Chemical inhibition of the TFIIH-associated kinase Cdk7/Kin28 does not impair global mRNA synthesis.

ABSTRACT: The process of gene transcription requires the recruitment of a hypophosphorylated form of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) to a gene promoter. The TFIIH-associated kinase Cdk7/Kin28 hyperphosphorylates the promoter-bound polymerase; this event is thought to play a crucial role in transcription initiation and promoter clearance. Studies using temperature-sensitive mutants of Kin28 have provided the most compelling evidence for an essential role of its kinase activity in global mRNA synthesis. In contrast, using a small molecule inhibitor that specifically inhibits Kin28 in vivo, we find that the kinase activity is not essential for global transcription. Unlike the temperature-sensitive alleles, the small-molecule inhibitor does not perturb protein-protein interactions nor does it provoke the dis

SUBMITTER: Kanin EI 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1851574 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature