Animal DNA-dependent RNA polymerases. 10. General enzymatic properties of purified calf thymus RNA polymerases AI and B

hRRN3 is essential in the SL1-mediated recruitment of RNA Polymerase I to rRNA gene promoters

A crucial step in transcription is the recruitment of RNA polymerase to promoters. In the transcription of human rRNA genes by RNA Polymerase I (Pol I), transcription factor SL1 has a role as the essential core promoter binding factor. Little is known about the mechanism by which Pol I is recruited. We provide evidence for an essential role for hRRN3, the human homologue of a yeast Pol I transcription factor, in this process. We find that whereas the bulk of human Pol I complexes (I alpha) are transcriptionally inactive, hRRN3 defines a distinct subpopulation of Pol I complexes (I beta) that supports specific initiation of transcription. Human RRN3 interacts directly with TAF(I)110 and TAF(I)63 of promoter-selectivity factor SL1. Blocking this connection prevents recruitment of Pol I beta to the rDNA promoter. Furthermore, hRRN3 can be found in transcriptionally autonomous Pol I holoenzyme complexes. We conclude that hRRN3 functions to recruit initiation-competent Pol I to rRNA gene promoters. The essential role for hRRN3 in linking Pol I to SL1 suggests a mechanism for growth control of Pol I transcription.

Juglone, an inhibitor of the peptidyl-prolyl isomerase Pin1, also directly blocks transcription

The C-terminal domain (CTD) of the large subunit of RNA polymerase II plays a role in transcription and RNA processing. Yeast ESS1, a peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase, is involved in RNA processing and can associate with the CTD. Using several types of assays we could not find any evidence of an effect of Pin1, the human homolog of ESS1, on transcription by RNA polymerase II in vitro or on the expression of a reporter gene in vivo. However, an inhibitor of Pin1, 5-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (juglone), blocked transcription by RNA polymerase II. Unlike N-ethylmaleimide, which inhibited all phases of transcription by RNA polymerase II, juglone disrupted the formation of functional preinitiation complexes by modifying sulfhydryl groups but did not have any significant effect on either initiation or elongation. Both RNA polymerases I and III, but not T7 RNA polymerase, were inhibited by juglone. The primary target of juglone has not been unambiguously identified, although a site on the polymerase itself is suggested by inhibition of RNA polymerase II during factor-independent transcription of single-stranded DNA. Because of its unique inhibitory properties juglone should prove useful in studying transcription in vitro.

Accuracy of wheat-germ RNA polymerase II. General enzymatic properties and effect of template conformational transition from right-handed B-DNA to left-handed Z-DNA

We investigated the accuracy of the insertion process in RNA chain elongation catalyzed by wheat germ RNA polymerase II. Error frequencies varied from 1 misinserted nucleotide per 250 polymerized correct substrates to less than 1 in 2 x 10(5), depending on template sequence and nature of the divalent metal cofactor. Higher error ratios were observed in the presence of Mn2+ compared to Mg2+, and with alternating poly[d(G-C)].poly[d(G-C)] compared to poly[d(A-T)].poly[d(A-T)]. In this latter case the eukaryotic RNA polymerase was as accurate as Escherichia coli RNA polymerase holo-enzyme. The fidelity of wheat germ RNA polymerase II was also examined in transcription of polynucleotide templates in the poly[d(G-C)] family adopting either the right-handed B or left-handed Z conformations. Error ratios for noncomplementary ATP increased markedly under experimental conditions favoring the B-to-Z conformational transition of the alternating copolymers. In accordance with the results of previous studies, the rate of productive elongation, i.e. the synthesis of poly[r(G-C)], was depressed, suggesting that the decreased accuracy of the enzyme derived from an altered competence of the enzyme to form elongation complexes on the left-handed DNA. As judged by the large difference in apparent Km values of the enzyme for complementary and noncomplementary nucleoside triphosphates, part of the discrimination between substrates seemed to take place at the initial binding step. Furthermore, the results indicate that wheat germ RNA polymerase II was able to elongate a primer with a 3'-terminal mismatch, and thus to incorporate the mismatched nucleotide stably in the nascent RAN. However, the probability of productive RNA chain elongation was much lower with noncognate than with the complementary substrates.

