The Hox transcription factor Ultrabithorax binds RNA and regulates co-transcriptional splicing through an interplay with RNA polymerase II.

ABSTRACT: Transcription factors (TFs) play a pivotal role in cell fate decision by coordinating gene expression programs. Although most TFs act at the DNA layer, few TFs bind RNA and modulate splicing. Yet, the mechanistic cues underlying TFs activity in splicing remain elusive. Focusing on the Drosophila Hox TF Ultrabithorax (Ubx), our work shed light on a novel layer of Ubx function at the RNA level. Transcriptome and genome-wide binding profiles in embryonic mesoderm and Drosophila cells indicate that Ubx regulates mRNA expression and splicing to promote distinct outcomes in defined cellular contexts. Our results demonstrate a new RNA-binding ability of Ubx. We find that the N51 amino acid of the DNA-binding Homeodomain is non-essential for RNA interaction in vitro, but is required for RNA intera

SUBMITTER: Carnesecchi J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8789087 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature