing or premature arrest by polymerase through direct interactions with the elongation complex. Despite their similar activities in elongation, the P-TEFb, ELL, CSB, and elongin proteins appear to play roles in a diverse collection of human diseases, including human immunodeficiency virus-1 infection, acute myeloid leukemia, Cockayne syndrome, and the familial cancer predisposition syndrome von Hippel-Lindau disease. here we review our current understanding of the P-TEFb, ELL, CSB, and elongin proteins, their mechanisms of action, and their roles in human disease.

The C-terminal domain-phosphorylated IIO form of RNA polymerase II is associated with the transcription repressor NC2 (Dr1/DRAP1) and is required for transcription activation in human nuclear extracts

Activation of class II gene transcription may involve alleviation of transcription repression as well as stimulation of the assembly and function of the general RNA polymerase (RNAP) II transcription machinery. Here, we investigated whether activator-reversible transcription repression by NC2 (Dr1/DRAP1) contributes to maximum induction levels in unfractionated HeLa nuclear extracts. Surprisingly, we found that depletion of NC2 does not significantly affect basal transcription, but dramatically reduces activated transcription. Immunoblot analyses revealed that the loss of activator function coincides with selective removal of the C-terminal domain (CTD)-hyperphosphorylated RNAP IIO along with NC2. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments with purified factors confirmed that NC2 interacts with RNAP IIO, but not with the unphosphorylated or hypophosphorylated RNAP IIA or CTD-less RNAP IIB forms. Finally, we demonstrate that, in contrast to previously published observations in cell-free systems reconstituted with purified factors, only the CTD-phosphorylated form of RNAP II can mediate activator function in the context of unfractionated HeLa nuclear extracts. These findings reveal an unexpected link between NC2 and transcription activation and suggest that regulation of RNAP II transcription through reversible CTD phosphorylation might be more complex than previously proposed.

The sensitivity of RNA polymerase II in elongation complexes to C-terminal domain phosphatase

The phosphorylation state of the carboxyl-terminal domain (CTD) of the largest RNA polymerase (RNAP) II subunit plays an important role in the regulation of transcript elongation. This report examines the sensitivity of RNAP II to dephosphorylation by CTD phosphatase (CTDP) and addresses factors that regulate its sensitivity. The CTDP sensitivity of RNAP IIO in paused elongation complexes on a dC-tailed template does not significantly differ from that of free RNAP IIO. RNAP IIO contained in elongation complexes that initiate transcription from the adenovirus-2 major late promoter in the presence of a nuclear extract is relatively resistant to dephosphorylation. Complexes treated with 1% Sarkosyl remain elongation-competent but demonstrate a 5-fold increase in CTDP sensitivity. Furthermore, the sensitivity of RNAP IIO in both control and Sarkosyl-treated elongation complexes is dependent on their position relative to the start site of transcription. Elongation complexes 11-24 nucleotides downstream are more sensitive to dephosphorylation than complexes 50-150 nucleotides downstream. The incubation of Sarkosyl-treated elongation complexes with nuclear extract restores the original resistance to dephosphorylation. These results suggest that a conformational change occurs in RNAP II as it clears the promoter, which results in an increased resistance to dephosphorylation. Furthermore, the sensitivity to dephosphorylation can be modulated by a factor(s) present in the nuclear extract.

Hepatitis B virus in hepatocarcinogenesis

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an important etiologic agent of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although the mechanism whereby HBV causes HCC is not fully understood, it is likely that there are many relevant molecular pathways that contribute to the development of HBV-associated HCC. This review provides an overview of some of these proposed pathways and their relative importance. It also raises questions on basic and translational research that will signficantly contribute to the better understanding of underlying mechanisms, prevention, and treatment of this tumor type.

An unusual eukaryotic protein phosphatase required for transcription by RNA polymerase II and CTD dephosphorylation in S. cerevisiae

The carboxy-terminal domain (CTD) of the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II is phosphorylated soon after transcriptional initiation. We show here that the essential FCP1 gene of S. cerevisiae is linked genetically to RNA polymerase II and encodes a CTD phosphatase essential for dephosphorylation of RNA polymerase II in vivo. Fcp1p contains a phosphatase motif, psi psi psi DXDX(T/V)psi psi, which is novel for eukaryotic protein phosphatases and essential for Fcp1p to function in vivo. This motif is also required for recombinant Fcp1p to dephosphorylate the RNA polymerase II CTD or the artificial substrate p-nitrophenylphosphate in vitro. The effects of fcp1 mutations in global run-on and genome-wide expression studies show that transcription by RNA polymerase II in S. cerevisiae generally requires CTD phosphatase.

