scholarly journals Structural basis of Ty3 retrotransposon integration at RNA Polymerase III-transcribed genes

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Guillermo Abascal-Palacios ◽  
Laura Jochem ◽  
Carlos Pla-Prats ◽  
Fabienne Beuron ◽  
Alessandro Vannini
Keyword(s):  
Rna Polymerase ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Trna Gene ◽  
Integration Site ◽  
Rna Polymerase Iii ◽  
Structural Basis ◽  
Strand Transfer ◽  
Rna Pol Ii ◽  
A Subunit ◽  
Pol Iii

AbstractRetrotransposons are endogenous elements that have the ability to mobilise their DNA between different locations in the host genome. The Ty3 retrotransposon integrates with an exquisite specificity in a narrow window upstream of RNA Polymerase (Pol) III-transcribed genes, representing a paradigm for harmless targeted integration. Here we present the cryo-EM reconstruction at 4.0 Å of an active Ty3 strand transfer complex bound to TFIIIB transcription factor and a tRNA gene. The structure unravels the molecular mechanisms underlying Ty3 targeting specificity at Pol III-transcribed genes and sheds light into the architecture of retrotransposon machinery during integration. Ty3 intasome contacts a region of TBP, a subunit of TFIIIB, which is blocked by NC2 transcription regulator in RNA Pol II-transcribed genes. A newly-identified chromodomain on Ty3 integrase interacts with TFIIIB and the tRNA gene, defining with extreme precision the integration site position.

scholarly journals Structural basis of Ty3 retrotransposon integration at RNA Polymerase III-transcribed genes

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guillermo Abascal-Palacios ◽  
Laura Jochem ◽  
Carlos Pla-Prats ◽  
Fabienne Beuron ◽  
Alessandro Vannini
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Rna Polymerase ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Trna Gene ◽  
Integration Site ◽  
Rna Polymerase Iii ◽  
Host Genome ◽  
Structural Basis ◽  
Strand Transfer ◽  
Polymerase Iii

Retrotransposons are endogenous elements that have the ability to mobilise their DNA and integrate at different locations in the host genome. In budding yeast, the Ty3 retrotransposon integrates with an exquisite specificity in a narrow window upstream of RNA Polymerase III-transcribed genes, such as the genes of transfer RNAs, representing a paradigm for specific targeted integration. Here we present the cryo-EM reconstruction at 4.0 Å-resolution of an active Ty3 strand-transfer complex (Ty3 intasome) caught in the act of integrating onto a specific tRNA gene bound to the RNA Polymerase III general transcription factor TFIIIB, which is required for Ty3 specific targeting. The structure unravels the molecular mechanisms underlying Ty3 integration specificity at RNA Polymerase III-transcribed genes and sheds light into the architecture of a retrotransposon integration machinery during the process of strand transfer at a genomic locus. The Ty3 intasome establishes contacts with a region of the TATA-binding protein (TBP), a subunit of TFIIIB, which is blocked by the ubiquitous transcription regulator negative cofactor 2 (NC2) in RNA Pol II-transcribed genes. A previously unrecognised chromodomain of the Ty3 integrase mediates non-canonical interactions with TFIIIB and the tRNA gene itself, defining with extreme precision the position of the integration site. Surprisingly, Ty3 retrotransposon tethering to TFIIIB topologically resembles LEDGF/p75 transcription factor targeting by HIV retrovirus, highlighting mechanisms of convergent evolution by unrelated mobile elements and host organisms. The Ty3 intasome-TFIIIB-tRNA promoter complex presented here represents a detailed molecular snapshot of a general transcription factor's co-option by a mobile element, resulting in harmless integration into the host genome.

scholarly journals Structural basis of RNA polymerase III transcription repression by Maf1

