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Merkl PE, Schächner C, Pilsl M, Schwank K, Schmid C, Längst G, Milkereit P, Griesenbeck J, Tschochner H. Specialization of RNA Polymerase I in Comparison to Other Nuclear RNA Polymerases of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2533:63-70. [PMID: 35796982 PMCID: PMC9761553 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2501-9_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
In archaea and bacteria the major classes of RNAs are synthesized by one DNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RNAP). In contrast, most eukaryotes have three highly specialized RNAPs to transcribe the nuclear genome. RNAP I synthesizes almost exclusively ribosomal (r)RNA, RNAP II synthesizes mRNA as well as many noncoding RNAs involved in RNA processing or RNA silencing pathways and RNAP III synthesizes mainly tRNA and 5S rRNA. This review discusses functional differences of the three nuclear core RNAPs in the yeast S. cerevisiae with a particular focus on RNAP I transcription of nucleolar ribosomal (r)DNA chromatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp E Merkl
- Universität Regensburg, Regensburg Center for Biochemistry (RCB), Lehrstuhl Biochemie III, Regensburg, Germany
- TUM ForTe, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Christopher Schächner
- Universität Regensburg, Regensburg Center for Biochemistry (RCB), Lehrstuhl Biochemie III, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Michael Pilsl
- Universität Regensburg, Regensburg Center for Biochemistry (RCB), Lehrstuhl Biochemie III, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Katrin Schwank
- Universität Regensburg, Regensburg Center for Biochemistry (RCB), Lehrstuhl Biochemie III, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Catharina Schmid
- Universität Regensburg, Regensburg Center for Biochemistry (RCB), Lehrstuhl Biochemie III, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Gernot Längst
- Universität Regensburg, Regensburg Center for Biochemistry (RCB), Lehrstuhl Biochemie III, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Milkereit
- Universität Regensburg, Regensburg Center for Biochemistry (RCB), Lehrstuhl Biochemie III, Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Joachim Griesenbeck
- Universität Regensburg, Regensburg Center for Biochemistry (RCB), Lehrstuhl Biochemie III, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Herbert Tschochner
- Universität Regensburg, Regensburg Center for Biochemistry (RCB), Lehrstuhl Biochemie III, Regensburg, Germany.
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2
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Park JL, Lee YS, Kunkeaw N, Kim SY, Kim IH, Lee YS. Epigenetic regulation of noncoding RNA transcription by mammalian RNA polymerase III. Epigenomics 2017; 9:171-187. [PMID: 28112569 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2016-0108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA polymerase III (Pol III) synthesizes a range of medium-sized noncoding RNAs (collectively 'Pol III genes') whose early established biological roles were so essential that they were considered 'housekeeping genes'. Besides these fundamental functions, diverse unconventional roles of mammalian Pol III genes have recently been recognized and their expression must be exquisitely controlled. In this review, we summarize the epigenetic regulation of Pol III genes by chromatin structure, histone modification and CpG DNA methylation. We also recapitulate the association between dysregulation of Pol III genes and diseases such as cancer and neurological disorders. Additionally, we will discuss why in-depth molecular studies of Pol III genes have not been attempted and how nc886, a Pol III gene, may resolve this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong-Lyul Park
- Personalized Genomic Medicine Research Center, KRIBB, Daejeon 305-806, Korea.,Department of Functional Genomics, University of Science & Technology, Daejeon 305-806, Korea
| | - Yeon-Su Lee
- Cancer Genomics Branch, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang 10408, Korea
| | - Nawapol Kunkeaw
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-1072, USA.,Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand
| | - Seon-Young Kim
- Personalized Genomic Medicine Research Center, KRIBB, Daejeon 305-806, Korea.,Department of Functional Genomics, University of Science & Technology, Daejeon 305-806, Korea
| | - In-Hoo Kim
- Graduate School of Cancer Science & Policy, National Cancer Center, Goyang 10408, Korea
| | - Yong Sun Lee
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-1072, USA.,Graduate School of Cancer Science & Policy, National Cancer Center, Goyang 10408, Korea
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3
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Helbo AS, Lay FD, Jones PA, Liang G, Grønbæk K. Nucleosome Positioning and NDR Structure at RNA Polymerase III Promoters. Sci Rep 2017; 7:41947. [PMID: 28176797 PMCID: PMC5296907 DOI: 10.1038/srep41947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromatin is structurally involved in the transcriptional regulation of all genes. While the nucleosome positioning at RNA polymerase II (pol II) promoters has been extensively studied, less is known about the chromatin structure at pol III promoters in human cells. We use a high-resolution analysis to show substantial differences in chromatin structure of pol II and pol III promoters, and between subtypes of pol III genes. Notably, the nucleosome depleted region at the transcription start site of pol III genes extends past the termination sequences, resulting in nucleosome free gene bodies. The +1 nucleosome is located further downstream than at pol II genes and furthermore displays weak positioning. The variable position of the +1 location is seen not only within individual cell populations and between cell types, but also between different pol III promoter subtypes, suggesting that the +1 nucleosome may be involved in the transcriptional regulation of pol III genes. We find that expression and DNA methylation patterns correlate with distinct accessibility patterns, where DNA methylation associates with the silencing and inaccessibility at promoters. Taken together, this study provides the first high-resolution map of nucleosome positioning and occupancy at human pol III promoters at specific loci and genome wide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Søgaard Helbo
