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Pilsl M, Merkl PE, Milkereit P, Griesenbeck J, Tschochner H. Analysis of S. cerevisiae RNA Polymerase I Transcription In Vitro. Methods Mol Biol 2016; 1455:99-108. [PMID: 27576713 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-3792-9_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
RNA polymerase I (Pol I) activity is crucial to provide cells with sufficient amounts of ribosomal RNA (rRNA). Synthesis of rRNA takes place in the nucleolus, is tightly regulated and is coordinated with synthesis and assembly of ribosomal proteins, finally resulting in the formation of mature ribosomes. Many studies on Pol I mechanisms and regulation in the model organism S. cerevisiae were performed using either complex in vitro systems reconstituted from more or less purified fractions or genetic analyses. While providing many valuable insights these strategies did not always discriminate between direct and indirect effects in transcription initiation and termination, when mutated forms of Pol I subunits or transcription factors were investigated. Therefore, a well-defined minimal system was developed which allows to reconstitute highly efficient promoter-dependent Pol I initiation and termination of transcription. Transcription can be initiated at a minimal promoter only in the presence of recombinant core factor and extensively purified initiation competent Pol I. Addition of recombinant termination factors triggers transcriptional pausing and release of the ternary transcription complex. This minimal system represents a valuable tool to investigate the direct impact of (lethal) mutations in components of the initiation and termination complexes on the mechanism and regulation of rRNA synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Pilsl
- Biochemie-Zentrum Regensburg (BZR), Lehrstuhl Biochemie III, Universität Regensburg, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Philipp E Merkl
- Biochemie-Zentrum Regensburg (BZR), Lehrstuhl Biochemie III, Universität Regensburg, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
- Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, New Research Building Room 954, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Philipp Milkereit
- Biochemie-Zentrum Regensburg (BZR), Lehrstuhl Biochemie III, Universität Regensburg, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Joachim Griesenbeck
- Biochemie-Zentrum Regensburg (BZR), Lehrstuhl Biochemie III, Universität Regensburg, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Herbert Tschochner
- Biochemie-Zentrum Regensburg (BZR), Lehrstuhl Biochemie III, Universität Regensburg, 93053, Regensburg, Germany.
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2
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Mechanisms of Evolutionary Innovation Point to Genetic Control Logic as the Key Difference Between Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes. J Mol Evol 2015. [PMID: 26208881 DOI: 10.1007/s00239-015-9688-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The evolution of life from the simplest, original form to complex, intelligent animal life occurred through a number of key innovations. Here we present a new tool to analyze these key innovations by proposing that the process of evolutionary innovation may follow one of three underlying processes, namely a Random Walk, a Critical Path, or a Many Paths process, and in some instances may also constitute a "Pull-up the Ladder" event. Our analysis is based on the occurrence of function in modern biology, rather than specific structure or mechanism. A function in modern biology may be classified in this way either on the basis of its evolution or the basis of its modern mechanism. Characterizing key innovations in this way helps identify the likelihood that an innovation could arise. In this paper, we describe the classification, and methods to classify functional features of modern organisms into these three classes based on the analysis of how a function is implemented in modern biology. We present the application of our categorization to the evolution of eukaryotic gene control. We use this approach to support the argument that there are few, and possibly no basic chemical differences between the functional constituents of the machinery of gene control between eukaryotes, bacteria and archaea. This suggests that the difference between eukaryotes and prokaryotes that allows the former to develop the complex genetic architecture seen in animals and plants is something other than their chemistry. We tentatively identify the difference as a difference in control logic, that prokaryotic genes are by default 'on' and eukaryotic genes are by default 'off.' The Many Paths evolutionary process suggests that, from a 'default off' starting point, the evolution of the genetic complexity of higher eukaryotes is a high probability event.
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3
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Binding of the termination factor Nsi1 to its cognate DNA site is sufficient to terminate RNA polymerase I transcription in vitro and to induce termination in vivo. Mol Cell Biol 2014; 34:3817-27. [PMID: 25092870 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00395-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Different models have been proposed explaining how eukaryotic gene transcription is terminated. Recently, Nsi1, a factor involved in silencing of ribosomal DNA (rDNA), was shown to be required for efficient termination of rDNA transcription by RNA polymerase I (Pol I) in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Nsi1 contains Myb-like DNA binding domains and associates in vivo near the 3' end of rRNA genes to rDNA, but information about which and how DNA sequences might influence Nsi1-dependent termination is lacking. Here, we show that binding of Nsi1 to a stretch of 11 nucleotides in the correct orientation was sufficient to pause elongating Pol I shortly upstream of the Nsi1 binding site and to release the transcripts in vitro. The same minimal DNA element triggered Nsi1-dependent termination of pre-rRNA synthesis using an in vivo reporter assay. Termination efficiency in the in vivo system could be enhanced by inclusion of specific DNA sequences downstream of the Nsi1 binding site. These data and the finding that Nsi1 blocks efficiently only Pol I-dependent RNA synthesis in an in vitro transcription system improve our understanding of a unique mechanism of transcription termination.
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Németh A, Perez-Fernandez J, Merkl P, Hamperl S, Gerber J, Griesenbeck J, Tschochner H. RNA polymerase I termination: Where is the end? BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2012; 1829:306-17. [PMID: 23092677 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2012.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2012] [Revised: 10/10/2012] [Accepted: 10/17/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The synthesis of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) precursor molecules by RNA polymerase I (Pol I) terminates with the dissociation of the protein-DNA-RNA ternary complex. Based on in vitro results the mechanism of Pol I termination appeared initially to be rather conserved and simple until this process was more thoroughly re-investigated in vivo. A picture emerged that Pol I termination seems to be connected to co-transcriptional processing, re-initiation of transcription and, possibly, other processes downstream of Pol I transcription units. In this article, our current understanding of the mechanism of Pol I termination and how this process might be implicated in other biological processes in yeast and mammals is summarized and discussed. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Transcription by Odd Pols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attila Németh
- Universität Regensburg, Biochemie-Zentrum Regensburg (BZR), Lehrstuhl Biochemie III, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
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5
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Mischo HE, Proudfoot NJ. Disengaging polymerase: terminating RNA polymerase II transcription in budding yeast. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2012; 1829:174-85. [PMID: 23085255 PMCID: PMC3793857 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2012.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2012] [Revised: 10/01/2012] [Accepted: 10/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Termination of transcription by RNA polymerase II requires two distinct processes: The formation of a defined 3′ end of the transcribed RNA, as well as the disengagement of RNA polymerase from its DNA template. Both processes are intimately connected and equally pivotal in the process of functional messenger RNA production. However, research in recent years has elaborated how both processes can additionally be employed to control gene expression in qualitative and quantitative ways. This review embraces these new findings and attempts to paint a broader picture of how this final step in the transcription cycle is of critical importance to many aspects of gene regulation. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: RNA polymerase II Transcript Elongation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah E Mischo
- Cancer Research UK London Research Institute, Blanche Lane South Mimms, Herts, UK.
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6
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The Reb1-homologue Ydr026c/Nsi1 is required for efficient RNA polymerase I termination in yeast. EMBO J 2012; 31:3480-93. [PMID: 22805593 DOI: 10.1038/emboj.2012.185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2012] [Accepted: 06/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Several DNA cis-elements and trans-acting factors were described to be involved in transcription termination and to release the elongating RNA polymerases from their templates. Different models for the molecular mechanism of transcription termination have been suggested for eukaryotic RNA polymerase I (Pol I) from results of in vitro and in vivo experiments. To analyse the molecular requirements for yeast RNA Pol I termination, an in vivo approach was used in which efficient termination resulted in growth inhibition. This led to the identification of a Myb-like protein, Ydr026c, as bona fide termination factor, now designated Nsi1 (NTS1 silencing protein 1), since it was very recently described as silencing factor of ribosomal DNA. Possible Nsi1 functions in regard to the mechanism of transcription termination are discussed.
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7
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Novel transcript truncating function of Rap1p revealed by synthetic codon-optimized Ty1 retrotransposon. Genetics 2011; 190:523-35. [PMID: 22135353 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.111.136648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Extensive mutagenesis via massive recoding of retrotransposon Ty1 produced a synthetic codon-optimized retrotransposon (CO-Ty1). CO-Ty1 is defective for retrotransposition, suggesting a sequence capable of down-regulating retrotransposition. We mapped this sequence to a critical ~20-bp region within CO-Ty1 reverse transcriptase (RT) and confirmed that it reduced Ty1 transposition, protein, and RNA levels. Repression was not Ty1 specific; when introduced immediately downstream of the green fluorescent protein (GFP) stop codon, GFP expression was similarly reduced. Rap1p mediated this down-regulation, as shown by mutagenesis and chromatin immunoprecipitation. A regular threefold drop is observed in different contexts, suggesting utility for synthetic circuits. A large reduction of RNAP II occupancy on the CO-Ty1 construct was observed 3' to the identified Rap1p site and a novel 3' truncated RNA species was observed. We propose a novel mechanism of transcriptional regulation by Rap1p whereby it serves as a transcriptional roadblock when bound to transcription unit sequences.
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Braglia P, Kawauchi J, Proudfoot NJ. Co-transcriptional RNA cleavage provides a failsafe termination mechanism for yeast RNA polymerase I. Nucleic Acids Res 2010; 39:1439-48. [PMID: 20972219 PMCID: PMC3045592 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkq894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ribosomal RNA, transcribed by RNA polymerase (Pol) I, accounts for most cellular RNA. Since Pol I transcribes rDNA repeats with high processivity and polymerase density, transcription termination is a critical process. Early in vitro studies proposed polymerase pausing by Reb1 and transcript release at the T-rich element T1 determined transcription termination. However recent in vivo studies revealed a ‘torpedo’ mechanism for Pol I termination: co-transcriptional RNA cleavage by Rnt1 provides an entry site for the 5′–3′ exonuclease Rat1 that degrades Pol I-associated transcripts destabilizing the transcription complex. Significantly Rnt1 inactivation in vivo reveals a second co-transcriptional RNA cleavage event at T1 which provides Pol I with an alternative termination pathway. An intact Reb1-binding site is also required for Rnt1-independent termination. Consequently our results reconcile the original Reb1-mediated termination pathway as part of a failsafe mechanism for this essential transcription process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscilla Braglia
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3RE, UK
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9
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Richard P, Manley JL. Transcription termination by nuclear RNA polymerases. Genes Dev 2009; 23:1247-69. [PMID: 19487567 DOI: 10.1101/gad.1792809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 246] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Gene transcription in the cell nucleus is a complex and highly regulated process. Transcription in eukaryotes requires three distinct RNA polymerases, each of which employs its own mechanisms for initiation, elongation, and termination. Termination mechanisms vary considerably, ranging from relatively simple to exceptionally complex. In this review, we describe the present state of knowledge on how each of the three RNA polymerases terminates and how mechanisms are conserved, or vary, from yeast to human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Richard
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA
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10
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Kawauchi J, Mischo H, Braglia P, Rondon A, Proudfoot NJ. Budding yeast RNA polymerases I and II employ parallel mechanisms of transcriptional termination. Genes Dev 2008; 22:1082-92. [PMID: 18413718 DOI: 10.1101/gad.463408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Both RNA polymerase I and II (Pol I and Pol II) in budding yeast employ a functionally homologous "torpedo-like" mechanism to promote transcriptional termination. For two well-defined Pol II-transcribed genes, CYC1 and PMA1, we demonstrate that both Rat1p exonuclease and Sen1p helicase are required for efficient termination by promoting degradation of the nascent transcript associated with Pol II, following mRNA 3' end processing. Similarly, Pol I termination relies on prior Rnt1p cleavage at the 3' end of the pre-rRNA 35S transcript. This is followed by the combined actions of Rat1p and Sen1p to degrade the Pol I-associated nascent transcript that consequently promote termination in the downstream rDNA spacer sequence. Our data suggest that the previously defined in vitro Pol I termination mechanism involving the action of the Reb1p DNA-binding factor to "road-block" Pol I transcription close to the termination region may have overlooked more complex in vivo molecular processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junya Kawauchi
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, Oxford OX1 3RE, United Kingdom
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Gilmour
- Center for Gene Regulation, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA.
