Protein-protein interactions in eukaryotic transcription initiation: structure of the preinitiation complex

Polyglutamine disease proteins: Commonalities and differences in interaction profiles and pathological effects

Currently, nine polyglutamine (polyQ) expansion diseases are known. They include spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 17), spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA), and Huntington's disease (HD). At the root of these neurodegenerative diseases are trinucleotide repeat mutations in coding regions of different genes, which lead to the production of proteins with elongated polyQ tracts. While the causative proteins differ in structure and molecular mass, the expanded polyQ domains drive pathogenesis in all these diseases. PolyQ tracts mediate the association of proteins leading to the formation of protein complexes involved in gene expression regulation, RNA processing, membrane trafficking, and signal transduction. In this review, we discuss commonalities and differences among the nine polyQ proteins focusing on their structure and function as well as the pathological features of the respective diseases. We present insights from AlphaFold-predicted structural models and discuss the biological roles of polyQ-containing proteins. Lastly, we explore reported protein-protein interaction networks to highlight shared protein interactions and their potential relevance in disease development.

BmTBP upregulates the transcription of BmSuc1 in silkworm (Bombyx mori) by binding to BmTfΙΙA-S

The BmSuc1 gene, which encodes a novel animal-type β-fructofuranosidase (EC 3.2.1.26), was first cloned and identified in silkworm (Bombyx mori). As an essential sucrase, the activity of BmSUC1 is unaffected by alkaloidal sugar mimics in mulberry leaves. This enzyme may also directly regulate the degree of sucrose hydrolysis in the silkworm midgut. In addition, BmSUC1 is involved in the synthesis of sericin 1 in the silk gland tissue. However, the mechanism underlying the regulation of BmSuc1 transcription remains unclear. In this study, we analyzed the BmSuc1 promoter activity using a dual-luciferase reporter assay and identified 4 regions that are critical for transcriptional activation. The gene encoding a predicted transcription factor (TATA-box-binding protein; BmTBP) capable of binding to the core promoter regions was cloned. A quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis indicated the gene was highly expressed in the midgut. Downregulating BmTBP expression via RNA interference decreased the expression of BmSuc1 at the transcript and protein levels. An electrophoretic mobility shift analysis and chromatin immunoprecipitation indicated that BmTBP can bind to the TATA-box cis-regulatory element in the BmSuc1 promoter. Furthermore, a bioinformatics-based analysis and a far-western blot revealed the interaction between BmTBP and another transcription factor (BmTfIIA-S). The luciferase reporter gene assay results confirmed that the BmTBP-BmTfIIA-S complex increases the BmSuc1 promoter activity. Considered together, these findings suggest that BmTBP regulates BmSuc1 expression through its interaction with BmTfIIA-S.

Study on Interaction Between TATA-Box Binding Protein (TBP), TATA-Box and Multiprotein Bridging Factor 1(MBF1) in Beauveria bassiana by Graphene-Based Electrochemical Biosensors

The regulation of transcription level is an important step in gene expression process. Beauveria bassiana is a broad-spectrum insecticidal fungi widely used in the biologic control of arthropod. The regulation of its transcription level is a multilevel complex process. Multiprotein bridging factor 1(MBF1) is a transcriptional co-activator that bridges sequence-specific activators and the TATA-box binding protein(TBP), Little is known about the interaction between MBF1, TBP, and TBP binding to DNA(TATA-sequences)in filamentous fungi of Beauveria bassiana, The binding of TBP to TATA-box and TBP to MBF1 was investigated via electrochemical biosensor. Graphene oxide has an electronic mobility that is unattainable for any metal, so it will be highly sensitive as a test electrode. Hence, we developed a simple, sensitive and specific sensor based on an TBP probe and graphene oxide that successfully detected the interaction of TBP and TATA-box or MBF1. From the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), we find that the radius will increase when adding TATA-box or MBF1 buffer to the modified TBP protein electrode. When adding no TATA-box or no MBF1, the radius is relatively unchanged. The interaction between TBP and TATA-box or MBF1 was proved based on the results. These data confirmed the specificity of the interactions, (1) our developed graphene-based electrochemical biosensor can be used for monitoring the interaction between TBP and TATA-box or MBF1, (2) TBP can bind to TATA-box, (3) TBP can bind to MBF1, and (4) TBP mediates the interactions of MBF1 to DNA. Therefore, this work provided a label-free, low-cost and simple detection method for the complex process of eukaryotic gene transcription regulation.

The Oxymonad Genome Displays Canonical Eukaryotic Complexity in the Absence of a Mitochondrion

The discovery that the protist Monocercomonoides exilis completely lacks mitochondria demonstrates that these organelles are not absolutely essential to eukaryotic cells. However, the degree to which the metabolism and cellular systems of this organism have adapted to the loss of mitochondria is unknown. Here, we report an extensive analysis of the M. exilis genome to address this question. Unexpectedly, we find that M. exilis genome structure and content is similar in complexity to other eukaryotes and less "reduced" than genomes of some other protists from the Metamonada group to which it belongs. Furthermore, the predicted cytoskeletal systems, the organization of endomembrane systems, and biosynthetic pathways also display canonical eukaryotic complexity. The only apparent preadaptation that permitted the loss of mitochondria was the acquisition of the SUF system for Fe-S cluster assembly and the loss of glycine cleavage system. Changes in other systems, including in amino acid metabolism and oxidative stress response, were coincident with the loss of mitochondria but are likely adaptations to the microaerophilic and endobiotic niche rather than the mitochondrial loss per se. Apart from the lack of mitochondria and peroxisomes, we show that M. exilis is a fully elaborated eukaryotic cell that is a promising model system in which eukaryotic cell biology can be investigated in the absence of mitochondria.

Uncovering ancient transcription systems with a novel evolutionary indicator

TBP and TFIIB are evolutionarily conserved transcription initiation factors in archaea and eukaryotes. Information about their ancestral genes would be expected to provide insight into the origin of the RNA polymerase II-type transcription apparatus. In obtaining such information, the nucleotide sequences of current genes of both archaea and eukaryotes should be included in the analysis. However, the present methods of evolutionary analysis require that a subset of the genes should be excluded as an outer group. To overcome this limitation, we propose an innovative concept for evolutionary analysis that does not require an outer group. This approach utilizes the similarity in intramolecular direct repeats present in TBP and TFIIB as an evolutionary measure revealing the degree of similarity between the present offspring genes and their ancestors. Information on the properties of the ancestors and the order of emergence of TBP and TFIIB was also revealed. These findings imply that, for evolutionarily early transcription systems billions of years ago, interaction of RNA polymerase II with transcription initiation factors and the regulation of its enzymatic activity was required prior to the accurate positioning of the enzyme. Our approach provides a new way to discuss mechanistic and system evolution in a quantitative manner.