RNA elongation by RNA polymerase II is not inhibited by N-ethylmaleimide or iodoacetamide

The elongation of RNA by RNA polymerase II is not inhibited by N-ethylmaleimide or iodoacetamide. Three systems were studied: a soluble chromatin, purified RNA polymerase II with DNA, and a HeLa cell extract with an adenovirus 2 promoter sequence.

A general transcription factor forms a stable complex with RNA polymerase B (II)

A general transcription factor (BTF3) has been purified from HeLa whole cell extracts and shown to be required for accurate initiation of transcription from the adenovirus-2 major late promoter (Ad2MLP) and other RNA polymerase class B promoters. We show that purified BTF3 (27 kd) binds to RNA polymerase B (II), forming a complex that is transcriptionally active. We found no evidence that purified BTF3 interacts with DNA or is required for the formation of the stable preinitiation complex.

Mechanism of apparent transcription inhibition by methyl mercury in cerebellar neurons

We have investigated the mechanism of inhibition of RNA synthesis by methyl mercury (MeHg) in isolated neonatal rat cerebellar cells. Each of the three component steps involved in the incorporation of exogenous [3H]uridine into cellular RNA was examined separately in whole-cell and/or subcellular preparations. Nuclear RNA polymerase activity was measured in preparations containing both free nuclei and whole cells. Incorporation of [3H]UTP into nuclear RNA was found to be unimpaired at concentrations of MeHg that inhibited whole-cell incorporation of [3H]uridine by greater than 75%. Cellular uptake of [3H]uridine was assayed in cerebellar cells treated with KCN to deplete ATP levels and block subsequent phosphorylation reactions of transported uridine. Uptake activity under these conditions was unaffected by MeHg. Measurement of intracellular phosphorylation of [3H]uridine indicated that inhibition of this activity closely paralleled that of RNA synthesis. Quantitation of individual uridine nucleotides by polyethyleneimine-cellulose TLC revealed reduced levels of UTP and UDP whereas levels of UMP were elevated, suggesting that impairment of phosphorylation was not the result of cellular ATP depletion but, more likely, a direct effect on phosphouridine kinase enzymes. This mechanism of MeHg-induced inhibition of RNA synthesis was confirmed by assays of uridine phosphorylation using cell-free extracts in which exogenous ATP was supplied.

Enzymatic properties and cooperative effects in the kinetics of wheat-germ RNA polymerases. A comparative study of the three nuclear enzyme classes

Some of the enzymatic properties of the three classes of RNA polymerase purified from wheat germ were studied. Although the four enzyme species exhibited different template specificities using synthetic polydeoxyribonucleotides, poly(dC) was the most efficiently transcribed. Furthermore, with this matrix all enzyme forms had nearly the same specific activity (approximately equal to 5500 units/mg). A comparative kinetic study of RNA synthesis catalyzed by the wheat germ RNA polymerases lead to the following results: when rate measurements were effected as a function of the concentration of purine nucleoside triphosphates, non-linear double-reciprocal plots were obtained for polymerases I and IIB, whereas linear plots were obtained for RNA polymerases IIA and III. The reaction rates were also measured as a function of UTP concentration (a nucleoside triphosphate which can only be used in the elongation step): the kinetics of the reactions catalyzed by RNA polymerases IIA and III can be accounted for by a simple ping-pong kinetic model; in contrast, negative cooperativity was obtained for enzymes I and IIB. This kinetic behaviour may signify that RNA polymerases I and IIB are allosterically regulated enzymes.

DNA-dependent RNA polymerases for Schneider 2-L cells of Drosophila. I. Preliminary characterization

The DNA-dependent RNA polymerases of Schneider 2-L cells of Drosophila melanogaster are described. These cells contain five readily detectable forms of this enzyme, polymerases Ia, Ib, IIIa, II, and IIIb, which elute from DEAE-Sephadex at 0.08, 0.12, 0.15, 0.20, and 0.22 M ammonium sulfate, respectively. RNA polymerases IIIa and IIIb, which each constitute about 5-10% of the total RNA polymerase activity in Drosophila embryos, are found to constitute 30 and 10%, respectively, of the total polymerase activity in cultured cells. The two form III polymerases are further characterized by in vitro response to divalent cations and ionic strength, template utilization, and sensitivity to alpha-amanitin. Verification of the class III designation of these two polymerases is provided by their sensitivity to only very high levels of alpha-amanitin (50% inhibition at approximately 800 micrograms/ml), their 10-fold greater activity on poly[d(A-T)], and their elution from DEAE-cellulose at lower ionic strengths that from DEAE-Sephadex.