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12
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Guffanti E, Corradini R, Ottonello S, Dieci G. Functional dissection of RNA polymerase III termination using a peptide nucleic acid as a transcriptional roadblock. J Biol Chem 2004; 279:20708-16. [PMID: 14970213 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m311295200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
We have shown previously that a T(10) peptide nucleic acid (PNA) bound to the transcriptional terminator of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae tDNA(Ile)(TAT) gene arrests elongating yeast RNA polymerase (pol) III at a position that precedes by 20 bp the upstream end of the PNA roadblock (Dieci, G., Corradini, R., Sforza, S., Marchelli, R., and Ottonello, S. (2001) J. Biol. Chem. 276, 5720-5725). Here, a PNA-binding cassette was placed at various distances downstream of a functional tDNA(Ile) transcriptional terminator (T(6)) that is not bound by the T(10) PNA, and the effect of the PNA roadblock on RNA 3'-end formation, transcript release, and transcription reinitiation was examined. With a PNA roadblock placed as close as 5 bp downstream of the T(6) terminator, pol III could still reach the termination site and complete pre-tRNA synthesis, implying that the catalytic site-to-front edge (C-F) distance of the polymerase can shorten by >10 bp upon recognition of the terminator element. In addition, transcripts synthesized by a PNA-roadblocked terminating pol III were found to be released from transcription complexes. Interestingly, however, the same roadblock dramatically reduced the rate of transcription reinitiation. Also, when placed 5 bp downstream of a mutationally inactivated terminator element (T(3)GT(2)), the PNA roadblock restored transcription termination, thus indicating that the inactivated terminator is compromised in its ability to cause pol III pausing, but can still induce C-F distance shortening and transcript release. The latter two activities were found to be further impaired in variants of the inactivated terminator bearing fewer than three consecutive T residues (T(2)G(2)T(2) and TG(2)TGT). The data indicate that RNA polymerase pausing, C-F distance shortening, and transcript release are functionally distinguishable features of the termination process and point to the RNA release propensity of pol III as a major determinant of its remarkably high termination efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Guffanti
- Dipartimento di Biochimica e Biologia Molecolare and Dipartimento di Chimica Organica e Industriale, Università degli Studi di Parma, 43100 Parma, Italy
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13
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Abstract
Reverse genetics systems, i.e., systems for the generation of virus entirely from cloned cDNA, have been established for most nonsegmented negative-sense RNA viruses. In contrast, the generation of influenza A viruses (whose genome is composed of eight segments of negative-sense RNA) was not possible until 1999, likely due to the inherent technical difficulties of providing all eight viral RNAs as well as the four viral proteins required for replication and transcription. In 1999, we (Neumann et al., 1999, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 96, 9345-9350) and others (Fodor et al., 1999, J. Virol. 73, 9679-9682) demonstrated the generation of influenza A virus from plasmids, relying on the cellular enzyme RNA polymerase I for the synthesis of influenza viral RNAs. In this review, we provide background on RNA polymerase I transcription and discuss its use for the generation of influenza virus from cloned cDNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Neumann
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 53706, USA
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14
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Dieci G, Corradini R, Sforza S, Marchelli R, Ottonello S. Inhibition of RNA polymerase III elongation by a T10 peptide nucleic acid. J Biol Chem 2001; 276:5720-5. [PMID: 11073963 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m009367200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The terminator elements of eukaryotic class III genes strongly contribute to overall transcription efficiency by allowing fast RNA polymerase III (pol III) recycling. Being constituted by a run of thymidine residues on the coding strand (a poly(dA) tract on the transcribed strand), pol III terminators are expected to form highly stable triple-helix complexes with oligothymine peptide nucleic acids (PNAs). We analyzed the effect of a T10 PNA on in vitro transcription of three yeast class III genes (coding for two different tRNAs and the U6 small nuclear RNA) having termination signals of at least ten T residues. At nanomolar concentrations, the PNA almost completely inhibited transcription of supercoiled, but not linearized, templates in a sequence-specific manner. The total RNA output of the first transcription cycle was not affected by PNA concentrations strongly inhibiting multiple round transcription. Thus, an impairment of pol III recycling fully accounts for the observed inhibition. As revealed by the size and the state (free or transcription complex-associated) of the RNAs produced in PNA-inhibited reactions, pol III is "roadblocked" by the DNA-PNA adduct before reaching the terminator region. On different templates, the distance between the active site and the leading edge of the arrested polymerase ranged from 10 to 20 base pairs. Given their ability to efficiently block pol III elongation, oligothymine PNAs lend themselves as potential cell growth inhibitors interfering with eukaryotic class III gene transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Dieci
- Istituto di Scienze Biochimiche, Università di Parma, I-43100 Parma, Italy.