Diversity in TAF proteomics: consequences for cellular differentiation and migration

Development is a highly controlled process of cell proliferation and differentiation driven by mechanisms of dynamic gene regulation. Specific DNA binding factors for establishing cell- and tissue-specific transcriptional programs have been characterised in different cell and animal models. However, much less is known about the role of “core transcription machinery” during cell differentiation, given that general transcription factors and their spatiotemporally patterned activity govern different aspects of cell function. In this review, we focus on the role of TATA-box associated factor 4 (TAF4) and its functional isoforms generated by alternative splicing in controlling lineage-specific differentiation of normal mesenchymal stem cells and cancer stem cells. In the light of our recent findings, induction, control and maintenance of cell differentiation status implies diversification of the transcription initiation apparatus orchestrated by alternative splicing.

Hybrid electron microscopy-FRET imaging localizes the dynamical C-terminus of Tfg2 in RNA polymerase II-TFIIF with nanometer precision

TFIIF-a general transcription factor comprising two conserved subunits can associate with RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) tightly to regulate the synthesis of messenger RNA in eukaryotes. Herein, a hybrid method that combines electron microscopy (EM) and Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) is described and used to localize the C-terminus of the second TFIIF subunit (Tfg2) in the architecture of RNAPII-TFIIF. In the first stage, a poly-histidine tag appended to the Tfg2 C-terminus was labeled with nickel-NTA nanogold and a seven-step single particle EM protocol was devised to obtain the region accessible by the nanogold in 3D, suggesting the Tfg2 C-terminus is proximal to the clamp of RNAPII. Next, the C-termini of the Rpb2 and the Rpb4 subunits of RNAPII, adjacent to the clamp, were selected for placing FRET satellites to enable the nano-positioning (NP) analysis, by which the localization precision was improved such that the Tfg2 C-terminus was found to dwell on the clamp ridge but could move to the clamp top during transcription. Because the tag receptive to the EM or FRET probes can be readily introduced to any protein subunit, this hybrid approach is generally applicable to complement cryo-EM study of many protein complexes to nanometer precision.

Interconversion between active and inactive TATA-binding protein transcription complexes in the mouse genome

The TATA binding protein (TBP) plays a pivotal role in RNA polymerase II (Pol II) transcription through incorporation into the TFIID and B-TFIID complexes. The role of mammalian B-TFIID composed of TBP and B-TAF1 is poorly understood. Using a complementation system in genetically modified mouse cells where endogenous TBP can be conditionally inactivated and replaced by exogenous mutant TBP coupled to tandem affinity purification and mass spectrometry, we identify two TBP mutations, R188E and K243E, that disrupt the TBP–BTAF1 interaction and B-TFIID complex formation. Transcriptome and ChIP-seq analyses show that loss of B-TFIID does not generally alter gene expression or genomic distribution of TBP, but positively or negatively affects TBP and/or Pol II recruitment to a subset of promoters. We identify promoters where wild-type TBP assembles a partial inactive preinitiation complex comprising B-TFIID, TFIIB and Mediator complex, but lacking TFIID, TFIIE and Pol II. Exchange of B-TFIID in wild-type cells for TFIID in R188E and K243E mutant cells at these primed promoters completes preinitiation complex formation and recruits Pol II to activate their expression. We propose a novel regulatory mechanism involving formation of a partial preinitiation complex comprising B-TFIID that primes the promoter for productive preinitiation complex formation in mammalian cells.

Site-specific cross-linking of TBP in vivo and in vitro reveals a direct functional interaction with the SAGA subunit Spt3

The TATA-binding protein (TBP) is critical for transcription by all three nuclear RNA polymerases. In order to identify factors that interact with TBP, the nonnatural photoreactive amino acid rho-benzoyl-phenylalanine (BPA) was substituted onto the surface of Saccharomyces cerevisiae TBP in vivo. Cross-linking of these TBP derivatives in isolated transcription preinitiation complexes or in living cells reveals physical interactions of TBP with transcriptional coregulator subunits and with the general transcription factor TFIIA. Importantly, the results show a direct interaction between TBP and the SAGA coactivator subunits Spt3 and Spt8. Mutations on the Spt3-interacting surface of TBP significantly reduce the interaction of TBP with SAGA, show a corresponding decrease in transcription activation, and fail to recruit TBP to a SAGA-dependent promoter, demonstrating that the direct interaction of these factors is important for activated transcription. These results prove a key prediction of the model for stimulation of transcription at SAGA-dependent genes via Spt3. Our cross-linking data also significantly extend the known surfaces of TBP that directly interact with the transcriptional regulator Mot1 and the general transcription factor TFIIA.

TBP domain symmetry in basal and activated archaeal transcription

The TATA box binding protein (TBP) is the platform for assembly of archaeal and eukaryotic transcription preinitiation complexes. Ancestral gene duplication and fusion events have produced the saddle-shaped TBP molecule, with its two direct-repeat subdomains and pseudo-two-fold symmetry. Collectively, eukaryotic TBPs have diverged from their present-day archaeal counterparts, which remain highly symmetrical. The similarity of the N- and C-halves of archaeal TBPs is especially pronounced in the Methanococcales and Thermoplasmatales, including complete conservation of their N- and C-terminal stirrups; along with helix H'1, the C-terminal stirrup of TBP forms the main interface with TFB/TFIIB. Here, we show that, in stark contrast to its eukaryotic counterparts, multiple substitutions in the C-terminal stirrup of Methanocaldococcus jannaschii (Mja) TBP do not completely abrogate basal transcription. Using DNA affinity cleavage, we show that, by assembling TFB through its conserved N-terminal stirrup, Mja TBP is in effect ambidextrous with regard to basal transcription. In contrast, substitutions in either its N- or the C-terminal stirrup abrogate activated transcription in response to the Lrp-family transcriptional activator Ptr2.

Nonradioactive, ultrasensitive site-specific protein-protein photocrosslinking: interactions of alpha-helix 2 of TATA-binding protein with general transcription factor TFIIA and transcriptional repressor NC2

We have developed an approach that enables nonradioactive, ultrasensitive (attamole sensitivity) site-specific protein–protein photocrosslinking, and we have applied the approach to the analysis of interactions of α-helix 2 (H2) of human TATA-element binding protein (TBP) with general transcription factor TFIIA and transcriptional repressor NC2. We have found that TBP H2 can be crosslinked to TFIIA in the TFIIA–TBP–DNA complex and in higher order transcription–initiation complexes, and we have mapped the crosslink to the ‘connector’ region of the TFIIA α/β subunit (TFIIAα/β). We further have found that TBP H2 can be crosslinked to NC2 in the NC2–TBP–DNA complex, and we have mapped the crosslink to the C-terminal ‘tail’ of the NC2 α-subunit (NC2α). Interactions of TBP H2 with the TFIIAα/β connector and the NC2α C-terminal tail were not observed in crystal structures of TFIIA–TBP–DNA and NC2–TBP–DNA complexes, since relevant segments of TFIIA and NC2 were not present in truncated TFIIA and NC2 derivatives used for crystallization. We propose that interactions of TBP H2 with the TFIIAα/β connector and the NC2α C-terminal tail provide an explanation for genetic results suggesting importance of TBP H2 in TBP–TFIIA interactions and TBP–NC2 interactions, and provide an explanation—steric exclusion—for competition between TFIIA and NC2.

The use of in vitro transcription to probe regulatory functions of viral protein domains

Adenoviruses (Ads), like other DNA tumor viruses, have evolved specific regulatory genes that facilitate virus replication by controlling the transcription of other viral genes as well as that of key cellular genes. In this regard, the E1A transcription unit contains multiple protein domains that can transcriptionally activate or repress cellular genes involved in the regulation of cell proliferation and cell differentiation. Studies using in vitro transcription have provided a basis for a molecular understanding of the interaction of viral regulatory proteins with the transcriptional machinery of the cell and continue to inform our understanding of transcription regulation. This chapter provides examples of the use of in vitro transcription to analyze transcriptional activation and transcriptional repression by purified, recombinant Ad E1A protein domains and single amino acid substitution mutants as well as the use of protein-affinity chromatography to identify host cell transcription factors involved in viral transcriptional regulation. A detailed description is provided of the methodology to prepare nuclear transcription extract, to prepare biologically active protein domains, to prepare affinity depleted transcription extracts, and to analyze transcription by primer extension and by run-off assay using naked DNA templates.

Global analysis of functional surfaces of core histones with comprehensive point mutants

The core histones are essential components of the nucleosome that act as global negative regulators of DNA-mediated reactions including transcription, DNA replication and DNA repair. Modified residues in the N-terminal tails are well characterized in transcription, but not in DNA replication and DNA repair. In addition, roles of residues in the core globular domains are not yet well characterized in any DNA-mediated reactions. To comprehensively understand the functional surface(s) of a core histone, we constructed 320 yeast mutant strains, each of which has a point mutation in a core histone, and identified 42 residues responsible for the suppressor of Ty (Spt(-)) phenotypes, and 8, 30 and 61 residues for sensitivities to 6-azauracil (6AU), hydroxyurea (HU) and methyl-methanesulfonate (MMS), respectively. In addition to residues that affect one specific assay, residues involved in multiple reactions were found, and surprisingly, about half of them were clustered at either the nucleosome entry site, the surface required for nucleosome-nucleosome interactions in crystal packing or their surroundings. This comprehensive mutation approach was proved to be powerful for identification of the functional surfaces of a core histone in a variety of DNA-mediated reactions and could be an effective strategy for characterizing other evolutionarily conserved hub-like factors for which surface structural information is available.

RNA aptamers directed to discrete functional sites on a single protein structural domain

Cellular regulatory networks are organized such that many proteins have few interactions, whereas a few proteins have many. These densely connected protein "hubs" are critical for the system-wide behavior of cells, and the capability of selectively perturbing a subset of interactions at these hubs is invaluable in deciphering and manipulating regulatory mechanisms. SELEX-generated RNA aptamers are proving to be highly effective reagents for inhibiting targeted proteins, but conventional methods generate one or several aptamer clones that usually bind to a single target site most preferred by a nucleic acid ligand. We advance a generalized scheme for isolating aptamers to multiple sites on a target molecule by reducing the ability of the preferred site to select its cognate aptamer. We demonstrate the use of this scheme by generating aptamers directed to discrete functional surfaces of the yeast TATA-binding protein (TBP). Previously we selected "class 1" RNA aptamers that interfere with the TBP's binding to TATA-DNA. By masking TBP with TATA-DNA or an unamplifiable class 1 aptamer, we isolated a new aptamer class, "class 2," that can bind a TBP.DNA complex and is in competition with binding another general transcription factor, TFIIA. Moreover, we show that both of these aptamers inhibit RNA polymerase II-dependent transcription, but analysis of template-bound factors shows they do so in mechanistically distinct and unexpected ways that can be attributed to binding either the DNA or TFIIA recognition sites. These results should spur innovative approaches to modulating other highly connected regulatory proteins.

Mutational and functional analysis of an essential subdomain of the adenovirus E1A N-terminal transcription repression domain

Adenovirus early gene 1A (E1A) possesses a potent transcriptional repression function within the first 80 amino acids (E1A 1-80). Our previous analysis of subdomain 1 (residues 1 to 30) revealed strong correlations between residues required for repression and for disruption of TBP-TATA complexes. Here, we report a functional analysis of subdomain 2 (48 to 60) by alanine-scanning mutagenesis. 53Ala, 54Pro, 55Glu, and 56Asp are required for repression in vitro and in vivo and for efficient interaction with p300 but not for disruption of TBP-TATA. These combined results suggest a model for E1A transcription repression. E1A through subdomains 1 and 2 uses coactivators like p300 as scaffolds to access E1A repressible promoters. At the promoter, subdomain 1 interacts with TBP to disrupt TBP-TATA and abort transcription initiation. In further support of this model, we show that E1A 1-80 bound to the p300-binding site retains the ability to interact with TBP.

Interaction of protein inhibitor of activated STAT (PIAS) proteins with the TATA-binding protein, TBP

Transcription activators often recruit promoter-targeted assembly of a pre-initiation complex; many repressors antagonize recruitment. These activities can involve direct interactions with proteins in the pre-initiation complex. We used an optimized yeast two-hybrid system to screen mouse pregnancy-associated libraries for proteins that interact with TATA-binding protein (TBP). Screens revealed an interaction between TBP and a single member of the zinc finger family of transcription factors, ZFP523. Two members of the protein inhibitor of activated STAT (PIAS) family, PIAS1 and PIAS3, also interacted with TBP in screens. Endogenous PIAS1 and TBP co-immunoprecipitated from nuclear extracts, suggesting the interaction occurred in vivo. In vitro-translated PIAS1 and TBP co-immunoprecipitated, which indicated that other nuclear proteins were not required for the interaction. Deletion analysis mapped the PIAS-interacting domain of TBP to the conserved TBP(CORE) and the TBP-interacting domain on PIAS1 to a 39-amino acid C-terminal region. Mammals issue seven known PIAS proteins from four pias genes, pias1, pias3, piasx, and piasy, each with different cell type-specific expression patterns; the TBP-interacting domain reported here is the only part of the PIAS C-terminal region shared by all seven PIAS proteins. Direct analyses indicated that PIASx and PIASy also interacted with TBP. Our results suggest that all PIAS proteins might mediate situation-specific regulatory signaling at the TBP interface and that previously unknown levels of complexity could exist in the gene regulatory interplay between TBP, PIAS proteins, ZFP523, and other transcription factors.

Reconfiguring the connectivity of a multiprotein complex: fusions of yeast TATA-binding protein with Brf1, and the function of transcription factor IIIB

Transcription factor (TF) IIIB, the central transcription initiation factor of RNA polymerase III (pol III), is composed of three subunits, Bdp1, Brf1 and TATA-binding protein (TBP), all essential for normal function in vivo and in vitro. Brf1 is a modular protein: Its N-proximal half is related to TFIIB and binds similarly to the C-terminal stirrup of TBP; its C-proximal one-third provides most of the affinity for TBP by binding along the entire length of the convex surface and N-terminal lateral face of TBP. A structure-informed triple fusion protein, with TBP core placed between the N- and C-proximal domains of Brf1, has been constructed. The Brf1-TBP triple fusion protein effectively replaces both Brf1 and TBP in TFIIIC-dependent and -independent transcription in vitro, and forms extremely stable TFIIIB-DNA complexes that are indistinguishable from wild-type TFIIIB-DNA complexes by chemical nuclease footprinting. Unlike Brf1 and TBP, the triple fusion protein is able to recruit pol III for TATA box-directed transcription of linear and supercoiled DNA in the absence of Bdp1. The Brf1-TBP triple fusion protein also effectively replaces Brf1 function in vivo as the intact protein, creating a TBP paralogue in yeast that is privatized for pol III transcription.

