A positive feedback loop links opposing functions of P-TEFb/Cdk9 and histone H2B mono-ubiquitylation to regulate transcript elongation in fission yeast

ABSTRACT: Transcript elongation by RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) is accompanied by conserved patterns of histone modification within transcribed regions, but it remains uncertain how these modifications influence, or are influenced by, properties of the elongation complex. Here we establish an intimate link between Cdk9, the kinase component of positive transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb), and mono-ubiquitylation of histone H2B (H2Bub1), in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Mutations that impair Cdk9 function reduce H2Bub1 levels in vivo. Conversely, mutations that prevent H2Bub1 decrease phosphorylation of elongation factor subunit Spt5, a sensitive and specific indicator of Cdk9 activity. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis suggests this is due to impaired Cdk9 recruitment

ORGANISM(S): Schizosaccharomyces pombe

SUBMITTER: François Robert 

PROVIDER: E-GEOD-31070 | biostudies-arrayexpress |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-arrayexpress