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15
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Reeder RH, Guevara P, Roan JG. Saccharomyces cerevisiae RNA polymerase I terminates transcription at the Reb1 terminator in vivo. Mol Cell Biol 1999; 19:7369-76. [PMID: 10523625 PMCID: PMC84730 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.19.11.7369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We have mapped transcription termination sites for RNA polymerase I in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. S1 nuclease mapping shows that the primary terminator is the Reb1p terminator located at +93 downstream of the 3' end of 25S rRNA. Reverse transcription coupled with quantitative PCR shows that approximately 90% of all transcripts terminate at this site. Transcripts which read through the +93 site quantitatively terminate at a fail-safe terminator located further downstream at +250. Inactivation of Rnt1p (an RNase III involved in processing the 3' end of 25S rRNA) greatly stabilizes transcripts extending to both sites and increases readthrough at the +93 site. In vivo assay of mutants of the Reb1p terminator shows that this site operates in vivo by the same mechanism as has previously been delineated through in vitro studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- R H Reeder
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA.
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Grummt I. Regulation of mammalian ribosomal gene transcription by RNA polymerase I. PROGRESS IN NUCLEIC ACID RESEARCH AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 1999; 62:109-54. [PMID: 9932453 DOI: 10.1016/s0079-6603(08)60506-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
All cells, from prokaryotes to vertebrates, synthesize vast amounts of ribosomal RNA to produce the several million new ribosomes per generation that are required to maintain the protein synthetic capacity of the daughter cells. Ribosomal gene (rDNA) transcription is governed by RNA polymerase I (Pol I) assisted by a dedicated set of transcription factors that mediate the specificity of transcription and are the targets of the pleiotrophic pathways the cell uses to adapt rRNA synthesis to cell growth. In the past few years we have begun to understand the specific functions of individual factors involved in rDNA transcription and to elucidate on a molecular level how transcriptional regulation is achieved. This article reviews our present knowledge of the molecular mechanism of rDNA transcriptional regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Grummt
- Division of Molecular Biology of the Cell II, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
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17
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Abstract
Downstream elements (DSEs) with transcriptional pausing activity play an important role in transcription termination of RNA polymerase II. We have defined two such DSEs in Schizosaccharomyces pombe, one for the ura4 gene and a new one in the 3'-end region of the nmt2 gene. Although these DSEs do not have sequence homology, both are orientation specific and are composed of multiple and redundant sequence elements that work together to achieve full pausing activity. Previous studies on the nmt1 and nmt2 genes revealed that transcription extends several kilobases past the genes' poly(A) sites. We show that the insertion of either DSE immediately downstream of the nmt1 poly(A) site induces more immediate termination. nmt2 termination efficiency can be increased by moving the DSE closer to the poly(A) site. These results suggest that DSEs may be a common feature in yeast genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Aranda
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, United Kingdom
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18
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Lang WH, Platt T, Reeder RH. Escherichia coli rho factor induces release of yeast RNA polymerase II but not polymerase I or III. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1998; 95:4900-5. [PMID: 9560200 PMCID: PMC20185 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.95.9.4900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Purified RNA polymerase II (pol II) from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae pauses without releasing at many locations during in vitro transcription. Pausing can be induced by intrinsic DNA sequence as well as by specific DNA bound proteins such as the RNA pol I termination factor, Reb1p, or lac repressor. Addition of rho termination factor from E. coli induces RNA pol II to release at all of these pause sites. Rho-induced release of pol II requires both a rho binding site in the transcript upstream of the pause sites as well as hydrolysis of ATP. In contrast, rho factor has no effect on either pausing or release by RNA pol I or III. When combined with previous observations, these results suggest that RNA pol II may terminate by a mechanism closely related to the rho-dependent mechanism of prokaryotes. In contrast, pol I and III appear to utilize a mechanism more related to the rho-independent terminators of prokaryotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- W H Lang
- Basic Sciences Division, Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
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Reeder RH, Lang WH. Terminating transcription in eukaryotes: lessons learned from RNA polymerase I. Trends Biochem Sci 1997; 22:473-7. [PMID: 9433127 DOI: 10.1016/s0968-0004(97)01133-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Within the past few years, the genes encoding transcription terminator proteins for RNA polymerase I (pol I) have been cloned from organisms as diverse as yeast and mammals. The availability of terminator proteins has allowed construction of in vitro transcription systems that terminate pol I at the same sites as used in vivo and thus allows study of termination mechanisms. This has resulted in a burst of information concerning pol I termination mechanisms, which this review will attempt to summarize.