Mutational analysis of BTAF1-TBP interaction: BTAF1 can rescue DNA-binding defective TBP mutants

The BTAF1 transcription factor interacts with TATA-binding protein (TBP) to form the B–TFIID complex, which is involved in RNA polymerase II transcription. Here, we present an extensive mapping study of TBP residues involved in BTAF1 interaction. This shows that residues in the concave, DNA-binding surface of TBP are important for BTAF1 binding. In addition, BTAF1 interacts with residues in helix 2 on the convex side of TBP as assayed in protein–protein and in DNA-binding assays. BTAF1 drastically changes the TATA-box binding specificity of TBP, as it is able to recruit DNA-binding defective TBP mutants to both TATA-containing and TATA-less DNA. Interestingly, other helix 2 interacting factors, such as TFIIA and NC2, can also stabilize mutant TBP binding to DNA. In contrast, TFIIB which interacts with a distinct surface of TBP does not display this activity. Since many proteins contact helix 2 of TBP, this provides a molecular basis for mutually exclusive TBP interactions and stresses the importance of this structural element for eukaryotic transcription.

Tat-dependent repression of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 long terminal repeat promoter activity by fusion of cellular transcription factors

Transcription initiation from HIV-1 long terminal repeat (LTR) promoter requires the virally encoded transactivator, Tat, and several cellular co-factors to accomplish the Tat-dependent processive transcription elongation. Individual cellular transcription activators, LBP-1b and Oct-1, on the other hand, have been shown to inhibit LTR promoter activities probably via competitive binding against TFIID to the TATA-box in LTR promoter. To explore the genetic interference strategies against the viral replication, we took advantage of the existence of the bipartite DNA binding domains and the repression domains of LBP-1b and Oct-1 factors to generate a chimeric transcription repressor. Our results indicated that the fusion protein of LBP-1b and Oct-1 exhibited higher DNA binding affinity to the viral promoter than the individual factors, and little interference with the host cell gene expression due to its anticipated rare cognate DNA sites in the host cell genome. Moreover, the chimera exerted increased Tat-dependent repression of transcription initiation at the LTR promoter both in vitro and in vivo compared to LBP-1b, Oct-1 or combination of LBP-1b and Oct-1. These results might provide the lead in generating a therapeutic reagent useful to suppress HIV-1 replication.

Probing TBP interactions in transcription initiation and reinitiation with RNA aptamers that act in distinct modes

The TATA-binding protein (TBP) is a critical general transcription factor that associates with the core promoter and acts as a nexus for gene regulation through its interactions with other factors. A large number of proteins recognize the relatively small yet highly conserved C-terminal domain of TBP. One subset of these proteins (general transcription factors) interacts with the TBP.TATA complex and RNA polymerase II to create the preinitiation complex. To study TBP functions in preinitiation complex and other complexes, we generated a set of RNA aptamers with high affinity to yeast TBP. These aptamers act on TBP in different ways: all of them bind TBP competitively with DNA bearing the TATA element, and some can actively disrupt the TBP.TATA interaction in preformed, higher-order complexes containing the additional general transcription factors TFIIB and TFIIA. In crude cell extracts, the aptamers inhibit transcription in ways that reveal the dynamic nature of TBP interactions during initiation and reinitiation.

Role of the inhibitory DNA-binding surface of human TATA-binding protein in recruitment of human TFIIB family members

TATA box recognition by TATA-binding protein (TBP) is a key step in transcriptional initiation complex assembly on TATA-box-containing RNA polymerase (Pol) II and III promoters. This process is inhibited by the inhibitory DNA-binding (IDB) surface on the human TBP core domain (TBP(CORE)) and is stimulated by promoter-specific basal transcription factors, such as two human TFIIB family members, the Pol II factor TFIIB and the Pol III factor Brf2, which is required for transcription from TATA-box-containing Pol III promoters. In contrast, the third TFIIB family member, Brf1, which is required for transcription from TATA-less Pol III promoters, does not stimulate TBP binding to the TATA box. We show here that in addition to its role in regulating TBP binding to a TATA box, the TBP IDB surface is unexpectedly involved in TBP association with all three TFIIB family members. Interestingly, the loss of IDB function has specific and diverse effects on each TFIIB family member. Indeed, the IDB and prototypical TFIIB contact surfaces of TBP, which lie on opposite sides of the TBP(CORE), cooperate to form the wild-type TFIIB-TBP-TATA box complex. These results reveal how, through differential usage of opposite surfaces of the TBP(CORE), TBP can achieve versatility in the assembly of Pol II and Pol III promoter complexes with TFIIB family proteins.

A common site on TBP for transcription by RNA polymerases II and III

The TATA-binding protein (TBP) is involved in all nuclear transcription. We show that a common site on TBP is used for transcription initiation complex formation by RNA polymerases (pols) II and III. TBP, the transcription factor IIB (TFIIB)-related factor Brf1 and the pol III-specific factor Bdp1 constitute TFIIIB. A photochemical cross-linking approach was used to survey a collection of human TBP surface residue mutants for their ability to form TFIIIB-DNA complexes reliant on only the TFIIB-related part of Brf1. Mutations impairing complex formation and transcription were identified and mapped on the surface of TBP. The most severe effects were observed for mutations in the C-terminal stirrup of TBP, which is the principal site of interaction between TBP and TFIIB. Structural modeling of the Brf1-TBP complex and comparison with its TFIIB-TBP analog further rationalizes the close resemblance of the TBP interaction with the N-proximal part of Brf1 and TFIIB, and establishes the conserved usage of a TBP surface in pol II and pol III transcription for a conserved function in the initiation of transcription.

Specific interaction with transcription factor IIA and localization of the mammalian TATA-binding protein-like protein (TLP/TRF2/TLF)

TBP-like protein (TLP) is structurally similar to the TATA-binding protein (TBP) and is thought to have a transcriptional regulation function. Although TLP has been found to form a complex with transcription factor IIA (TFIIA), the in vivo functions of TFIIA for TLP are not clear. In this study, we analyzed the interaction between TLP and TFIIA. We determined the biophysical properties for the interaction of TLP with TFIIA. Dissociation constants of TFIIA versus TLP and TFIIA versus TBP were 1.5 and 10 nm, respectively. Moreover, the dissociation rate constant of TLP and TFIIA (1.2 x 10(-4)/m.s was significantly lower than that of TBP (2.1 x 10(-3)/m.s). These results indicate that TLP has a higher affinity to TFIIA than does TBP and that the TLP-TFIIA complex is much more stable than is the TBP-TFIIA complex. We found that TLP forms a dimer and a trimer and that these multimerizations are inhibited by TFIIA. Moreover, TLP mutimers were more stable than a TBP dimer. We determined the amounts of TLPs in the nucleus and cytoplasm of NIH3T3 cells and found that the molecular number of TLP in the nucleus was only 4% of that in the cytoplasm. Immunostaining of cells also revealed cytoplasmic localization of TLP. We established cells that stably express mutant TLP lacking TFIIA binding ability and identified the amino acids of TLP required for TFIIA binding (Ala-32, Leu-33, Asn-37, Arg-52, Lys-53, Lys-78, and Arg-86). Interestingly, the level of TFIIA binding defective mutant TLPs in the nucleus was much higher than that of the wild-type TLP and TFIIA-interactable mutant TLPs. Immunostaining analyses showed consistent results. These results suggest that the TFIIA binding ability of TLP is required for characteristic cytoplasmic localization of TLP. TFIIA may regulate the intracellular molecular state and the function of TLP through its property of binding to TLP.