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthias K. Vorländer ◽  
Florence Baudin ◽  
Robyn D. Moir ◽  
René Wetzel ◽  
Wim J. H. Hagen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rna Polymerase ◽  
Binding Site ◽  
Transcription Initiation ◽  
Rna Polymerase Iii ◽  
Structural Basis ◽  
Metabolic Efficiency ◽  
Transcription Repression ◽  
Polymerase Iii ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Pol Iii

ABSTRACTMaf1 is a highly conserved central regulator of transcription by RNA polymerase III (Pol III), and Maf1 activity influences a wide range of phenotypes from metabolic efficiency to lifespan. Here, we present a 3.3 Å cryo-EM structure of yeast Maf1 bound to Pol III, which establishes how Maf1 achieves transcription repression. In the Maf1-bound state, Pol III elements that are involved in transcription initiation are sequestered, and the active site is sealed off due to ordering of the mobile C34 winged helix 2 domain. Specifically, the Maf1 binding site overlaps with the binding site of the Pol III transcription factor TFIIIB and DNA in the pre-initiation complex, rationalizing that binding of Maf1 and TFIIIB to Pol III are mutually exclusive. We validate our structure using variants of Maf1 with impaired transcription-inhibition activity. These results reveal the exact mechanism of Pol III inhibition by Maf1, and rationalize previous biochemical data.

scholarly journals Essential Roles of Bdp1, a Subunit of RNA Polymerase III Initiation Factor TFIIIB, in Transcription and tRNA Processing

2002 ◽  
Vol 22 (10) ◽  
pp. 3264-3275 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akira Ishiguro ◽  
George A. Kassavetis ◽  
E. Peter Geiduschek
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Rna Polymerase ◽  
Genomic Library ◽  
Rna Polymerase Iii ◽  
Rnase P ◽  
Initiation Factor ◽  
Physical Interaction ◽  
Polymerase Iii ◽  
A Subunit ◽  
Pol Iii

ABSTRACT The essential Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene BDP1 encodes a subunit of RNA polymerase III (Pol III) transcription factor (TFIIIB); TATA box binding protein (TBP) and Brf1 are the other subunits of this three-protein complex. Deletion analysis defined three segments of Bdp1 that are essential for viability. A central segment, comprising amino acids 327 to 353, was found to be dispensable, and cells making Bdp1 that was split within this segment, at amino acid 352, are viable. Suppression of bdp1 conditional viability by overexpressing SPT15 and BRF1 identified functional interactions of specific Bdp1 segments with TBP and Brf1, respectively. A Bdp1 deletion near essential segment I was synthetically lethal with overexpression of PCF1-1, a dominant gain-of-function mutation in the second tetracopeptide repeat motif (out of 11) of the Tfc4 (τ131) subunit of TFIIIC. The analysis also identifies a connection between Bdp1 and posttranscriptional processing of Pol III transcripts. Yeast genomic library screening identified RPR1 as the specific overexpression suppressor of very slow growth at 37°C due to deletion of Bdp1 amino acids 253 to 269. RPR1 RNA, a Pol III transcript, is the RNA subunit of RNase P, which trims pre-tRNA transcript 5′ ends. Maturation of tRNA was found to be aberrant in bdp1-Δ253-269 cells, and RPR1 transcription with the highly resolved Pol III transcription system in vitro was also diminished when recombinant Bdp1Δ253-269 replaced wild-type Bdp1. Physical interaction of RNase P with Bdp1 was demonstrated by coimmunoprecipitation and pull-down assays.

scholarly journals RNA Polymerase III Subunit Mutations in Genetic Diseases

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisabeth Lata ◽  
Karine Choquet ◽  
Francis Sagliocco ◽  
Bernard Brais ◽  
Geneviève Bernard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rna Polymerase ◽  
Transcription Initiation ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Rna Polymerase Iii ◽  
Initiation Factor ◽  
Varicella Zoster ◽  
Vital Functions ◽  
Genes Encoding ◽  
Pol Iii