- Department of Hematology, Rigshospitalet, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
| | - Fides D Lay
- Department of Urology, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, 90089, USA
| | - Peter A Jones
- Department of Urology, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, 90089, USA.,Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, 49503, USA
| | - Gangning Liang
- Department of Urology, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, 90089, USA
| | - Kirsten Grønbæk
- Department of Hematology, Rigshospitalet, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
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4
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Charton R, Guintini L, Peyresaubes F, Conconi A. Repair of UV induced DNA lesions in ribosomal gene chromatin and the role of "Odd" RNA polymerases (I and III). DNA Repair (Amst) 2015; 36:49-58. [PMID: 26411875 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2015.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In fast growing eukaryotic cells, a subset of rRNA genes are transcribed at very high rates by RNA polymerase I (RNAPI). Nuclease digestion-assays and psoralen crosslinking have shown that they are open; that is, largely devoid of nucleosomes. In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisae, nucleotide excision repair (NER) and photolyase remove UV photoproducts faster from open rRNA genes than from closed and nucleosome-loaded inactive rRNA genes. After UV irradiation, rRNA transcription declines because RNAPI halt at UV photoproducts and are then displaced from the transcribed strand. When the DNA lesion is quickly recognized by NER, it is the sub-pathway transcription-coupled TC-NER that removes the UV photoproduct. If dislodged RNAPI are replaced by nucleosomes before NER recognizes the lesion, then it is the sub-pathway global genome GG-NER that removes the UV photoproducts from the transcribed strand. Also, GG-NER maneuvers in the non-transcribed strand of open genes and in both strands of closed rRNA genes. After repair, transcription resumes and elongating RNAPI reopen the rRNA gene. In higher eukaryotes, NER in rRNA genes is inefficient and there is no evidence for TC-NER. Moreover, TC-NER does not occur in RNA polymerase III transcribed genes of both, yeast and human fibroblast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romain Charton
- Département de Microbiologie et Infectiologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - Laetitia Guintini
- Département de Microbiologie et Infectiologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - François Peyresaubes
- Département de Microbiologie et Infectiologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - Antonio Conconi
- Département de Microbiologie et Infectiologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1E 4K8, Canada.
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5
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Jordán-Pla A, Gupta I, de Miguel-Jiménez L, Steinmetz LM, Chávez S, Pelechano V, Pérez-Ortín JE. Chromatin-dependent regulation of RNA polymerases II and III activity throughout the transcription cycle. Nucleic Acids Res 2014; 43:787-802. [PMID: 25550430 PMCID: PMC4333398 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gku1349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The particular behaviour of eukaryotic RNA polymerases along different gene regions and amongst distinct gene functional groups is not totally understood. To cast light onto the alternative active or backtracking states of RNA polymerase II, we have quantitatively mapped active RNA polymerases at a high resolution following a new biotin-based genomic run-on (BioGRO) technique. Compared with conventional profiling with chromatin immunoprecipitation, the analysis of the BioGRO profiles in Saccharomyces cerevisiae shows that RNA polymerase II has unique activity profiles at both gene ends, which are highly dependent on positioned nucleosomes. This is the first demonstration of the in vivo influence of positioned nucleosomes on transcription elongation. The particular features at the 5' end and around the polyadenylation site indicate that this polymerase undergoes extensive specific-activity regulation in the initial and final transcription elongation phases. The genes encoding for ribosomal proteins show distinctive features at both ends. BioGRO also provides the first nascentome analysis for RNA polymerase III, which indicates that transcription of tRNA genes is poorly regulated at the individual copy level. The present study provides a novel perspective of the transcription cycle that incorporates inactivation/reactivation as an important aspect of RNA polymerase dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Jordán-Pla
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular and ERI Biotecmed, Facultad de Biológicas, Universitat de València, C/Dr. Moliner 50, E46100 Burjassot, Spain
| | - Ishaan Gupta
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Genome Biology Unit, Meyerhofstrasse 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lola de Miguel-Jiménez
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Virgen del Rocío-CSIC-Universidad de Sevilla, and Departamento de Genética, Universidad de Sevilla, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Lars M Steinmetz