Native deoxyribonucleic acid transcription by yeast RNA polymerase--P37 complex

The specific activity of yeast RNA polymerases A or B, when complexed with P37 cofactor, compares favorably with that of E. coli RNA polymerase. The stimulation is observed only with double-stranded DNA but does not result from DNase action. The Km for nucleotide substrates and the optimal conditions of transcription are not modified. P37 stimulates RNA synthesis by ternary transcription complexes in the presence of poly(rI) which prevents reinitiations. The RNA chain length, estimated by 5' end labeling or sedimentation, is increased in the presence of P37. On the other hand, the trinucleotide synthesis, which reflects the chain initiation reaction, is not affected. Therefore, the cofactor appears to act at the elongation step of RNA synthesis.

Partial characterization of RNA polymerase II complex released by micrococcal nuclease digestion of rat liver nuclei

Two forms of RNA polymerase II were released from rat liver chromatin by micrococcal nuclease digestion of the nuclei. One from behaved like a free RNA polymerase II and the other like a complex with other nuclear components. Both forms of RNA polymerase II activity were recovered in the 0.16 M NaCl-soluble fraction of the nuclear digest, and the complexed from the RNA polymerase II could transcribe its endogenous template under conditions permitting only of elongation of the RNA synthesis. The RNA polymerase II complex was further purified by gel filtration chromatography and column electrophoresis. Analysis of protein and DNA of the partially purified complex suggested that the RNA polymerase II was bound to mono- or dinucleosomes carrying some characteristic nonhistone proteins. Furthermore, in experiments on tissues from starved rats, the two forms of RNA polymerase II were found to originate from different functional states of the chromatin-bound enzyme in vivo.

Transcription by eukaryotic RNA polymerases A and B of chromatin assembled in vitro

Chromatin was assembled in vitro from simian virus 40 DNA form I and the calf-thymus four histones H2A, H2B, H3 and H4. Transcription with calf thymus RNA polymerases A and B (I and II) was greatly inhibited. Nucleosomes were found to inhibit both RNA chain initiation and elongation. The inhibition of elongation could be relieved by increasing ionic strength, suggesting that electrostatic interactions between histone octamer and DNA have to be broken for RNA polymerase to transcribe DNA organised into nucleosomes.

Form II DNA-dependent RNA polymerase from Drosophila melanogaster: general in vitro catalytic properties and template interactions

Several in vitro properties of partially purified form II RNA polymerase from Drosophila melanogaster embryo nuclei are described. The enzyme preparation is free from contaminating RNase, protein kinase, and polyphosphate kinase activities and can be used to study the incorporation of gamma-32P-labeled nucleoside triphosphates. The enzyme exhibits a biphasic heat inactivation pattern which is probably related to differential lability of its two subforms. However, a considerable protection against heat inactivation is provided by the nucleoside triphosphates present in the in vitro reaction system such that the enzyme catalyzes RNA synthesis in a nearly linear mode for over 2 hr at 30 C. Two initiation inhibitors, rifamycin AF/013 was found unsuitable for critical studies because of the high concentrations necessary for total inhibition (200 micrograms/ml) and particularly because of the obligate use of solvents which secondarily have a destabilizing effect on native DNA. Poly[I] was found to effectively block initiation at very low concentrations (1 microgram/ml). The enzyme rapidly forms poly[I]-resistant preinitiation complexes on both double- and single-stranded DNA. These complexes decay with a half-life of 2.5--3 min. RNA synthesis from poly[I]-resistant complexes amounts to 10% of the total potential synthesis on both double- and single-stranded DNA. Enzyme-DNA saturation experiments indicate that the form II enzyme discriminates two types of sites on Drosophila DNA, tight binding and weak binding, from which RNA synthesis proceeds slowly and rapidly, respectively. The tight-binding sites appear to be analogous to those sites with which the enzyme is able to form poly[I]-resistant complexes.