RNA polymerase (Pol) III transcribes small untranslated RNAs such as 5S ribosomal RNA, transfer RNAs, and U6 small nuclear RNA. Because of the functions of these RNAs, Pol III transcription is best known for its essential contribution to RNA maturation and translation. Surprisingly, it was discovered in the last decade that various inherited mutations in genes encoding nine distinct subunits of Pol III cause tissue-specific diseases rather than a general failure of all vital functions. Mutations in the POLR3A, POLR3C, POLR3E and POLR3F subunits are associated with susceptibility to varicella zoster virus-induced encephalitis and pneumonitis. In addition, an ever-increasing number of distinct mutations in the POLR3A, POLR3B, POLR1C and POLR3K subunits cause a spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases, which includes most notably hypomyelinating leukodystrophy. Furthermore, other rare diseases are also associated with mutations in genes encoding subunits of Pol III (POLR3H, POLR3GL) and the BRF1 component of the TFIIIB transcription initiation factor. Although the causal relationship between these mutations and disease development is widely accepted, the exact molecular mechanisms underlying disease pathogenesis remain enigmatic. Here, we review the current knowledge on the functional impact of specific mutations, possible Pol III-related disease-causing mechanisms, and animal models that may help to better understand the links between Pol III mutations and disease.

scholarly journals Hepatitis B virus X protein induces RNA polymerase III-dependent gene transcription and increases cellular TATA-binding protein by activating the Ras signaling pathway.

1997 ◽  
Vol 17 (12) ◽  
pp. 6838-6846 ◽  
Author(s):  
H D Wang ◽  
A Trivedi ◽  
D L Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis B Virus ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Rna Polymerase ◽  
Gene Transcription ◽  
Trna Gene ◽  
Rna Polymerase Iii ◽  
Tata Binding Protein ◽  
S2 Cells ◽  
B Virus ◽  
Pol Iii

Our previous studies have shown that the hepatitis B virus protein, X, activates all three classes of RNA polymerase III (pol III)-dependent promoters by increasing the cellular level of TATA-binding protein (TBP) (H.-D. Wang et al., Mol. Cell. Biol. 15:6720-6728, 1995), a limiting transcription component (A. Trivedi et al., Mol. Cell. Biol. 16:6909-6916, 1996). We have investigated whether these X-mediated events are dependent on the activation of the Ras/Raf-1 signaling pathway. Transient expression of a dominant-negative mutant Ras gene (Ras-ala15) in a Drosophila S-2 stable cell line expressing X (X-S2), or incubation of the cells with a Ras farnesylation inhibitor, specifically blocked both the X-dependent activation of a cotransfected tRNA gene and the increase in cellular TBP levels. Transient expression of a constitutively activated form of Ras (Ras-val12) in control S2 cells produced both an increase in tRNA gene transcription and an increase in cellular TBP levels. These events are not cell type specific since X-mediated gene induction was also shown to be dependent on Ras activation in a stable rat 1A cell line expressing X. Furthermore, increases in RNA pol III-dependent gene activity and TBP levels could be restored in X-S2 cells expressing Ras-ala15 by coexpressing a constitutively activated form of Raf-1. These events are serum dependent, and when the cells are serum deprived, the X-mediated effects are augmented. Together, these results demonstrate that the X-mediated induction of RNA pol III-dependent genes and increase in TBP are both dependent on the activation of the Ras/Raf-1 signaling cascade. In addition, these studies define two new and important consequences mediated by the activation of the Ras signal transduction pathway: an increase in the central transcription factor, TBP, and the induction of RNA pol III-dependent gene activity.

scholarly journals mTORC1 Directly Phosphorylates and Regulates Human MAF1

2010 ◽  
Vol 30 (15) ◽  
pp. 3749-3757 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annemieke A. Michels ◽  
Aaron M. Robitaille ◽  
Diane Buczynski-Ruchonnet ◽  
Wassim Hodroj ◽  
Jaime H. Reina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Signal Transduction ◽  
Rna Polymerase ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Cell Transformation ◽  
Rna Polymerase Iii ◽  
Serum Starvation ◽  
Rna Molecules ◽  
Signal Transduction Cascade ◽  
Pol Iii ◽  
Rna Maturation