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Affiliation(s)
- R H Reeder
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
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20
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Tschochne H, Milkereit P. RNA polymerase I from S. cerevisiae depends on an additional factor to release terminated transcripts from the template. FEBS Lett 1997; 410:461-6. [PMID: 9237683 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-5793(97)00636-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Terminated transcripts were generated at the ends of linearized DNA templates and at DNA-bound lac repressor by in vitro transcription with highly enriched or purified yeast RNA polymerase I (pol I). The release of the synthesized transcripts from the DNA was analyzed using immobilized DNA as template for the transcription reaction. An additional activity distinguishable from pol I was necessary to remove the terminated RNA from the template. Efficiency of transcript release could be improved if a thymidine-rich DNA fragment was located upstream of the transcriptional arrest caused by the DNA-bound lac repressor. The release activity interacted with different forms of polymerases, pol I able to initiate on the ribosomal gene promoter and pol I only active in non-specific transcription.
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21
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Mason SW, Wallisch M, Grummt I. RNA polymerase I transcription termination: similar mechanisms are employed by yeast and mammals. J Mol Biol 1997; 268:229-34. [PMID: 9159465 DOI: 10.1006/jmbi.1997.0976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Termination of RNA polymerase I (Pol I) transcription requires the interaction of a specific DNA binding factor with terminator elements downstream of the pre-rRNA coding region. Both the terminator elements and the respective termination factors are distinct in yeast and mammals, and differences in the mechanism of transcription termination have been postulated. We have compared in vitro transcription termination of yeast and mouse Pol I using both the murine factor TTF-I, and the yeast homolog Reb1p. We show that, similar to TTF-I, Reb1p was sufficient for pausing of Pol I from either species, but was unable to cause release of the nascent transcripts from the paused ternary complex. The deficiency of Reb1p to mediate transcript release from Pol I of either species was complemented by the recently characterized murine release factor. Thus, both yeast and mouse Pol I termination requires a trans-acting factor that, in conjunction with the T-rich flanking sequence, releases the transcripts and Pol I from the template. The observation that the murine factor causes dissociation of ternary transcription complexes arrested by Reb1p suggests that the mechanism of Pol I termination is highly conserved from yeast to mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- S W Mason
- German Cancer Research Center, Division of Molecular Biology of the Cell II, Heidelberg
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Zhao A, Guo A, Liu Z, Pape L. Molecular cloning and analysis of Schizosaccharomyces pombe Reb1p: sequence-specific recognition of two sites in the far upstream rDNA intergenic spacer. Nucleic Acids Res 1997; 25:904-10. [PMID: 9016645 PMCID: PMC146519 DOI: 10.1093/nar/25.4.904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The coding sequences for a Schizosaccharomyces pombe sequence-specific DNA binding protein, Reb1p, have been cloned. The predicted S. pombe Reb1p is 24-29% identical to mouse TTF-1 (transcription termination factor-1) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae REB1 protein, both of which direct termination of