Enumeration of drosophila form II DNA-dependent RNA polymerase initiation sites on Drosophila DNA

The in vitro incorporation of gamma-32P-labeled nucleoside triphosphates into RNA by Drosophila melanogaster form II RNA polymerase from template sites which afford protection from the initiation inhibitor, polyriboinosinic acid (poly [I]), is used as a method for enumerating a specific class of transcription initiation sites on D. melanogaster DNA. Such sites number about 4000 per haploid genome for D. melanogaster. This value is in good agreement with the number of functional genetic units in the D. melanogaster genome as determined by classical cytogenetics.

Template specificity of DNA-dependent RNA polymerase from calf liver nuclei

The efficiency of transcription of both mammalian and bacterial templates by 3 distinct multiple forms of DNA-dependent RNA polymerase from calf liver nuclei has been determined. The homologous template and salmon sperm DNA were more efficiently transcribed than bacterial templates. The native DNA/denatured DNA activity ratio of the 2 alpha-amanitin-insensitive forms was found consistent with that described for enzymes exhibiting nucleolar localization.

Evidence for the existence of two forms of RNA polymerases I and II in insect wing epidermis

DNA-dependent RNA polymerases were solubilized from developing wings of the oak silkmoth, Antheraea pernyi, and partially purified by ion-exchange chromatography and sucrose gradient sedimentation. Four enzyme species were resolved on the basis of chromatographic behavior, divalent cation requirements, ionic strength optima, template preference and alpha-amanitin sensitivity. Each class (i.e. RNA polymerase I and II) was present in two forms termed IA, IB and IIA, IIB on the basis of their elution pattern from the column. Both class I enzymes were sensitive to high concentrations of alpha-amanitin but this may be due to general toxicity rather than specific inhibition. The intraclass variants did not differ significantly in enzymatic properties although form IIB was more sensitive to alpha-amanitin (50% inhibition at 2 . 10(-9) M) than form IIA (3 . 10(-8)M).

Isolation and characterization of RNA polymerase B from the larval fat body of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta

DNA-dependent RNA polymerase B has been extensively purified from the larval fat body of the tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta) by employing chromatography on ion-exchange columns of DEAE-Sephadex, DEAE-cellulose and phosphocellulose and centrifugation on glycerol gradients. The isolated enzyme after electrophoresis on acrylamide gels shows one main band and one minor band, both having enzyme activity sensitive to alpha-amanitin. The catalytic and physicochemical properties of the enzyme are similar to those of other eucaryotic B-type RNA polymerases. The enzyme has an apparent molecular weight of 530000, is inhibited 50% by alpha-amanitin at 0.04 microgram/ml and shows maximum activity on denatured DNA at 5 mM Mn2+ and 100 mM ammonium sulfate. An antibody was obtained that cross-reacts with the pure enzyme and forms a precipitin line. This antibody does not cross react with either Escherichia coli RNA polymerase or with wheat germ RNA polymerase but does react with one of the B polymerases isolated from wing tissue of the silkmoth, Antheraea pernyi.

DNA-dependent RNA polymerase III from cauliflower. Characterization and template specificity

Class III DNA-dependent RNA polymerase (EC 2.7.7.6) was highly purified from cauliflower (Brassica oleracea, var. bortytis) by using polyethyleneimine precipitation. The specific activity of the enzyme was comparable to that reported for mammalian enzymes. Glycerol gradient sedimentation analysis indicated that the sedimantation coefficient (23 S) was slightly higher than that of enzyme II from cauliflower. The class III enzyme was inhibited by alpha-amanitin at high concentrations (50% inhibition at 200 microgram/ml). The Km value for nucleoside triphosphate was determined. Template specificities for single synthetic polymers showed that the enzyme read pyrimidine homopolymers as templates and preferred poly(dT) to poly(dC). The enzyme transcribed both strands of homopolymer pairs of poly(dI). poly(dC) and poly(dA).poly(dT). The synthetic polyribonucleotides were not effectively read. Competition experiments with these synthetic polymers indicated that the enzyme had different binding specificities which were not the same as their template specificities. The different binding affinities and template specificites for synthetic templates of the three classes of enzyme suggest that the enzyme can discriminate among different template sequences.