ABSTRACT mTORC1 is a central regulator of growth in response to nutrient availability, but few direct targets have been identified. RNA polymerase (pol) III produces a number of essential RNA molecules involved in protein synthesis, RNA maturation, and other processes. Its activity is highly regulated, and deregulation can lead to cell transformation. The human phosphoprotein MAF1 becomes dephosphorylated and represses pol III transcription after various stresses, but neither the significance of the phosphorylations nor the kinase involved is known. We find that human MAF1 is absolutely required for pol III repression in response to serum starvation or TORC1 inhibition by rapamycin or Torin1. The protein is phosphorylated mainly on residues S60, S68, and S75, and this inhibits its pol III repression function. The responsible kinase is mTORC1, which phosphorylates MAF1 directly. Our results describe molecular mechanisms by which mTORC1 controls human MAF1, a key repressor of RNA polymerase III transcription, and add a new branch to the signal transduction cascade immediately downstream of TORC1.

scholarly journals Orientation and topography of RNA polymerase III in transcription complexes.

1993 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 942-952 ◽  
Author(s):  
B Bartholomew ◽  
D Durkovich ◽  
G A Kassavetis ◽  
E P Geiduschek
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Rna Polymerase ◽  
Trna Gene ◽  
Rna Polymerase Iii ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Cross Linking ◽  
Transcription Bubble ◽  
Transcription Complexes ◽  
Pol Iii ◽  
Tyr Gene

A photo-cross-linking method has been used to map the subunits of Saccharomyces cerevisiae RNA polymerase (Pol) III with respect to DNA in binary (preinitiation) and ternary (RNA-elongating) transcription complexes. Transcription factor- and Pol III-containing complexes have been assembled on S. cerevisiae SUP4 tRNA(Tyr) gene probes containing the photoactive nucleotide 5-[N-(p-azidobenzoyl)-3-aminoallyl]-dUMP in different specified positions. Covalent DNA-protein linkages form upon irradiation of these complexes, and the Pol III subunits that are cross-linked to individual positions in the SUP4 tRNA gene have been identified. RNA Pol III cross-linking has been shown to require the box B downstream promoter element of the tRNA gene and the presence of transcription factor TFIIIB. Further proof of specificity has been provided by demonstrating that particular Pol III subunits move out of the range of upstream-placed photoactive nucleotides, and that others move into the range of downstream-placed photoactive nucleotides, as a consequence of initiating and elongating RNA chains. Binding and specific placement of Pol III have also been shown to require both the B' and the B" components of TFIIIB. Nine Pol III subunits are cross-linked from different positions of the SUP4 tRNA gene's nontranscribed strand. In binary transcription complexes, the two largest Pol III subunits are accessible to photo-cross-linking over the entire stretch of the DNase I footprint. The 27- and 34-kDa Pol III subunits are also relatively extended along DNA; its upstream projection makes the 34-kDa subunit a candidate for interaction with TFIIIB, while the 27-kDa subunit is accessible to photo-cross-linking from the leading edge of the Pol III binding site. Several subunits, including the 82- and 53-kDa subunits in binary transcription complexes, are relatively localized in their accessibility to cross-linking. Multiple Pol III subunits are accessible to specific cross-linking from a single photoactive nucleotide in the middle of the transcription bubble of an arrested ternary transcription complex. It is suggested that this precisely placed transcription complex comprises a dynamic ensemble of structural states rather than a single perfectly constrained entity.