RNA polymerase I catalyzed transcripts. The S.pombe Reb1 cDNA encodes a predicted polypeptide of 504 amino acids with a predicted molecular weight of 58.4 kDa. The S. pombe Reb1p is unusual in that the bipartite DNA binding motif identified originally in S.cerevisiae and Klyveromyces lactis REB1 proteins is uninterrupted and thus S.pombe Reb1p may contain the smallest natural REB1 homologous DNA binding domain. Its genomic coding sequences were shown to be interrupted by two introns. A recombinant histidine-tagged Reb1 protein bearing the rDNA binding domain has two homologous, sequence-specific binding sites in the S. pomber DNA intergenic spacer, located between 289 and 480 nt downstream of the end of the approximately 25S rRNA coding sequences. Each binding site is 13-14 bp downstream of two of the three proposed in vivo termination sites. The core of this 17 bp site, AGGTAAGGGTAATGCAC, is specifically protected by Reb1p in footprinting analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Zhao
- Department of Chemistry, New York University 10003, USA
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23
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Mason SW, Sander EE, Grummt I. Identification of a transcript release activity acting on ternary transcription complexes containing murine RNA polymerase I. EMBO J 1997; 16:163-72. [PMID: 9009277 PMCID: PMC1169623 DOI: 10.1093/emboj/16.1.163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Termination of mammalian ribosomal gene transcription by RNA polymerase I (Pol I) requires binding of the nucleolar factor TTF-I (transcription termination factor for Pol I) to specific rDNA terminator elements. We have used recombinant murine TTF-I in an immobilized tailed template assay to analyze individual steps of the termination reaction. We demonstrate that, besides the TTF-I-DNA complex which stops elongating Pol I, an additional activity is required to release both the nascent transcript and Pol I from the template. Moreover, transcript release, but not TTF-I-directed pausing, depends on upstream sequences directly flanking the terminator element. Together, complete termination of Pol I transcription requires TTF-I bound to the terminator DNA, a stretch of thymidine residues upstream of the TTF-I-mediated pause site and an activity which releases the RNA transcript and Pol I from the DNA template.
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Affiliation(s)
- S W Mason
- Division of Molecular Biology of the Cell II, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg
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24
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Tschochner H. A novel RNA polymerase I-dependent RNase activity that shortens nascent transcripts from the 3' end. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1996; 93:12914-9. [PMID: 8917519 PMCID: PMC24020 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.93.23.12914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
A novel RNase activity was identified in a yeast RNA polymerase I (pol I) in vitro transcription system. Transcript cleavage occurred at the 3' end and was dependent on the presence of ternary pol I/DNA/RNA complexes and an additional protein factor not identical to transcription factor IIS (TFIIS). Transcript cleavage was observed both on arrested complexes at the linearized ends of the transcribed DNA and on intrinsic blocks of the DNA template. Shortened transcripts that remained associated within the ternary complexes were capable of resuming RNA chain elongation. Possible functions of the nuclease for transcript elongation or termination are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Tschochner
- Institut für Biochemie I, Universität Heidelberg, Germany.
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25
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Shaaban SA, Bobkova EV, Chudzik DM, Hall BD. In vitro analysis of elongation and termination by mutant RNA polymerases with altered termination behavior. Mol Cell Biol 1996; 16:6468-76. [PMID: 8887675 PMCID: PMC231648 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.16.11.6468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
We have studied the in vitro elongation and termination properties of several yeast RNA polymerase III (pol III) mutant enzymes that have altered in vivo termination behavior (S. A. Shaaban, B. M. Krupp, and B. D. Hall, Mol. Cell. Biol. 15:1467-1478, 1995). The pattern of completed-transcript release was also characterized for three of the mutant enzymes. The mutations studied occupy amino acid regions 300 to 325, 455 to 521, and 1061 to 1082 of the RET1 protein (P. James, S. Whelen, and B. D. Hall, J. Biol. Chem. 266:5616-5624, 1991), the second largest subunit of yeast RNA pol III. In general, mutant enzymes which have increased termination require a longer time to traverse a template gene than does wild-type pol III; the converse holds true for most decreased-termination mutants. One increased-termination mutant (K310T I324K) was faster and two reduced termination mutants (K512N and T455I E478K) were slower than the wild-type enzyme. In most cases, these changes in overall elongation kinetics can be accounted for by a correspondingly longer or shorter dwell time at pause sites within the SUP4 tRNA(Tyr) gene. Of the three mutants analyzed for RNA release, one (T455I) was similar to the wild type while the two others (T455I E478K and E478K) bound the completed SUP4 pre-tRNA more avidly. The results of this study support the view that termination is a multistep pathway in which several different regions of the RET1 protein are actively involved. Region 300 to 325 likely affects a step involved in RNA release, while the Rif homology region, amino acids 455 to 521, interacts with the nascent RNA 3' end. The dual effects of several mutations on both elongation kinetics and RNA release suggest that the protein motifs affected by them have multiple roles in the steps leading to transcription termination.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Shaaban
- Department of Genetics, University of Washington, Seattle 98195-7360, USA
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26
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Chen S, Reger R, Miller C, Hyman LE. Transcriptional terminators of RNA polymerase II are associated with yeast replication origins. Nucleic Acids Res 1996; 24:2885-93. [PMID: 8760869 PMCID: PMC146059 DOI: 10.1093/nar/24.15.2885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The compact organization of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome necessitates that non-coding regulatory sequences reside in close proximity to one another. Here we show there is an intimate association between transcription terminators and DNA replication origins. Four replication origins were analyzed in a reporter gene assay that detects sequences that direct 3' end formation of mRNA transcripts. All four replication origins function as orientation-independent transcription terminators in this system, producing truncated polyadenylated mRNAs. Despite this close association, the cis-acting elements that confer replication origin function are genetically separable from those required for transcription termination. Several models are explored in an attempt to address how and why the signals specifying transcription termination and replication initiation overlap.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Chen
- Department of Biochemistry, SL-43, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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27
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Jeong SW, Lang WH, Reeder RH. The yeast transcription terminator for RNA polymerase I is designed to prevent polymerase slippage. J Biol Chem 1996; 271:16104-10. [PMID: 8663252 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.271.27.16104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
A transcription terminator for RNA polymerase I (polI) in the yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is composed of two essential elements, the 11bp binding site for Reb1p and an upstream T-rich element coding for the last 10-12 nucleotides of the terminated transcript. We now show that, if the upstream element is changed to homopolymer T residues, polI undergoes iterative slippage, long poly(U) tails are added to the transcript, and termination is impaired. Reinsertion of one or two non-T residues within a critical region prevents iterative slippage and reinstates termination. A survey of naturally occurring terminators reveals that many contain T-rich upstream regions with non-T residues situated appropriately to prevent slippage. We discuss the possibility that the first step in slippage, backward sliding of both the transcript and the catalytic center of the polymerase, may be an obligatory step in the normal termination process.
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Affiliation(s)
- S W Jeong
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA
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28
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Berberof M, Pays A, Lips S, Tebabi P, Pays E. Characterization of a transcription terminator of the procyclin PARP A unit of Trypanosoma brucei. Mol Cell Biol 1996; 16:914-24. [PMID: 8622694 PMCID: PMC231073 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.16.3.914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The polycistronic procylcin PARP (for procyclic acidic repetitive protein) A transcription unit of Trypanosoma brucei was completely characterized by the mapping of the termination region. In addition to the tandem of procyclin genes and GRESAG 2.1, this 7.5- to 9.5-kb unit contained another gene for a putative surface protein, termed PAG (for procyclin-associated gene) 3. The terminal 3-kb sequence did not contain significant open reading frames and cross-hybridized with the beginning of one or several transcription units specific to the bloodstream form. At least three separate fragments from the terminal region were able to inhibit chloramphenicol acetyltransferase expression when inserted between either the PARP, the ribosomal, or the variable surface glycoprotein promoter and a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene. This inhibition was due to an orientation-dependent transcription termination caused by the combination of several attenuator elements with no obvious sequence conservation. The procyclin transcription terminator appeared unable to inhibit transcription by polymerase II.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Berberof
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Brussels, Belgium
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