A simple method for the preparation of [beta-32P]purine nucleoside triphosphase

A rapid, simple and inexpensive procedure is described for the preparation of purine ribo-and deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates specifically and highly radiolabeled with [32P]phosphate in the beta position. The method involves two successive enzymatic reactions: conversion of donor [gamma-32P]ATP in the presence of an excess of acceptor 5'-mononucleotide to the 5'-diphosphates by myokinase or guanosine 5'-monophosphate kinase followed by phosphorylation with pyruvate kinase to yield 5'-triphosphates.

Characterization of a protein factor stimulating RNA synthesis by DNA-dependent RNA polymerase II from plant cell cultures

During purification of DNA-dependent RNA polymerase II (or B) from cell cultures of parsley a protein fraction was separated by phosphocellulose chromatography which enhanced RNA synthesis in the presence of native homologous DNA. This 'stimulatory factor' was characterized in respect to some effects on the reaction catalyzed by RNA polymerase II. In the presence of the factor the metal ion requirements as well as the ionic strength for optimal RNA synthesis were markedly changed; addition of the factor to RNA polymerase II purified by cellulose chromatography restored those enzyme properties which had apparently changed upon this purification step. The chain length of the RNA product synthesized is favouring the view that the factor acts mainly by stabilizing the elongation step during transcription. The stimulatory factor was further purified by several steps of column chromatography. As derived from the results of gel electrophoresis under denaturing conditions the factor consists of several small polypeptides. Those of Mr = 26000, 25000 and 14000 apparently have counterparts among the smaller subunits of highly purified RNA polymerase II from parsley cells. Another polypeptide of the factor, with Mr = 30000, was only found in those preparations of RNA polymerase II which had not been subjected to phosphocellulose chromatography.

Template activity of synthetic deoxyribonucleotide polymers in the eukaryotic DNA-dependent RNA polymerase reaction

Template specificities of the eukaryotic DNA-dependent RNA polymerases A and B from rat liver, pea, and cauliflower have been investigated using synthetic polydeoxyribonucleotides. Polymerases A and B from the three species exhibit different specificities for single-stranded homopolymers: polymerase A preferentially reads poly(dT) and poly (dC). and polymerase B poly (dC). This preferential reading appears to be a property of eukaryotic DNA-dependent RNA polymerases. Polymerases A and B transcribe synthetic polyribonucleotides also, but at a reduced rate. The polyribonucleotides which can be read by DNA-dependent RNA polymerases have a base sequence similar to that of the polydeoxyribonucleotides, which are effeciently transcribed, suggesting that the base sequence of the template rather than its conformation is crucial in the template specificity for synthetic polymers. Competition experiments with polydeoxyribonucleotides indicate that the enzymes have different binding specificities, which are not the same as their template specificities.

Influence of steroid-receptor complexes on transcription by human hypertrophied prostatic RNA polymerases

The effects of 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone-receptor complexes on transcription in human hypertrophied prostate tissue were studied in a cell-free system reconstituted from the various subcellular fractions prepared from specimens of the diseased gland. Two major RNA polymerase species were isolated from human hypertrophied prostate. These were designated A and B and were distinguishable by their preference for divalent cations and their sensitivity to salt and alpha-amanitin. Moreover, RNA polymerase B, but not RNA polymerase A, could effectively transcribe a prostate chromatin template. Any enzyme activity endogenous to some chromatin preparations was shown to be characteristic of RNA polymerase B. 5alpha-Dihydrotestoterone-receptor complexes were transferred into prostatic chromatin both steroid- and tissue-specifically. The association of steroid-receptor complexes with chromatin produced changes in template activity and increased the transcription of the chromatin by exogenous and endogenous RNA polymerase B. With a number of specimens, however, there was considerable variation in accessible cytoplasmic receptor sites, uptake of steroid-receptor complexes by chromatin preparations, the template activity of the chromatin and its response to steroid-receptor stimulation. Nevertheless, the transcription characteristics of human hypertrophied prostatic chromatin appear to be influenced by steroid-receptor complexes, and the extent of the response to added complexes would undoubtedly be governed by pre-existing complexes having had an earlier effect.