Expression of human TFIIA subunits in Saccharomyces cerevisiae identifies regions with conserved and species-specific functions

The transcription factor TFIIA stabilizes the interaction between the TATA-binding protein (TBP) and promoter DNA and facilitates activator function. In yeast, TFIIA is composed of large (TOA1) and small (TOA2) subunits that interact to form a beta-barrel domain and a helix bundle domain. Here we report plasmid shuffle experiments showing that the human subunits (TFIIAalpha/beta, ALF, and TFIIAgamma) are not able to support growth in yeast and that the failure is associated with morphological abnormalities related to cell division. To determine the regions responsible for species specificity, we examined a series of chimeric yeast-human subunits. The results showed that yeast-human hybrids that contained the N-termini of TFIIAgamma or TFIIAalpha/beta were viable, presumably because they could form a functional interspecies alpha-helical bundle. Likewise, a TOA1 hybrid that contained the nonconserved internal region from TFIIAalpha/beta also had no effect on TFIIA function. However, hybrids that contained the acidic region III or C-terminal region IV from TFIIAalpha/beta grew more slowly than the wild-type TOA1 subunit, and if both regions were exchanged, this effect was far more severe. Although these hybrids exchanged sequences which are involved in beta-barrel formation and interactions with TBP, they were all active in a TBP-dependent mobility shift assay. The results suggest that the growth phenotypes of these hybrids might be due to a failure to interact with components of the yeast transcription machinery other than TBP. Finally, we show that sequences from region III of TFIIA large subunits fall into classes that are either highly acidic or that are divergent and nonacidic, and provide the first evidence to suggest that, at least in yeast, this region is important for TFIIA function.

A shared surface of TBP directs RNA polymerase II and III transcription via association with different TFIIB family members

The TATA box binding protein TBP is highly conserved and the only known basal factor that is involved in transcription by all three eukaryotic nuclear RNA polymerases from promoters with or without a TATA box. By mutagenesis and analysis on a selected set of four model pol II and pol III TATA box-containing and TATA-less promoters, we demonstrate that human TBP utilizes two modes to achieve its versatile functions. First, it uses a different set of surfaces on the conserved and structured TBP core domain to direct transcription from each of the four model promoters. Second, unlike yeast TBP, human TBP can use a shared surface to interact with two different TFIIB family members--TFIIB and Brf2--to initiate transcription by different RNA polymerases.

A key role for the alpha 1 helix of human RAP74 in the initiation and elongation of RNA chains

RNA polymerase II-associating protein 74 (RAP74) is the large subunit of transcription factor IIF (TFIIF), which is essential for accurate initiation and stimulates elongation by RNA polymerase II. Mutations within or adjacent to the alpha1 helix of the RAP74 subunit have been shown to decrease both initiation and elongation stimulation activities without strongly affecting the interactions of RAP74 with the RAP30 subunit or the interaction between TFIIF and RNA polymerase II. In this manuscript, mutations within the alpha1 helix are compared with mutations made throughout the neighboring conserved N-terminal domain of RAP74. Changes within the N-terminal domain include disruptions of specific contacts with the alpha1 helix, which were revealed in the recently published x-ray crystal structure (Gaiser, F., Tan, S., and Richmond, T. J. (2000) J. Mol. Biol. 302, 1119-1127). Contacts between the beta4-beta5 loop and the alpha1 helix are shown to be largely unimportant for alpha1 helix function. Other mutations throughout the N-terminal domain are consistent with the establishment of the dimer interface with the RAP30 subunit. The RAP74-RAP30 interface is important for TFIIF function, but no particular RAP74 amino acids within this region have been identified that are required for TFIIF activities. The molecular target of the alpha1 helix remains unknown, but our studies refocus attention on this important functional motif of TFIIF.

A conserved motif common to the histone acetyltransferase Esa1 and the histone deacetylase Rpd3

Post-translational modification of histones enables dynamic regulation of chromatin structure in eukaryotes. Histone acetyltransferase (HAT) and histone deacetylase (HDAC) modify the N-terminal tails of histones by adding or removing acetyl groups to specific lysine residues. A particular pair of HAT (Esa1) and HDAC (Rpd3) is proposed to modify the same lysine residue in vitro and in vivo. Thus, HAT and HDAC might have similar structural and functional motifs. Here we show that HAT (Esa1 family) and HDAC (Rpd3 family) have similar amino acid stretches in the primary structures through evolution. We refer to this region as the "ER (Esa1-Rpd3) motif." In the tertiary structure of Esa1, the ER motif is located near the active center. In Rpd3, for which the tertiary structure remains unclear, we demonstrate that the ER motif contains the same secondary structure as found in Esa1 by circular dichroism analysis. We did alanine-scanning mutagenesis and found that the ER motif regions of Esa1 or Rpd3 are required for HAT activity of Esa1 or HDAC activity of Rpd3, respectively. Our discovery of the ER motif present in the pair of enzymes (HAT and HDAC) indicates that HAT and HDAC have common structural bases, although they catalyze the reaction with opposite functions.

The germ cell-specific transcription factor ALF. Structural properties and stabilization of the TATA-binding protein (TBP)-DNA complex

The assembly and stability of the RNA polymerase II transcription preinitiation complex on a eukaryotic core promoter involves the effects of TFIIA on the interaction between TATA-binding protein (TBP) and DNA. To extend our understanding of these interactions, we characterized properties of ALF, a germ cell-specific TFIIA-like factor. ALF was able to stabilize the binding of TBP to DNA, but it could not stabilize TBP mutants A184E, N189E, E191R, and R205E nor could it facilitate binding of the TBP-like factor TRF2/TLF to a consensus TATA element. However, phosphorylation of ALF with casein kinase II resulted in the partial restoration of complex formation using mutant TBPs. Studies of ALF-TBP complexes formed on the Adenovirus Major Late (AdML) promoter revealed protection of the TATA box and upstream sequences from -38 to -20 (top strand) and -40 to -22 (bottom strand). The half-life and apparent K(D) of this complex was determined to be 650 min and 4.8 +/- 2.7 nm, respectively. The presence of ALF or TFIIA did not significantly alter the ability of TBP to bind TATA elements from several testis-specific genes. Finally, analysis of the distinct, nonhomologous internal regions of ALF and TFIIAalpha/beta using circular dichroism spectroscopy provided the first evidence to suggest that these domains are unordered, a result consistent with other genetic and biochemical properties. Overall, the results show that while the sequence and regulation of the ALF gene are distinct from its somatic cell counterpart TFIIAalpha/beta, the TFIIAgamma-dependent interactions of these factors with TBP are nearly indistinguishable in vitro. Thus, a role for ALF in the assembly and stabilization of initiation complexes in germ cells is likely to be similar or identical to the role of TFIIA in somatic cells.