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Genome Biology Unit, Meyerhofstrasse 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Genetics, Stanford, CA 94305, USA Stanford Genome Technology Center, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Sebastián Chávez
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Virgen del Rocío-CSIC-Universidad de Sevilla, and Departamento de Genética, Universidad de Sevilla, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Vicent Pelechano
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Genome Biology Unit, Meyerhofstrasse 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - José E Pérez-Ortín
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular and ERI Biotecmed, Facultad de Biológicas, Universitat de València, C/Dr. Moliner 50, E46100 Burjassot, Spain
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6
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Wang Q, Nowak CM, Korde A, Oh DH, Dassanayake M, Donze D. Compromised RNA polymerase III complex assembly leads to local alterations of intergenic RNA polymerase II transcription in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. BMC Biol 2014; 12:89. [PMID: 25348158 PMCID: PMC4228148 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-014-0089-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2014] [Accepted: 10/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Assembled RNA polymerase III (Pol III) complexes exert local effects on chromatin processes, including influencing transcription of neighboring RNA polymerase II (Pol II) transcribed genes. These properties have been designated as ‘extra-transcriptional’ effects of the Pol III complex. Previous coding sequence microarray studies using Pol III factor mutants to determine global effects of Pol III complex assembly on Pol II promoter activity revealed only modest effects that did not correlate with the proximity of Pol III complex binding sites. Results Given our recent results demonstrating that tDNAs block progression of intergenic Pol II transcription, we hypothesized that extra-transcriptional effects within intergenic regions were not identified in the microarray study. To reconsider global impacts of Pol III complex binding, we used RNA sequencing to compare transcriptomes of wild type versus Pol III transcription factor TFIIIC depleted mutants. The results reveal altered intergenic Pol II transcription near TFIIIC binding sites in the mutant strains, where we observe readthrough of upstream transcripts that normally terminate near these sites, 5′- and 3′-extended transcripts, and de-repression of adjacent genes and intergenic regions. Conclusions The results suggest that effects of assembled Pol III complexes on transcription of neighboring Pol II promoters are of greater magnitude than previously appreciated, that such effects influence expression of adjacent genes at transcriptional start site and translational levels, and may explain a function of the conserved ETC sites in yeast. The results may also be relevant to synthetic biology efforts to design a minimal yeast genome. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12915-014-0089-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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7
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Darrow EM, Chadwick BP. A novel tRNA variable number tandem repeat at human chromosome 1q23.3 is implicated as a boundary element based on conservation of a CTCF motif in mouse. Nucleic Acids Res 2014; 42:6421-35. [PMID: 24753417 PMCID: PMC4041453 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gku280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2014] [Revised: 03/24/2014] [Accepted: 03/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The human genome contains numerous large tandem repeats, many of which remain poorly characterized. Here we report a novel transfer RNA (tRNA) tandem repeat on human chromosome 1q23.3 that shows extensive copy number variation with 9-43 repeat units per allele and displays evidence of meiotic and mitotic instability. Each repeat unit consists of a 7.3 kb GC-rich sequence that binds the insulator protein CTCF and bears the chromatin hallmarks of a bivalent domain in human embryonic stem cells. A tRNA containing tandem repeat composed of at least three 7.6-kb GC-rich repeat units reside within a syntenic region of mouse chromosome 1. However, DNA sequence analysis reveals that, with the exception of the tRNA genes that account for less than 6% of a repeat unit, the remaining 7.2 kb is not conserved with the notable exception of a 24 base pair sequence corresponding to the CTCF binding site, suggesting an important role for this protein at the locus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M Darrow
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4295, USA
| | - Brian P Chadwick
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4295, USA
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8
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Epigenetic regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase III. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2013; 1829:1015-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2013.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2013] [Revised: 05/11/2013] [Accepted: 05/15/2013] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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9