Size of primary transcripts in Ehrlich ascites cells as measured by tetraphosphate determination

A method for the quantitation of 5"-tetraphosphate ends in 32P-labeled RNA has been developed. The tetraphosphate content of different RNA fractions obtained from Ehrlich ascites cells labeled with 32P for different lengths of time has been determined. Ribosomal RNA and poly(U)-binding RNA, labeled for long periods, (mRNA) lack 5'-terminal tetraphosphate. 5S RNA, pulse labeled 4-5S RNA, and poly(U)-binding hnRNA (heterogeneous nuclear RNA) do contain tetraphosphate. From the amount of the tetraphosphate, molecular weight data can be calculated for these RNA fractions which agree with independent determinations by denaturing gel electrophoresis. The results demonstrate that the majority of the poly(A) containing hnRNA molecules are small (less than 28S) and contain the tetraphosphate of the primary transcript. Therefore, they do not originate from the 3'-end of large molecules by processing events.

HeLa cell deoxyribonucleic acid dependent RNA polymerases: function and properties of the class III enzymes

The class III DNA dependent RNA polymerases (nucleoside triphosphate:RNA nucleotidyltransferase EC 2.7.7.6 from HeLa cells have been solubilized and characterized as to function and properties. Two chromatographically distinct forms of enzyme III, designated polymerases IIIA and IIIB, can be resolved when cell extracts are chromatographed on DEAE-Sephadex columns. Enzymes IIIA and IIIB exhibit nearly identical catalytic properties such as divalent cation stimulation, broad biphasic ammonium sulfate optima, and characteristic alpha-amanitin sensitivities which clearly distinguish them from the homologous enzymes, forms I and II. Polymerases IIIA and IIIB are both primarily localized in the nucleus (greater than 60%). The most notable characteristic of the class III enzymes is a unique sensitivity to inhibition by alpha-amanitin (50% inhibition at 15 mug/ml). HeLa cell enzyme I is not inhibited by the mushroom toxin even at very high concentrations (greater than 400 mug/ml), while HeLa cell polymerase II is inhibited by very low concentrations of amanitin (50% inhibition at 0.003 mug/ml). The three major classes of enzyme (I, II, III) exhibit characteristic sensitivities to alpha-amanitin whether assayed in nuclei, crude homogenates, or in a chromatographically purified state. Using a nuclear in vitro RNA synthesizing system to investigate the alpha-amanitin sensitivities of the synthesis of tRNA precursor (4.5S pre-tRNA) and 5S ribosomal RNA, it was found that the synthesis of these RNA species was inhibited 50% at 15 mug/ml of alpha-amanitin. The alpha-amanitin inhibition curves for the synthesis of pre-tRNA-5S ribosomal RNA in nuclei and the alpha-amanitin titration curves for the partially purified class III enzymes (IIIA and IIIB) are identical. These data, therefore, show that the in vivo functional role of the class III RNA polymerases (IIIA-IIIB) is the transcription of the genes coding for transfer RNA and 5S ribosomal RNA.

Further characterization of yeast RNA polymerases. Effect of subunits removal

Two forms of yeast RNA polymerase A are resolved by phosphocellulose chromatography. One of these, called RNA polymerase A, is lacking two polypeptide chains of 48,000 and 37,000 daltons. The properties of the two enzymes are compared in the present paper. RNA polymerase A transcribes d(A-T)n with a similar efficiency as the complete enzyme, but it is comparatively much less active with native DNA. The two enzymes can also be differentiated on the basis of their ionic strength and divalent cation requirements. RNA polymerase A has a particularly low activity at high salt and low Mg2+ concentrations. Thermal inactivation curves of the two enzymes are different when residual activity is assayed with native DNA. In contrast with d(A-T)n as template the apparent inactivation curves of the two enzymes are identical. The data suggest that the two dissociable polypeptide chains play an important role in transcription. The template specificity of yeast RNA polymerase B was further investigated using SV40 DNA-FI as template. RNA polymerase B is able to retain [3H]SV40 DNA-FI on nitrocellulose filters but the enzyme-DNA complex is very unstable. The observation that RNA polymerase B can transcribe to some extent a supercoiled DNA but not a linear double stranded template supports the hypothesis that the enzyme needs some unpaired DNA structure to initiate transcription.