ICP22 and the UL13 protein kinase are both required for herpes simplex virus-induced modification of the large subunit of RNA polymerase II

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection alters the phosphorylation of the large subunit of RNA polymerase II (RNAP II), resulting in the depletion of the hypophosphorylated and hyperphosphorylated forms of this polypeptide (known as IIa and IIo, respectively) and induction of a novel, alternatively phosphorylated form (designated IIi). We previously showed that the HSV-1 immediate-early protein ICP22 is involved in this phenomenon, since induction of IIi and depletion of IIa are deficient in cells infected with 22/n199, an HSV-1 ICP22 nonsense mutant (S. A. Rice, M. C. Long, V. Lam, P. A. Schaffer, and C. A. Spencer, J. Virol. 69:5550-5559, 1995). However, depletion of IIo still occurs in 22/n199-infected cells. This suggests either that another viral gene product affects the RNAP II large subunit or that the truncated ICP22 polypeptide encoded by 22/n199 retains residual activity which leads to IIo depletion. To distinguish between these possibilities, we engineered an HSV-1 ICP22 null mutant, d22-lacZ, and compared it to 22/n199. The two mutants are indistinguishable in their effects on the RNAP II large subunit, suggesting that an additional viral gene product is involved in altering RNAP II. Two candidates are UL13, a protein kinase which has been implicated in ICP22 phosphorylation, and the virion host shutoff (Vhs) factor, the expression of which is positively regulated by ICP22 and UL13. To test whether UL13 is involved, a UL13-deficient viral mutant, d13-lacZ, was engineered. This mutant was defective in IIi induction and IIa depletion, displaying a phenotype very similar to that of d22-lacZ. In contrast, a Vhs mutant had effects that were indistinguishable from wild-type HSV-1. Therefore, UL13 but not the Vhs function plays a role in modifying the RNAP II large subunit. To study the potential role of UL13 in viral transcription, we carried out nuclear run-on transcription analyses in infected human embryonic lung cells. Infections with either UL13 or ICP22 mutants led to significantly reduced amounts of viral genome transcription at late times after infection. Together, our results suggest that ICP22 and UL13 are involved in a common pathway that alters RNAP II phosphorylation and that in some cell lines this change promotes viral late transcription.

Elongator, a multisubunit component of a novel RNA polymerase II holoenzyme for transcriptional elongation

The form of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) engaged in transcriptional elongation was isolated. Elongating RNAPII was associated with a novel multisubunit complex, termed elongator, whose stable interaction was dependent on a hyperphosphorylated state of the RNAPII carboxy-terminal domain (CTD). A free form of elongator was also isolated, demonstrating the discrete nature of the complex, and free elongator could bind directly to RNAPII. The gene encoding the largest subunit of elongator, ELP1, was cloned. Phenotypes of yeast elp1 delta cells demonstrated an involvement of elongator in transcriptional elongation as well as activation in vivo. Our data indicate that the transition from transcriptional initiation to elongation involves an exchange of the multiprotein mediator complex for elongator in a reaction coupled to CTD hyperphosphorylation.

Regulation of carboxyl-terminal domain phosphatase by HIV-1 tat protein

The phosphorylation state of the carboxyl-terminal domain (CTD) of RNA polymerase (RNAP) II is directly linked to the phase of transcription being carried out by the polymerase. Enzymes that affect CTD phosphorylation can thus play a major role in the regulation of transcription. A previously characterized HeLa CTD phosphatase has been shown to processively dephosphorylate RNAP II and to be stimulated by the 74-kDa subunit of TFIIF. This phosphatase is shown to be comprised of a single 150-kDa subunit by the reconstitution of catalytic activity from a SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis purified protein. This subunit has been previously cloned and shown to interact with the HIV Tat protein. To determine whether this interaction has functional consequences, the effect of Tat on CTD phosphatase was investigated. Full-length Tat-1 protein (Tat 86R) strongly inhibits the activity of CTD phosphatase. Point mutations in the activation domain of Tat 86R, which reduce the ability of Tat to transactivate in vivo, diminish its ability to inhibit CTD phosphatase. Furthermore, a deletion mutant missing most of the activation domain is unable to inhibit CTD phosphatase activity. The ability of Tat to transactivate in vitro also correlates with the strength of inhibition of CTD phosphatase. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that Tat-dependent suppression of CTD phosphatase is part of the transactivation function of Tat.

FCP1, the RAP74-interacting subunit of a human protein phosphatase that dephosphorylates the carboxyl-terminal domain of RNA polymerase IIO

TFIIF (RAP30/74) is a general initiation factor that also increases the rate of elongation by RNA polymerase II. A two-hybrid screen for RAP74-interacting proteins produced cDNAs encoding FCP1a, a novel, ubiquitously expressed human protein that interacts with the carboxyl-terminal evolutionarily conserved domain of RAP74. Related cDNAs encoding FCP1b lack a carboxyl-terminal RAP74-binding domain of FCP1a. FCP1 is an essential subunit of a RAP74-stimulated phosphatase that processively dephosphorylates the carboxyl-terminal domain of the largest RNA polymerase II subunit. FCP1 is also a stoichiometric component of a human RNA polymerase II holoenzyme complex.