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Good PD, Kendall A, Ignatz-Hoover J, Miller EL, Pai DA, Rivera SR, Carrick B, Engelke DR. Silencing near tRNA genes is nucleosome-mediated and distinct from boundary element function. Gene 2013; 526:7-15. [PMID: 23707796 PMCID: PMC3745993 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2013.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2013] [Revised: 05/06/2013] [Accepted: 05/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Transfer RNA (tRNA) genes and other RNA polymerase III transcription units are dispersed in high copy throughout nuclear genomes, and can antagonize RNA polymerase II transcription in their immediate chromosomal locus. Previous work in Saccharomyces cerevisiae found that this local silencing required subnuclear clustering of the tRNA genes near the nucleolus. Here we show that the silencing also requires nucleosome participation, though the nature of the nucleosome interaction appears distinct from other forms of transcriptional silencing. Analysis of an extensive library of histone amino acid substitutions finds a large number of residues that affect the silencing, both in the histone N-terminal tails and on the nucleosome disk surface. The residues on the disk surfaces involved are largely distinct from those affecting other regulatory phenomena. Consistent with the large number of histone residues affecting tgm silencing, survey of chromatin modification mutations shows that several enzymes known to affect nucleosome modification and positioning are also required. The enzymes include an Rpd3 deacetylase complex, Hos1 deacetylase, Glc7 phosphatase, and the RSC nucleosome remodeling activity, but not multiple other activities required for other silencing forms or boundary element function at tRNA gene loci. Models for communication between the tRNA gene transcription complexes and local chromatin are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul D. Good
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0600, USA
| | - Ann Kendall
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0600, USA
| | | | - Erin L. Miller
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0600, USA
| | - Dave A. Pai
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0600, USA
| | - Sara R. Rivera
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0600, USA
| | - Brian Carrick
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0600, USA
| | - David R. Engelke
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0600, USA
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10
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Nagarajavel V, Iben JR, Howard BH, Maraia RJ, Clark DJ. Global 'bootprinting' reveals the elastic architecture of the yeast TFIIIB-TFIIIC transcription complex in vivo. Nucleic Acids Res 2013; 41:8135-43. [PMID: 23856458 PMCID: PMC3783186 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkt611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
TFIIIB and TFIIIC are multi-subunit factors required for transcription by RNA polymerase III. We present a genome-wide high-resolution footprint map of TFIIIB–TFIIIC complexes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, obtained by paired-end sequencing of micrococcal nuclease-resistant DNA. On tRNA genes, TFIIIB and TFIIIC form stable complexes with the same distinctive occupancy pattern but in mirror image, termed ‘bootprints’. Global analysis reveals that the TFIIIB–TFIIIC transcription complex exhibits remarkable structural elasticity: tRNA genes vary significantly in length but remain protected by TFIIIC. Introns, when present, are markedly less protected. The RNA polymerase III transcription terminator is flexibly accommodated within the transcription complex and, unexpectedly, plays a major structural role by delimiting its 3′-boundary. The ETC sites, where TFIIIC binds without TFIIIB, exhibit different bootprints, suggesting that TFIIIC forms complexes involving other factors. We confirm six ETC sites and report a new site (ETC10). Surprisingly, TFIIIC, but not TFIIIB, interacts with some centromeric nucleosomes, suggesting that interactions between TFIIIC and the centromere may be important in the 3D organization of the nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Nagarajavel
- Program in Genomics of Differentiation, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute for Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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11
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Arimbasseri AG, Rijal K, Maraia RJ. Transcription termination by the eukaryotic RNA polymerase III. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2013; 1829:318-30. [PMID: 23099421 PMCID: PMC3568203 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2012.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2012] [Revised: 10/15/2012] [Accepted: 10/16/2012] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
RNA polymerase (pol) III transcribes a multitude of tRNA and 5S rRNA genes as well as other small RNA genes distributed through the genome. By being sequence-specific, precise and efficient, transcription termination by pol III not only defines the 3' end of the nascent RNA which directs subsequent association with the stabilizing La protein, it also prevents transcription into downstream DNA and promotes efficient recycling. Each of the RNA polymerases appears to have evolved unique mechanisms to initiate the process of termination in response to different types of termination signals. However, in eukaryotes much less is known about the final stage of termination, destabilization of the elongation complex with release of the RNA and DNA from the polymerase active center. By comparison to pols I and II, pol III exhibits the most direct coupling of the initial and final stages of termination, both of which occur at a short oligo(dT) tract on the non-template strand (dA on the template) of the DNA. While pol III termination is autonomous involving the core subunits C2 and probably C1, it also involves subunits C11, C37 and C53, which act on the pol III catalytic center and exhibit homology to the pol II elongation factor TFIIS and TFIIFα/β respectively. Here we compile knowledge of pol III termination and associate mutations that affect this process with structural elements of the polymerase that illustrate the importance of C53/37 both at its docking site on the pol III lobe and in the active center. The models suggest that some of these features may apply to the other eukaryotic pols. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Transcription by Odd Pols.
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12
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Raab JR, Chiu J, Zhu J, Katzman S, Kurukuti S, Wade PA, Haussler D, Kamakaka RT. Human tRNA genes function as chromatin insulators. EMBO J 2011; 31:330-50. [PMID: 22085927 DOI: 10.1038/emboj.2011.406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2011] [Accepted: 10/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Insulators help separate active chromatin domains from silenced ones. In yeast, gene promoters act as insulators to block the spread of Sir and HP1 mediated silencing while in metazoans most insulators are multipartite autonomous entities. tDNAs are repetitive sequences dispersed throughout the human genome and we now show that some of these tDNAs can function as insulators in human cells. Using computational methods, we identified putative human tDNA insulators. Using silencer blocking, transgene protection and repressor blocking assays we show that some of these tDNA-containing fragments can function as barrier insulators in human cells. We find that these elements also have the ability to block enhancers from activating RNA pol II transcribed promoters. Characterization of a putative tDNA insulator in human cells reveals that the site possesses chromatin signatures similar to those observed at other better-characterized eukaryotic insulators. Enhanced 4C analysis demonstrates that the tDNA insulator makes long-range chromatin contacts with other tDNAs and ETC sites but not with intervening or flanking RNA pol II transcribed genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse R Raab
- Department of MCD Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
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13
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Extra-transcriptional functions of RNA Polymerase III complexes: TFIIIC as a potential global chromatin bookmark. Gene 2011; 493:169-75. [PMID: 21986035 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2011.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2011] [Revised: 09/21/2011] [Accepted: 09/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
RNA polymerase III (Pol III) is one of three eukaryotic transcription complexes, and was identified as the complex responsible for production of transfer RNA and a limited number of other small RNAs. Pol III transcription at tRNA genes (tDNAs) requires the binding of two transcription factor complexes, TFIIIC and TFIIIB. Recent evidence points to a larger role for the Pol III transcription system in various other nuclear processes, including effects on nucleosome positioning, global genome and sub-nuclear organization, and direct effects on RNA polymerase II (Pol II) transcription. These effects are perhaps mediated by recruitment of a host of other chromatin proteins, including Pol II transcription factors and chromatin enzymes. Extra-TFIIIC sites (ETC sites) are chromosomal locations bound by TFIIIC without the rest of the Pol III complex, and bound TFIIIC alone is also able to mediate additional functions. These so called "extra-transcriptional effects" of the Pol III system are reviewed here, and a model is put forth suggesting that the TFIIIC transcription factor may act as a stably bound, global "bookmark" within chromatin to establish, maintain, or demarcate chromatin states as cells divide or change gene expression patterns.
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14
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Mahapatra S, Dewari PS, Bhardwaj A, Bhargava P. Yeast H2A.Z, FACT complex and RSC regulate transcription of tRNA gene through differential dynamics of flanking nucleosomes. Nucleic Acids Res 2011; 39:4023-34. [PMID: 21266479 PMCID: PMC3105386 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkq1286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
FACT complex is involved in elongation and ensures fidelity in the initiation step of transcription by RNA polymerase (pol) II. Histone variant H2A.Z is found in nucleosomes at the 5'-end of many genes. We report here H2A.Z-chaperone activity of the yeast FACT complex on the short, nucleosome-free, non-coding, pol III-transcribed yeast tRNA genes. On a prototype gene, yeast SUP4, chromatin remodeler RSC and FACT regulate its transcription through novel mechanisms, wherein the two gene-flanking nucleosomes containing H2A.Z, play different roles. Nhp6, which ensures transcription fidelity and helps load yFACT onto the gene flanking nucleosomes, has inhibitory role. RSC maintains a nucleosome abutting the gene terminator downstream, which results in reduced transcription rate in active state while H2A.Z probably helps RSC in keeping the gene nucleosome-free and serves as stress-sensor. All these factors maintain an epigenetic state which allows the gene to return quickly from repressed to active state and tones down the expression from the active SUP4 gene, required probably to maintain the balance in cellular tRNA pool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahasransu Mahapatra
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500007, India
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15
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Dissecting nucleosome free regions by a segmental semi-Markov model. PLoS One 2009; 4:e4721. [PMID: 19266098 PMCID: PMC2648986 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0004721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2008] [Accepted: 01/22/2009] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Nucleosome free regions (NFRs) play important roles in diverse biological processes including gene regulation. A genome-wide quantitative portrait of each individual NFR, with their starting and ending positions, lengths, and degrees of nucleosome depletion is critical for revealing the heterogeneity of gene regulation and chromatin organization. By averaging nucleosome occupancy levels, previous studies have identified the presence of NFRs in the promoter regions across many genes. However, evaluation of the quantitative characteristics of individual NFRs requires an NFR calling method. Methodology In this study, we propose a statistical method to identify the patterns of NFRs from a genome-wide measurement of nucleosome occupancy. This method is based on an appropriately designed segmental semi-Markov model, which can capture each NFR pattern and output its quantitative characterizations. Our results show that the majority of the NFRs are located in intergenic regions or promoters with a length of about 400–600bp and varying degrees of nucleosome depletion. Our quantitative NFR mapping allows for an investigation of the relative impacts of transcription machinery and DNA sequence in evicting histones from NFRs. We show that while both factors have significant overall effects, their specific contributions vary across different subtypes of NFRs. Conclusion The emphasis of our approach on the variation rather than the consensus of nucleosome free regions sets the tone for enabling the exploration of many subtler dynamic aspects of chromatin biology.
