Project description:Single stranded DNA binding proteins play many roles in nucleic acid metabolism, but their importance during transcription remains unclear. Quantitative proteomic analysis of RNA polymerase II (RNApII) pre-initiation complexes (PICs) identified Sub1 and the Replication Protein A complex (RPA), both of which bind single-stranded DNA (ssDNA). Sub1, homolog of mammalian coactivator PC4, exhibits strong genetic interactions with factors necessary for promoter melting. Sub1 localizes near the transcription bubble in vitro and binds to promoters in vivo dependent upon PIC assembly. In contrast, RPA localizes to transcribed regions of active genes, strongly correlated with transcribing RNApII but independently of replication. RFA1 interacts genetically with transcription elongation factor genes. Interestingly, RPA levels increase at active promoters in cells carrying a Sub1 deletion or ssDNA binding mutant, suggesting competition for a common binding site. We propose that Sub1 and RPA interact with the non-template strand of RNApII complexes during initiation and elongation, respectively. Chip-chip from wt and sub1D cells with Rfa1 Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) of Rfa1 in wt and sub1D yeast demonstrated that Rfa1 localization correlates with RNA Polymerase II and is increased at some transcription start sites when Sub1 has been deleted. Comparison of Rfa1 localization in wt vs sub1D yeast
Project description:Single stranded DNA binding proteins play many roles in nucleic acid metabolism, but their importance during transcription remains unclear. Quantitative proteomic analysis of RNA polymerase II (RNApII) pre-initiation complexes (PICs) identified Sub1 and the Replication Protein A complex (RPA), both of which bind single-stranded DNA (ssDNA). Sub1, homolog of mammalian coactivator PC4, exhibits strong genetic interactions with factors necessary for promoter melting. Sub1 localizes near the transcription bubble in vitro and binds to promoters in vivo dependent upon PIC assembly. In contrast, RPA localizes to transcribed regions of active genes, strongly correlated with transcribing RNApII but independently of replication. RFA1 interacts genetically with transcription elongation factor genes. Interestingly, RPA levels increase at active promoters in cells carrying a Sub1 deletion or ssDNA binding mutant, suggesting competition for a common binding site. We propose that Sub1 and RPA interact with the non-template strand of RNApII complexes during initiation and elongation, respectively.
Project description:Transcription of mRNA products by RNA polymerase II (Pol II) is a multi-stage event subject to a multitude of regulatory processes. Transcription, RNA processing, and chromatin related factors all interact with Pol II to ensure proper timing and coordination of transcription and co-transcriptional processes. Many regulators must function simultaneously to coordinate these processes, yet few strategies exist to explore the full complement of factors regulating specific stages of transcription. To this end we developed a strategy to purify Pol II elongation complexes from specific loci of a single gene, namely the 5′ and 3′ regions, using sequences in the nascent RNA. Applying this strategy to Saccharomyces cerevisiae we determined the specific set of factors that interact with Pol II at precise stages during transcription. We identify many known region-specific factors as well as determine a role for the transcription termination factor Rai1 in regulating the early stages of transcription genome-wide. We also demonstrate a role for the ubiquitin ligase Bre1 in regulating Pol II dynamics during the latter stages of transcription. This strategy for gene and loci-specific isolation of transcription complexes will provide a useful tool to explore the host of factors that regulate the different stages of transcription and coordinate co-transcriptional processes.