Evidence that TAF-TATA box-binding protein interactions are required for activated transcription in mammalian cells

Surfaces of human TATA box-binding protein (hsTBP) required for activated transcription in vivo were defined by constructing a library of surface residue substitution mutations and assaying them for their ability to support activated transcription in transient-transfection assays. In earlier work, three regions were identified where mutations inhibited activated transcription without interfering with TATA box DNA binding. One region is on the upstream surface of the N-terminal TBP repeat with respect to the direction of transcription and corresponds to the TBP surface that interacts with TFIIA. A second region on the stirrup of the C-terminal TBP repeat corresponds to the TFIIB-binding surface. Here we report that the third region where mutations inhibit activated transcription in mammalian cells, the convex surface of the N-terminal repeat, corresponds to a surface on TBP that interacts with hsTAF1, the major scaffold subunit of TFIID. Since mutations at the center of the hsTAF1-interacting region inhibit the ability of the protein to support activated transcription in vivo, these results are consistent with the conclusion that an interaction between hsTBP and TAF(II)s is required for activated transcription in mammalian cells.

A regulated two-step mechanism of TBP binding to DNA: a solvent-exposed surface of TBP inhibits TATA box recognition

The TATA box binding protein TBP plays a universally important role in eukaryotic nuclear transcription. By mutagenesis, we have discovered a solvent-exposed surface of the structured TBP core domain that is important for inhibition of the DNA binding and DNA-bending activities of full-length wild-type TBP. Full-length wild-type TBP initially binds the TATA box to form an unstable complex containing unbent DNA, and then it slowly forms a stable complex containing bent DNA. TFIIB greatly accelerates formation of a bent TFIIB-TBP-TATA box complex, and the inhibitory DNA binding surface of TBP contributes to the cooperativity of binding to TFIIB. Using TBP and TFIIB, we show that TBP can bind the TATA box through a regulated two-step mechanism, involving a transition from unbent complex to bent complex.

Comparison of TATA-binding protein recognition of a variant and consensus DNA promoters

Assembly of transcription pre-initiation complexes proceeds from the initial complex formed between "TATA" bearing promoter DNA and the TATA-binding protein (TBP). Our laboratory has been investigating the relationships among TATA sequence, TBP center dot TATA solution structure, recognition mechanisms, and transcription efficiency. TBP center dot TATA interactions have been modeled by global analysis of detailed kinetic and thermodynamic data obtained using fluorimetric and fluorometric techniques in conjunction with fluorescence resonance energy transfer. We have reported recently that TBP recognition of two consensus promoters, adenovirus major late (AdMLP: TATAAAAG) and E4 (TATATATA), is well described by a linear two-intermediate mechanism with simultaneous DNA binding and bending. Similar DNA geometries and high transcription efficiencies characterize these TBP x TATA complexes. Here we show that, in contrast to the consensus sequences, TBP recognition of a variant sequence (C7: TATAAACG) is described by a three-step model with two branching pathways. One pathway proceeds through an intermediate having severely bent DNA, reminiscent of the consensus interactions, with the other branch yielding a unique conformer with shallowly bent DNA. The resulting TBP x C7 complex has a dramatically different solution conformation than for TBP x DNA(CONSENSUS) and is correlated with diminished relative transcription activity. The temperature dependence of the TBP x C7 helical bend is postulated to derive from population shifts between the conformers with slightly and severely bent DNA.

Magnesium is required for specific DNA binding of the CREB B-ZIP domain

We have examined binding of the CREB B-ZIP protein domain to double-stranded DNA containing a consensus CRE sequence (5'-TGACGTCA-3'), the related PAR, C/EBP and AP-1 sequences and the unrelated SP1 sequence. DNA binding was assayed in the presence or absence of MgCl2 and/or KCl using two methods: circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). The CD assay allows us to measure equilibrium binding in solution. Thermal denaturation in 150 mM KCl indicates that the CREB B-ZIP domain binds all the DNA sequences, with highest affinity for the CRE site, followed by the PAR (5'-TAACGTTA-3'), C/EBP (5'-TTGCGCAA-3') and AP-1 (5'-TGAGTCA-3') sites. The addition of 10 mM MgCl2 diminished DNA binding to the CRE and PAR DNA sequences and abolished binding to the C/EBP and AP-1 DNA sequences, resulting in more sequence-specific DNA binding. Using 'standard' EMSA conditions (0.25x TBE), CREB bound all the DNA sequences examined. The CREB-CRE complex had an apparent Kd of approximately 300 pM, PAR of approximately 1 nM, C/EBP and AP-1 of approximately 3 nM and SP1 of approximately 30 nM. The addition of 10 mM MgCl2 to the polyacrylamide gel dramatically altered sequence-specific DNA binding. CREB binding affinity for CRE DNA decreased 3-fold, but binding to the other DNA sequences decreased >1000-fold. In the EMSA, addition of 150 mM KCl to the gels had an effect similar to MgCl2. The magnesium concentration needed to prevent non-specific electrostatic interactions between CREB and DNA in solution is in the physiological range and thus changes in magnesium concentration may be a cellular signal that regulates gene expression.

Adenovirus E1A N-terminal amino acid sequence requirements for repression of transcription in vitro and in vivo correlate with those required for E1A interference with TBP-TATA complex formation

The adenovirus (Ad) E1A 243R oncoprotein encodes an N-terminal transcription repression domain that is essential for early viral functions, cell immortalization, and cell transformation. The transcription repression function requires sequences within amino acids 1 to 30 and 48 to 60. To elucidate the roles of the TATA-binding protein (TBP), p300, and the CREB-binding protein (CBP) in the mechanism(s) of E1A repression, we have constructed 29 amino acid substitution mutants and 5 deletion mutants spanning the first 30 amino acids within the E1A 1-80 polypeptide backbone. These mutant E1A polypeptides were characterized with regard to six parameters: the ability to repress transcription in vitro and in vivo, to disrupt TBP-TATA box interaction, and to bind TBP, p300, and CBP. Two regions within E1A residues 1 to 30, amino acids 2 to 6 and amino acid 20, are critical for E1A transcription repression in vitro and in vivo and for the ability to interfere with TBP-TATA interaction. Replacement of 6Cys with Ala in the first region yields the most defective mutant. Replacement of 20Leu with Ala, but not substitutions in flanking residues, yields a substantially defective phenotype. Protein binding assays demonstrate that replacement of 6Cys with Ala yields a mutant completely defective in interaction with TBP, p300, and CBP. Our findings are consistent with a model in which the E1A repression function involves interaction of E1A with p300/CBP and interference with the formation of a TBP-TATA box complex.