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Birch JL, Tan BCM, Panov KI, Panova TB, Andersen JS, Owen-Hughes TA, Russell J, Lee SC, Zomerdijk JCBM. FACT facilitates chromatin transcription by RNA polymerases I and III. EMBO J 2009; 28:854-65. [PMID: 19214185 PMCID: PMC2647773 DOI: 10.1038/emboj.2009.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2008] [Accepted: 01/21/2009] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Efficient transcription elongation from a chromatin template requires RNA polymerases (Pols) to negotiate nucleosomes. Our biochemical analyses demonstrate that RNA Pol I can transcribe through nucleosome templates and that this requires structural rearrangement of the nucleosomal core particle. The subunits of the histone chaperone FACT (facilitates chromatin transcription), SSRP1 and Spt16, co-purify and co-immunoprecipitate with mammalian Pol I complexes. In cells, SSRP1 is detectable at the rRNA gene repeats. Crucially, siRNA-mediated repression of FACT subunit expression in cells results in a significant reduction in 47S pre-rRNA levels, whereas synthesis of the first 40 nt of the rRNA is not affected, implying that FACT is important for Pol I transcription elongation through chromatin. FACT also associates with RNA Pol III complexes, is present at the chromatin of genes transcribed by Pol III and facilitates their transcription in cells. Our findings indicate that, beyond the established role in Pol II transcription, FACT has physiological functions in chromatin transcription by all three nuclear RNA Pols. Our data also imply that local chromatin dynamics influence transcription of the active rRNA genes by Pol I and of Pol III-transcribed genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna L Birch
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Gene Regulation and Expression, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
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Scott KC, White CV, Willard HF. An RNA polymerase III-dependent heterochromatin barrier at fission yeast centromere 1. PLoS One 2007; 2:e1099. [PMID: 17971862 PMCID: PMC2040200 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0001099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2007] [Accepted: 10/10/2007] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Heterochromatin formation involves the nucleation and spreading of structural and epigenetic features along the chromatin fiber. Chromatin barriers and associated proteins counteract the spreading of heterochromatin, thereby restricting it to specific regions of the genome. We have performed gene expression studies and chromatin immunoprecipitation on strains in which native centromere sequences have been mutated to study the mechanism by which a tRNAAlanine gene barrier (cen1 tDNAAla) blocks the spread of pericentromeric heterochromatin at the centromere of chromosome 1 (cen1) in the fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Within the centromere, barrier activity is a general property of tDNAs and, unlike previously characterized barriers, requires the association of both transcription factor IIIC and RNA Polymerase III. Although the cen1 tDNAAla gene is actively transcribed, barrier activity is independent of transcriptional orientation. These findings provide experimental evidence for the involvement of a fully assembled RNA polymerase III transcription complex in defining independent structural and functional domains at a eukaryotic centromere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin C Scott
- Institute for Genome Sciences and Policy, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America.