Animal DNA-dependent RNA polymerases. Partial purification and properties of three classes of RNA polymerases from uninfected and adenovirus-infected HeLa cells

DNA-dependent RNA polymerase was solubilized from normal and adenovirus-2 infected HeLa cells. Multiple peaks of enzyme activity were separated by DEAE-Sephadex chromatography. In addition to class A and B enzyme activities (respectively insensitive and sensitive to inhibition by 10 nM alpha-amanitin), three peaks of class C enzyme activity were found which are sensitive to inhibition by alpha-amanitin only at much higher concentrations (0.1 mM). Rechromatography of these class C peaks indicates that they are not chromatographic artifacts. Class C enzymes differ from class A and B enzymes by several criteria including inhibition by alpha-amanitin, immunological properties, and the ability to transcribe native calf thymus DNA at high ionic strength. However, the ionic strength optimum and the divalent cation requirements of class C enzymes are not invariant characteristics of the enzymes and are markedly dependent on the nature and the amount of template in the reaction. No differences, either qualitative or quantitative, were found between the multiple enzymes isolated from normal or adenovirus-2 infected cells. All of the partially purified HeLa cell RNA polymerases were able to transcribe an intact double-stranded adenovirus-2 DNA under conditions where no transcription occurred with purified calf thymus AI and B RNA polymerases. Since the multiple enzymes were devoid of endonuclease and exonuclease activities, the ability of the partially purified enzymes to transcribe adenovirus-2 DNA cannot be ascribed to initiation of RNA synthesis at nicks of single-stranded regions of the DNA. No differences in transcriptional ability between corresponding enzyme classes from normal or infected cells, but a comparison of the ability of the various enzyme classes to transcribe intact viral DNA revealed large differences. Although partially purified HeLa class A and B enzymes were able to initiate on the intact viral DNA to a limited extent only, it appears that the class C enzymes transcribe intact duplex DNA much more efficiently than any other class of eukaryotic polymerase yet reported.

DNA-dependent RNA polymerases I and II from kidney. Effect of polyamines on the in vitro transcription of DNA and chromatin

DNA-dependent RNA polymerases I and II were purified from pig kidney nuclei by chromatography on DEAE-Sephadex and phosphocellulose. When nonlimiting amounts of double-stranded DNA were used as the template, the in vitro transcription was markedly stimulated by spermidine and spermine. Maximal stimulation of RNA polymerase I occurred at 2-5 mM spermidine and 0.5-2 mM spermine, whereas optimal polyamine concentrations for RNA polymerase II were 5-10 and 1-5 mM for spermidine and spermine, respectively. DNA transcription by polymerase II was stimulated to a greater extent than that of polymerase I. Higher spermine (5-10 mM) concentrations were strong inhibitors of both polymerases under these conditions. The apparent Km of RNA polymerases I and II for UTP was unchanged at optimal polyamine concentration; under the same conditions the maximal reaction velocity was increased two- to three-fold and was essentially due to an increase in the rate of chain elongation. Thus, in a typical experiment the average chain length as determined by the UMP/uridine ratio increased from 570 to 1330 and the chain elongation rate increased from 0.64 to 1.44 nucleotides times sec-1 in the presence of spermine. When limiting quantities of native DNA were employed as the template, both RNA polymerases I and II were inhibited by 1-2 mM spermine. Kidney chromatin could be transcribed by homologous RNA polymerases with an efficiency ranging from 2 to 10% of that with native DNA. When chromatin was used in nonlimiting amounts instead of DNA, RNA polymerase II activity was again stimulated about two-fold at 2 mM spermine. Under these conditions, RNA polymerase I activity was inhibited by spermine. The inhibition of RNA synthesis in vitro at limiting quantities of templates (DNA or chromatin) could be overcome by preincubation of the enzyme with templates before polyamines were added. This inhibition thus appears to be due to a block in the initiation of RNA chains. Similar inhibition of transcription by RNA polymerase II was also observed with limiting quantities of chromatin as the template.