BRFU, a TFIIB-like factor, is directly recruited to the TATA-box of polymerase III small nuclear RNA gene promoters through its interaction with TATA-binding protein

The human snRNA genes transcribed by RNA polymerase II (pol II) and III (pol III) have different core promoter elements. Both gene types contain similar proximal sequence elements (PSEs) but differ in the absence (pol II) or presence (pol III) of a TATA-box, which, together with the PSE, determines the assembly of a pol III-specific pre-initiation complex. BRFU is a factor exclusively required for transcription of the pol III-type snRNA genes. We report that recruitment of BRFU to the TATA-box of these promoters is TATA-binding protein (TBP)-dependent. BRFU in turn stabilizes TBP on TATA-containing template and extends the TBP footprint both upstream and downstream of the TATA element. The core domain of TBP is sufficient for BRFU.TBP.DNA complex formation and for interaction with BRFU off the template. We have mapped amino acid residues within TBP and domains of BRFU that mediate this interaction. BRFU has no specificity for sequences flanking the TATA-box and also forms a stable complex on the TATA-box of the pol II-specific adenovirus major late promoter (AdMLP). Furthermore, pol III-type transcription can initiate from an snRNA gene promoter containing an AdMLP TATA-box and flanking sequences. Therefore, the polymerase recruitment is not simply determined by the sequence of the TATA-box and immediate flanking sequences.

Promoter-specific activation defects by a novel yeast TBP mutant compromised for TFIIB interaction

TFIIB is an RNA polymerase II general transcription factor (GTF) that has also been implicated in the mechanism of action of certain promoter-specific activators (see, for examples, [1-11]). TFIIB enters the preinitiation complex (PIC) primarily through contact with the TATA box binding protein (TBP), an interaction mediated by three TBP residues [12-14]. To study the role of TFIIB in transcription activation in vivo, we randomly mutagenized these three residues in yeast TBP and screened for promoter-specific activation mutants. One mutant bearing a single conservative substitution, TBP-E186D, is the focus of this study. As expected, TBP-E186D binds normally to the TATA box but fails to support the entry of TFIIB into the PIC. Cells expressing TBP-E186D are viable but have a severe slow-growth phenotype. Whole-genome expression analysis indicates that transcription of 17% of yeast genes are compromised by this mutation. Chimeric promoter analysis indicates that the region of the gene that confers sensitivity to the TBP-E186D mutation is the UAS (upstream activating sequence), which contains the activator binding sites. Most interestingly, other TBP mutants that interfere with different interactions (TFIIB, TFIIA, or the TATA box) and a TFIIB mutant defective for interaction with TBP all manifest distinct and selective promoter-specific activation defects. Our results implicate the entry of TFIIB into the PIC as a critical step in the activation of certain promoters and reveal diverse mechanisms of transcription activation.

Mapping the molecular interface between the sigma(70) subunit of E. coli RNA polymerase and T4 AsiA

Bacteriophage T4 antisigma protein AsiA (10 kDa) orchestrates a switch from the host and early viral transcription to middle viral transcription by binding to the sigma(70) subunit of E. coli RNA polymerase. The molecular determinants of sigma(70)-AsiA complex formation are not known. Here, we used combinatorial peptide chemistry, protein-protein crosslinking, and mutational analysis to study the interaction between AsiA and its target, the 33 amino acid residues-long sigma(70) peptide containing conserved region 4.2. Many region 4.2 amino acid residues contact AsiA, which likely completely occludes the DNA-binding surface of region 4.2. Though none of region 4.2 amino acid residues is singularly responsible for the very tight interaction with AsiA, sigma(70) Lys593 and Arg596 which lie outside the putative DNA recognition element of region 4.2, contribute the most. In AsiA, the first 20 amino acid residues are both necessary and sufficient for interactions with sigma(70). Our results clarify details of sigma(70)-AsiA interaction and open the way for engineering AsiA derivatives with altered specificities.

Mutations in the TATA-binding protein, affecting transcriptional activation, show synthetic lethality with the TAF145 gene lacking the TAF N-terminal domain in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The general transcription factor TFIID, which is composed of the TATA box-binding protein (TBP) and a set of TBP-associated factors (TAFs), is crucial for both basal and regulated transcription by RNA polymerase II. The N-terminal small segment of yeast TAF145 (yTAF145) binds to TBP and thereby inhibits TBP function. To understand the physiological role of this inhibitory domain, which is designated as TAND (TAF N-terminal domain), we screened mutations, synthetically lethal with the TAF145 gene lacking TAND (taf145 Delta TAND), in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by exploiting a red/white colony-sectoring assay. Our screen yielded several recessive nsl (Delta TAND synthetic lethal) mutations, two of which, nsl1-1 and nsl1-2, define the same complementation group. The NSL1 gene was found to be identical to the SPT15 gene encoding TBP. Interestingly, both temperature-sensitive nsl1/spt15 alleles, which harbor the single amino acid substitutions, S118L and P65S, respectively, were defective in transcriptional activation in vivo. Several other previously characterized activation-deficient spt15 alleles also displayed synthetic lethal interactions with taf145 Delta TAND, indicating that TAND and TBP carry an overlapping but as yet unidentified function that is specifically required for transcriptional regulation.

Kinetic analysis of Sp1-mediated transcriptional activation of the human DNA polymerase beta promoter

In the present studies, we have examined the effect of Sp1 on the activation of the human DNA polymerase beta (beta-pol), a TATA-less promoter. A HeLa cell nuclear extract (NE) based in vitro runoff transcription system of core beta-pol promoter human DNA (pbetaP8) three-step kinetic model of transcription initiation were used to describe the kinetic effect of Sp1. The results showed that distal Sp1-binding sites in the core beta-pol promoter are important for transcriptional activation of the pbetaP8 promoter. A detailed kinetic analysis showed that Sp1 stimulates the activity of the pbetaP8 promoter through distal Sp1-binding sites by increasing the amount of recruitment, instead of stimulating the apparent rate of RPc assembly (k1). There was no significant effect of Sp1 on the apparent rate of open complex (RPo) formation (k2) or on the apparent rate of promoter clearance (k3) of the pbetaP8 promoter. These studies define the kinetic mechanisms by which Sp1 may regulate the rate of transcript formation of the pbetaP8 promoter, and these results may have implications for Sp1 regulation of TATA-less promoters.

The zinc ribbon domains of the general transcription factors TFIIB and Brf: conserved functional surfaces but different roles in transcription initiation

The function of the conserved zinc-binding domains in the related Pol II- and Pol III-specific factors TFIIB and Brf was investigated. Three-dimensional structure modeling and mutagenesis studies indicated that for both factors, the functional surface of the zinc ribbon fold consists of a small conserved patch of residues located on one face of the domain comprised mainly of the second and third antiparallel beta strands. Previous studies have shown that the TFIIB zinc ribbon is essential for recruitment of Pol II into the preinitiation complex. In contrast, Pol III recruitment assays and in vitro transcription demonstrate that the disruption of the Brf zinc ribbon does not lead to a defect in Pol III recruitment but, rather, a defect in open complex formation. Therefore, the same conserved surface of the zinc ribbon domain has been adapted to serve distinct roles in the Pol II and Pol III transcription machinery.