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18
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Scott KC, Merrett SL, Willard HF. A heterochromatin barrier partitions the fission yeast centromere into discrete chromatin domains. Curr Biol 2006; 16:119-29. [PMID: 16431364 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2005.11.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2005] [Revised: 10/18/2005] [Accepted: 11/23/2005] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Centromeres are cis-acting chromosomal domains that direct kinetochore formation, enabling faithful chromosome segregation. Centromeric regions of higher eukaryotes are structurally complex, consisting of various epigenetically modified chromatin types including specialized chromatin at the kinetochore itself, pericentromeric heterochromatin, and flanking euchromatin. Although the features necessary for the establishment and maintenance of discrete chromatin domains remain poorly understood, two models have been proposed based either on the passive convergence of competing activities involved in individual domain formation or, alternatively, on the action of specific genomic sequences and associated proteins to actively block the propagation of one chromatin type into another. RESULTS Functional analysis of centromeric sequences located at the intersection of Schizosaccharomyces pombe central core chromatin and outer repeat heterochromatin identified a chromatin barrier that contains a transfer RNA (tRNA) gene. Deletion or modification of the barrier sequences result in the propagation of pericentromeric heterochromatin beyond its normal boundary. The tRNA gene is transcriptionally active, and barrier activity requires sequences necessary for RNA polymerase III transcription. Moreover, absence of the barrier results in abnormal meiotic chromosome segregation. CONCLUSIONS The identification of DNA sequences with chromatin barrier activity at the fission yeast centromere provides a model for establishment of centromeric chromatin domains in higher eukaryotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin C Scott
- Institute for Genome Sciences and Policy, Duke University, 101 Science Drive, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA
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19
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Oki M, Kamakaka RT. Barrier function at HMR. Mol Cell 2005; 19:707-16. [PMID: 16137626 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2005.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2005] [Revised: 05/16/2005] [Accepted: 07/05/2005] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The silenced HMR domain is restricted from spreading by barrier elements, and the right barrier is a unique t-RNA(THR) gene. We show that sequences immediately flanking the silenced domain were enriched in acetylated, but not methylated, histones, whereas the barrier element was associated with a nucleosome-free region. Surprisingly, the SAGA acetyltransferase resided across the entire region. We further demonstrate that a mutation in the barrier eliminated the nucleosome-free gap but only subtly altered the distribution of SAGA. Interestingly, neither reformation of the nucleosome nor mutations in chromatin-modifying enzymes alone led to an unrestricted spread of silenced chromatin. Double mutations in the t-RNA barrier and these complexes, on the other hand, led to a significant spread of Sir proteins. These results suggest two overlapping mechanisms function to restrict the spread of silencing: one of which involves a DNA binding element, whereas the other mechanism involves specific chromatin-modifying activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaya Oki
- Unit on Chromatin and Transcription, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
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20
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Yu L, Yu C, Stafford G, Morse RH. Competition Between Transcription Factors and Histones, and the Role of the Histone H3 Amino Terminus, During Gene Regulation in Budding Yeast. J CHIN CHEM SOC-TAIP 2004. [DOI: 10.1002/jccs.200400173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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21
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DePamphili ML. How transcription factors regulate origins of DNA replication in eukaryotic cells. Trends Cell Biol 2004; 3:161-7. [PMID: 14731611 DOI: 10.1016/0962-8924(93)90137-p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Eukaryotic chromosomes contain a few thousand origins of DNA replication, which are activated in a temporal and spatial order during S phase. One parameter that is strongly implicated in determining the order of replication is transcription. This review focuses on the role of transcription factors in activating origins of replication in eukaryotic cells. Studies of viral and mitochondrial replication origins have revealed several mechanisms by which transcription factors activate origins, but it remains to be seen whether any of these are used to regulate cellular chromosome replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L DePamphili
- Roche Institute of Molecular Biology, Roche Research Center, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA
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22
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Morse RH. Getting into chromatin: how do transcription factors get past the histones? Biochem Cell Biol 2003; 81:101-12. [PMID: 12897843 DOI: 10.1139/o03-039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcriptional activators and the general transcription machinery must gain access to DNA that in eukaryotes may be packaged into nucleosomes. In this review, I discuss this problem from the standpoint of the types of chromatin structures that these DNA-binding proteins may encounter, and the mechanisms by which they may contend with various chromatin structures. The discussion includes consideration of experiments in which chromatin structure is manipulated in vivo to confront activators with nucleosomal binding sites, and the roles of nucleosome dynamics and activation domains in facilitating access to such sites. Finally, the role of activators in facilitating access of the general transcriptional machinery to sites in chromatin is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randall H Morse
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health and Department of Biomedical Sciences, University at Albany School of Public Health, 12201-2002, USA.
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23
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Yu L, Sabet N, Chambers A, Morse RH. The N-terminal and C-terminal domains of RAP1 are dispensable for chromatin opening and GCN4-mediated HIS4 activation in budding yeast. J Biol Chem 2001; 276:33257-64. [PMID: 11413146 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m104354200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Repressor activator protein 1 (RAP1) assists GCN4-mediated HIS4 activation by overcoming some repressive aspect of chromatin structure to facilitate GCN4 binding. RAP1 also participates in other nuclear processes, and discrete domains of RAP1 have been shown to have specific properties including DNA binding, DNA bending, transcriptional activation, and silencing and telomere functions. To investigate whether specific domains of RAP1 are required to "open" chromatin and help GCN4 to activate the HIS4 gene, we examined the abilities of different truncated RAP1 proteins to perturb positioned nucleosomes via a nucleosomal RAP1 site in a yeast episome in vivo, and we tested HIS4 activation in yeast strains harboring truncated RAP1 mutants. We found that neither the DNA bending domain nor the putative activation domain of RAP1 is required for its ability to perturb the chromatin structure of a plasmid containing a RAP1 site. Similarly, neither the putative activation domain nor the N-terminal DNA-bending domain was required for GCN4-mediated activation of HIS4. We also used a rap1(ts) mutant to show that continuous occupancy of the HIS4 promoter by RAP1 is required for GCN4-mediated gene activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Yu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Albany School of Public Health, Albany, New York 12201-2002, USA
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24
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Abstract
Chromatin boundary elements or insulators in metazoans delimit distinct chromosomal domains of gene expression. Recently, DNA sequences with properties similar to boundary elements were also discovered in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. These sequences block the spread of transcriptionally silent chromatin, the yeast equivalent of metazoan heterochromatin, and are referred to as 'heterochromatin barriers'. These barriers share no sequence homology but all consist of multiple binding sites for various regulatory proteins. Current data suggest that barriers may function in yeast by recruiting a protein complex that precludes nucleosome assembly and thereby disrupts a contiguous array of nucleosomes required for the spread of silent chromatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Bi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Nebraska, Lincoln 68588-0664, USA.