Orientation and topography of RNA polymerase III in transcription complexes

1993 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 942-952
Author(s):  
B Bartholomew ◽  
D Durkovich ◽  
G A Kassavetis ◽  
E P Geiduschek
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Rna Polymerase ◽  
Trna Gene ◽  
Rna Polymerase Iii ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Cross Linking ◽  
Transcription Bubble ◽  
Transcription Complexes ◽  
Pol Iii ◽  
Tyr Gene

A photo-cross-linking method has been used to map the subunits of Saccharomyces cerevisiae RNA polymerase (Pol) III with respect to DNA in binary (preinitiation) and ternary (RNA-elongating) transcription complexes. Transcription factor- and Pol III-containing complexes have been assembled on S. cerevisiae SUP4 tRNA(Tyr) gene probes containing the photoactive nucleotide 5-[N-(p-azidobenzoyl)-3-aminoallyl]-dUMP in different specified positions. Covalent DNA-protein linkages form upon irradiation of these complexes, and the Pol III subunits that are cross-linked to individual positions in the SUP4 tRNA gene have been identified. RNA Pol III cross-linking has been shown to require the box B downstream promoter element of the tRNA gene and the presence of transcription factor TFIIIB. Further proof of specificity has been provided by demonstrating that particular Pol III subunits move out of the range of upstream-placed photoactive nucleotides, and that others move into the range of downstream-placed photoactive nucleotides, as a consequence of initiating and elongating RNA chains. Binding and specific placement of Pol III have also been shown to require both the B' and the B" components of TFIIIB. Nine Pol III subunits are cross-linked from different positions of the SUP4 tRNA gene's nontranscribed strand. In binary transcription complexes, the two largest Pol III subunits are accessible to photo-cross-linking over the entire stretch of the DNase I footprint. The 27- and 34-kDa Pol III subunits are also relatively extended along DNA; its upstream projection makes the 34-kDa subunit a candidate for interaction with TFIIIB, while the 27-kDa subunit is accessible to photo-cross-linking from the leading edge of the Pol III binding site. Several subunits, including the 82- and 53-kDa subunits in binary transcription complexes, are relatively localized in their accessibility to cross-linking. Multiple Pol III subunits are accessible to specific cross-linking from a single photoactive nucleotide in the middle of the transcription bubble of an arrested ternary transcription complex. It is suggested that this precisely placed transcription complex comprises a dynamic ensemble of structural states rather than a single perfectly constrained entity.

scholarly journals Involvement of RNA Polymerase III in Immune Responses

2015 ◽  
Vol 35 (10) ◽  
pp. 1848-1859 ◽  
Author(s):  
Damian Graczyk ◽  
Robert J. White ◽  
Kevin M. Ryan
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Immune Responses ◽  
Rna Polymerase ◽  
Rna Polymerase Iii ◽  
Trna Genes ◽  
Malignant Cells ◽  
Polymerase Iii ◽  
Mouse Macrophages ◽  
Tightly Coupled ◽  
Pol Iii

Inflammation in the tumor microenvironment has many tumor-promoting effects. In particular, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) produce many cytokines which can support tumor growth by promoting survival of malignant cells, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Enhanced cytokine production by TAMs is tightly coupled with protein synthesis. In turn, translation of proteins depends on tRNAs, short abundant transcripts that are made by RNA polymerase III (Pol III). Here, we connect these facts by showing that stimulation of mouse macrophages with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from the bacterial cell wall causes transcriptional upregulation of tRNA genes. The transcription factor NF-κB is a key transcription factor mediating inflammatory signals, and we report that LPS treatment causes an increased association of the NF-κB subunit p65 with tRNA genes. In addition, we show that p65 can directly associate with the Pol III transcription factor TFIIIB and that overexpression of p65 induces Pol III-dependent transcription. As a consequence of these effects, we show that inhibition of Pol III activity in macrophages restrains cytokine secretion and suppresses phagocytosis, two key functional characteristics of these cells. These findings therefore identify a radical new function for Pol III in the regulation of macrophage function which may be important for the immune responses associated with both normal and malignant cells.

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