Single cell analysis of transcriptional activation dynamics.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Gene activation is thought to occur through a series of temporally defined regulatory steps. However, this process has not been completely evaluated in single living mammalian cells.

Methodology/principal findings

To investigate the timing and coordination of gene activation events, we tracked the recruitment of GCN5 (histone acetyltransferase), RNA polymerase II, Brd2 and Brd4 (acetyl-lysine binding proteins), in relation to a VP16-transcriptional activator, to a transcription site that can be visualized in single living cells. All accumulated rapidly with the VP16 activator as did the transcribed RNA. RNA was also detected at significantly more transcription sites in cells expressing the VP16-activator compared to a p53-activator. After alpha-amanitin pre-treatm

SUBMITTER: Rafalska-Metcalf IU 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2858074 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature