scholarly journals A post-recruitment function for the RNA polymerase III transcription–initiation factor IIIB

1998 ◽  
Vol 95 (16) ◽  
pp. 9196-9201 ◽  
Author(s):  
George A. Kassavetis ◽  
Ashok Kumar ◽  
Garth A. Letts ◽  
E. Peter Geiduschek
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Rna Polymerase ◽  
Transcription Initiation ◽  
Transcriptional Start Site ◽  
Rna Polymerase Iii ◽  
Active Role ◽  
Normal Function ◽  
Initiation Factor ◽  
Transcriptional Initiation ◽  
Pol Iii

Transcription factor (TF) IIIB, which directs RNA polymerase (pol) III to its promoters, is made up of three components: the TATA box-binding protein, the TFIIB-related Brf, and the pol III-specific B′′. Certain mutations in Saccharomyces cerevisiae Brf and B′′ retain TFIIIB transcription factor activity with supercoiled DNA but are inactive with linear duplex DNA. Further analysis shows that these inactive TFIIIB–DNA complexes bind pol III and position it appropriately over the transcriptional start site but do not form DNA strand-separated open promoter complexes. It is proposed that the normal function of TFIIIB combines pol III recruitment with an active role in a subsequent step of transcriptional initiation leading to promoter opening.

Transcription factor TFIIIB and transcription by RNA polymerase III

2006 ◽  
Vol 34 (6) ◽  
pp. 1082-1087 ◽  
Author(s):  
G.A. Kassavetis ◽  
E.P. Geiduschek
Keyword(s):  
Rna Polymerase ◽  
Transcription Initiation ◽  
Transcriptional Start Site ◽  
Rna Polymerase Iii ◽  
Initiation Factor ◽  
Regulation Of Transcription ◽  
Start Site ◽  
High Mobility Group Protein ◽  
Polymerase Iii ◽  
Pol Iii

pol (RNA polymerase) III is charged with the task of transcribing nuclear genes encoding diverse small structural and catalytic RNAs. We present a brief review of the current understanding of several aspects of the pol III transcription apparatus. The focus is on yeast and, more specifically, on Saccharomyces cerevisiae; preponderant attention is given to the TFs (transcription initiation factors) and especially to TFIIIB, which is the core pol III initiation factor by virtue of its role in recruiting pol III to the transcriptional start site and its essential roles in forming the transcription-ready open promoter complex. Certain relatively recent developments are also selected for brief comment: (i) the genome-wide analysis of occupancy of pol III-transcribed genes (and other loci) by the transcription apparatus and the location of pol III transcription in the cell; (ii) progress toward a mechanistic and molecular understanding of the regulation of transcription by pol III in yeast; and (iii) recent experiments identifying a high mobility group protein as a fidelity factor that assures selection of the precise transcriptional start site at certain pol III promoters.

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 A Region of Bdp1 Necessary for Transcription Initiation That Is Located within the RNA Polymerase III Active Site Cleft

2015 ◽  
Vol 35 (16) ◽  
pp. 2831-2840 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui-Lan Hu ◽  
Chih-Chien Wu ◽  
Jin-Cheng Lee ◽  
Hung-Ta Chen
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Rna Polymerase ◽  
Active Site ◽  
Transcription Initiation ◽  
Rna Polymerase Iii ◽  
Terminal Region ◽  
Preinitiation Complex ◽  
Polymerase Iii ◽  
Active Site Cleft ◽  
Pol Iii

The RNA polymerase III (Pol III)-specific transcription factor Bdp1 is crucial to Pol III recruitment and promoter opening in transcription initiation, yet structural information is sparse. To examine its protein-binding targets within the preinitiation complex at the residue level, photoreactive amino acids were introduced intoSaccharomyces cerevisiaeBdp1. Mutations within the highly conserved SANT domain cross-linked to the transcription factor IIB (TFIIB)-related transcription factor Brf1, consistent with the findings of previous studies. In addition, we identified an essential N-terminal region that cross-linked with the Pol III catalytic subunit C128 as well as Brf1. Closer examination revealed that this region interacted with the C128 N-terminal region, the N-terminal half of Brf1, and the C-terminal domain of the C37 subunit, together positioning this region within the active site cleft of the preinitiation complex. With our functional data, our analyses identified an essential region of Bdp1 that is positioned within the active site cleft of Pol III and necessary for transcription initiation.

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.

scholarly journals Inhibition of TATA Binding Protein Dimerization by RNA Polymerase III Transcription Initiation Factor Brf1

2004 ◽  
Vol 279 (31) ◽  
pp. 32401-32406 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diane E. Alexander ◽  
David J. Kaczorowski ◽  
Amy J. Jackson-Fisher ◽  
Drew M. Lowery ◽  
Sara J. Zanton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rna Polymerase ◽  
Transcription Initiation ◽  
Binding Protein ◽  
Rna Polymerase Iii ◽  
Tata Binding Protein ◽  
Initiation Factor ◽  
Protein Dimerization ◽  
Polymerase Iii ◽  
Transcription Initiation Factor

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 A carboxy-terminal basic region controls RNA polymerase III transcription factor activity of human La protein.

1997 ◽  
Vol 17 (10) ◽  
pp. 5823-5832 ◽  
Author(s):  
J L Goodier ◽  
H Fan ◽  
R J Maraia
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Rna Polymerase ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Rna Polymerase Iii ◽  
Transcription Factor Activity ◽  
Factor Activity ◽  
Terminal Domain ◽  
La Protein ◽  
Pol Iii ◽  
Basic Region

Human La protein has been shown to serve as a transcription factor for RNA polymerase III (pol III) by facilitating transcription termination and recycling of transcription complexes. In addition, La binds to the 3' oligo(U) ends common to all nascent pol III transcripts, and in the case of B1-Alu RNA, protects it from 3'-end processing (R. J. Maraia, D. J. Kenan, and J. D. Keene, Mol. Cell. Biol. 14:2147-2158, 1994). Others have previously dissected the La protein into an N-terminal domain that binds RNA and a C-terminal domain that does not. Here, deletion and substitution mutants of La were examined for general RNA binding, RNA 3'-end protection, and transcription factor activity. Although some La mutants altered in a C-terminal basic region bind RNA in mobility shift assays, they are defective in RNA 3'-end protection and do not support transcription, while one C-terminal substitution mutant is defective only in transcription. Moreover, a C-terminal fragment lacking RNA binding activity appears able to support low levels of transcription by pol III. While efficient multiround transcription is supported only by mutants that bind RNA and contain a C-terminal basic region. These analyses indicate that RNA binding contributes to but is not sufficient for La transcription factor activity and that the C-terminal domain plays a role in transcription that is distinguishable from simple RNA binding. The transcription factor activity of La can be reversibly inhibited by RNA, suggesting the potential for feedback inhibition of pol III transcription.

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