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25
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Moss DR, Laybourn PJ. Upstream nucleosomes and Rgr1p are required for nucleosomal repression of transcription. Mol Microbiol 2000; 36:1293-305. [PMID: 10931280 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2958.2000.01940.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The mechanisms of transcription repression and derepression in vivo are not fully understood. We have obtained evidence that begins to clarify the minimum requirements for counteracting nucleosomal repression in vivo. Location of the TATA element near the nucleosome dyad does not block RNA polymerase II transcription in vivo if there is a nucleosome-free region located immediately upstream. However, location of the TATA element similarly within the nucleosome does block transcription if the region upstream of it is nucleosome bound. Histone H4 depletion derepresses transcription in the latter case, supporting the idea that the nucleosomes are responsible for the repression. These results raise the intriguing possibility that the minimum requirement for derepression of transcription in vivo is a nucleosome-free region upstream of the core promoter. Importantly, we find that a C-terminal deletion in RGR1, a component of the mediator/holoenzyme complex and a global repressor, can also derepress transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- D R Moss
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins 80523-1870, USA
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26
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Abstract
RAP1 (repressor/activator protein 1) from budding yeast is well known for its involvement in gene activation and repression, telomere structure and function, and replication. Recent studies have examined additional roles for RAP1 in heterochromatin boundary-element formation, creation of hotspots for meiotic recombination, and chromatin opening. These studies provide new insight into the ability of this abundant DNA-binding protein to participate in a diverse array of functions taking place in a chromatin environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- R H Morse
- Molecular Genetics Program, Wadsworth Center, New York State Dept of Health, and State University of New York School of Public Health, Albany, NY 12201-2002, USA.
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27
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Affiliation(s)
- J D Boeke
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
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28
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Curcio
- Molecular Genetics Program, Wadsworth Center, Albany, NY, USA.
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29
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Fassler JS, Gussin GN. Promoters and basal transcription machinery in eubacteria and eukaryotes: concepts, definitions, and analogies. Methods Enzymol 1996; 273:3-29. [PMID: 8791596 DOI: 10.1016/s0076-6879(96)73003-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- J S Fassler
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242, USA
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30
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Pruss D, Reeves R, Bushman F, Wolffe A. The influence of DNA and nucleosome structure on integration events directed by HIV integrase. J Biol Chem 1994. [DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9258(17)31494-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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31
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Whitehall S, Bardeleben C, Kassavetis G. Hydrolytic cleavage of nascent RNA in RNA polymerase III ternary transcription complexes. J Biol Chem 1994. [DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9258(17)42168-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
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Burnol AF, Margottin F, Huet J, Almouzni G, Prioleau MN, Méchali M, Sentenac A. TFIIIC relieves repression of U6 snRNA transcription by chromatin. Nature 1993; 362:475-7. [PMID: 8464480 DOI: 10.1038/362475a0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The U6 small nuclear (sn)RNA gene (SNR6) from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is transcribed by RNA polymerase III in vivo. This gene is unusual in having a TATA box at position -30, and an essential B-block element located downstream of the T-rich termination signal. The B block is one of the two intragenic promoter elements of transfer RNA genes that are recognized by transcription factor (TF)IIIC (ref. 4). But accurate in vitro transcription of yeast U6 snRNA gene by PolIII in a purified system requires only TFIIIB components, including the TATA-box binding protein TBP. Here we report that, after nucleosome reconstitution or chromatin assembly, U6 snRNA synthesis becomes dependent on TFIIIC and on the integrity of the B-block element. This observation resolves an apparent paradox between in vitro and in vivo results concerning the necessity of the downstream B-block element and sheds light on a new role of TFIIIC in gene activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- A F Burnol
- Département de Biologie Cellulaire et Moléculaire, Centre d'Etudes de Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
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