The zinc ribbon domains of the general transcription factors TFIIB and Brf: conserved functional surfaces but different roles in transcription initiation

The function of the conserved zinc-binding domains in the related Pol II- and Pol III-specific factors TFIIB and Brf was investigated. Three-dimensional structure modeling and mutagenesis studies indicated that for both factors, the functional surface of the zinc ribbon fold consists of a small conserved patch of residues located on one face of the domain comprised mainly of the second and third antiparallel β strands. Previous studies have shown that the TFIIB zinc ribbon is essential for recruitment of Pol II into the preinitiation complex. In contrast, Pol III recruitment assays and in vitro transcription demonstrate that the disruption of the Brf zinc ribbon does not lead to a defect in Pol III recruitment but, rather, a defect in open complex formation. Therefore, the same conserved surface of the zinc ribbon domain has been adapted to serve distinct roles in the Pol II and Pol III transcription machinery.

TFIIA-TAF regulatory interplay: NMR evidence for overlapping binding sites on TBP

TATA box binding protein (TBP)-promoter interaction nucleates assembly of the RNA polymerase II transcription initiation complex. Transcription factor IIA (TFIIA) stabilizes the TBP-promoter complex whereas the N-terminal domain of the largest TAF(II) inhibits TBP-promoter interaction. We have mapped the interaction sites on TBP of Drosophila TAF(II)230 and yeast TFIIA (comprising two subunits, TOA1 and TOA2), using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and also report structural evidence that subdomain II of the TAF(II)230 N-terminal inhibitory domain and TFIIA have overlapping binding sites on the convex surface of TBP. Together with previous mutational and biochemical data, our NMR results indicate that subdomain II augments subdomain I-mediated inhibition of TBP function by blocking TBP-TFIIA interaction.

Role of the TATA binding protein-transcription factor IIB interaction in supporting basal and activated transcription in plant cells

The TATA binding protein (TBP) and transcription factor IIB (TFIIB) play crucial roles in transcription of class II genes. The requirement for TBP-TFIIB interactions was evaluated in maize cells by introducing mutations into the Arabidopsis TBP (AtTBP2) within the C-terminal stirrup. Protein binding experiments indicated that amino acid residues E-144 and E-146 of AtTBP2 are both essential for TFIIB binding in vitro. Activation domains derived from herpes simplex viral protein VP16, the Drosophila fushi tarazu glutamine-rich domain (ftzQ), and yeast Gal4 were tested in transient assays. TBP-TFIIB interactions were dispensable for basal transcription but were required for activated transcription. In general, activated transcription was more severely inhibited by TBP mutation E-146R than by mutation E-144R. However, these TBP mutations had little effect on activity of the full-length cauliflower mosaic virus 35S and maize ubiquitin promoters, thus demonstrating that strong TBP-TFIIB contacts are not always required for transcription driven by complex promoters.

A human TATA binding protein-related protein with altered DNA binding specificity inhibits transcription from multiple promoters and activators

The TATA binding protein (TBP) plays a central role in eukaryotic and archael transcription initiation. We describe the isolation of a novel 23-kDa human protein that displays 41% identity to TBP and is expressed in most human tissue. Recombinant TBP-related protein (TRP) displayed barely detectable binding to consensus TATA box sequences but bound with slightly higher affinities to nonconsensus TATA sequences. TRP did not substitute for TBP in transcription reactions in vitro. However, addition of TRP potently inhibited basal and activated transcription from multiple promoters in vitro and in vivo. General transcription factors TFIIA and TFIIB bound glutathione S-transferase-TRP in solution but failed to stimulate TRP binding to DNA. Preincubation of TRP with TFIIA inhibited TBP-TFIIA-DNA complex formation and addition of TFIIA overcame TRP-mediated transcription repression. TRP transcriptional repression activity was specifically reduced by mutations in TRP that disrupt the TFIIA binding surface but not by mutations that disrupt the TFIIB or DNA binding surface of TRP. These results suggest that TFIIA is a primary target of TRP transcription inhibition and that TRP may modulate transcription by a novel mechanism involving the partial mimicry of TBP functions.

Transcriptional regulation of the murine 3' IgH enhancer by OCT-2

Targeted disruption of either of the B cell-specific transcription factors Oct-2 or OCA-B/BOB-1/OBF-1 dramatically affects B cell terminal differentiation. The 3' enhancer of immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) locus is important for transcription of the locus in terminal plasma cells. Allele-specific suppression of mutant Oct-2 binding sites in this enhancer by a variant Oct-2 protein revealed that in a mature B cell line this enhancer was specifically dependent upon Oct-2, as contrasted to the closely related Oct-1 transcription factor. Phosphorylation of the Oct-2 protein was important for this activation and was synergistic for coactivation by the OCA-B factor. These results indicate that Oct-2 and OCA-B interact with the 3' enhancer in regulation of the IgH locus during B cell activation.

TATA box DNA deformation with and without the TATA box-binding protein

DNA ring closure methods have been applied to TATA box DNA and its complex with the TATA box-binding protein (TBP). The J factors for cyclization (effective concentrations of one DNA end about the other) have been measured using cyclization kinetics, with and without bound TBP, for 18 DNA constructs containing the adenovirus major late promoter TATA box (TATAAAAG) separated by a variable helical phasing adapter from sequence-induced A-tract DNA bends. Six phasing lengths were used at three overall DNA lengths each. Cyclization kinetics were also measured in the absence of protein for the same set of molecules bearing a mutant TATA box (TACAAAAG). The results suggest that the TATA box DNA itself is strongly bent and anisotropically flexible, in a direction opposite to the bend induced by TBP, and that the mutant TACA box is much less bent/flexible. The bending and flexibility of the free DNA may govern the energetics of recognition of different DNA sequences by TBP, and the intrinsic bend may act to repress transcription complex assembly in the absence of TBP. The cyclization kinetics of TBP-DNA complexes in solution predict a geometry generally consistent with crystal structures, which show dramatic bending and unwinding. The novel observation of TBP-induced topoisomers suggests that this minicircle approach is able to distinguish TBP-induced unwinding from writhe (these cancel out in larger DNA), and this in turn suggests that changes in supercoiling in small topological domains can control TBP binding.

Synergistic transcriptional activation by TATA-binding protein and hTAFII28 requires specific amino acids of the hTAFII28 histone fold

Coexpression of the human TATA-binding protein (TBP)-associated factor 28 (hTAFII28) with the altered-specificity mutant TBP spm3 synergistically enhances transcriptional activation by the activation function 2 of the nuclear receptors (NRs) for estrogen and vitamin D3 from a reporter plasmid containing a TGTA element in mammalian cells. This synergy is abolished by mutation of specific amino acids in the alpha2-helix of the histone fold in the conserved C-terminal region of hTAFII28. Critical amino acids are found on both the exposed hydrophilic face of this helix and the hydrophobic interface with TAFII18. This alpha-helix of hTAFII28 therefore mediates multiple interactions required for coactivator activity. We further show that mutation of specific residues in the H1' alpha-helix of TBP either reduces or increases interactions with hTAFII28. The mutations which reduce interactions with hTAFII28 do not affect functional synergy, whereas the TBP mutation which increases interaction with hTAFII28 is defective in its ability to synergistically enhance activation by NRs. However, this TBP mutant supports activation by other activators and is thus specifically defective for its ability to synergize with hTAFII28.