Search

The bZIP transcription factor ATF6α is a master regulator of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response genes. In this report, we identify the multifunctional RNA polymerase II transcription factor Elongin as a cofactor for ATF6α-dependent transcription activation. Biochemical studies reveal that Elongin functions at least in part by facilitating ATF6α-dependent loading of Mediator at the promoters and enhancers of ER stress response genes. Depletion of Elongin from cells leads to impaired transcription of ER stress response genes and to defects in the recruitment of Mediator and its CDK8 kinase subunit. Taken together, these findings bring to light a role for Elongin as a loading factor for Mediator during the ER stress response., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interest.

The SNF2 family ATPase Amplified in Liver Cancer 1 (ALC1) is the only chromatin remodeling enzyme with a poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) binding macrodomain. ALC1 functions together with poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase PARP1 to remodel nucleosomes. Activation of ALC1 cryptic ATPase activity and the subsequent nucleosome remodeling requires binding of its macrodomain to PAR chains synthesized by PARP1 and NAD + A key question is whether PARP1 has a role(s) in ALC1-dependent nucleosome remodeling beyond simply synthesizing the PAR chains needed to activate the ALC1 ATPase. Here, we identify PARP1 separation-of-function mutants that activate ALC1 ATPase but do not support nucleosome remodeling by ALC1. Investigation of these mutants has revealed multiple functions for PARP1 in ALC1-dependent nucleosome remodeling and provides insights into its multifaceted role in chromatin remodeling., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interest.

CSB/ERCC6 (Cockayne syndrome B protein/excision repair cross-complementation group 6), a member of a subfamily of SWI2/SNF2 (SWItch/sucrose nonfermentable)-related chromatin remodelers, plays crucial roles in gene expression and the maintenance of genome integrity. Here, we report the mechanism of the autoregulation of Rhp26, which is the homolog of CSB/ERCC6 in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. We identified a novel conserved protein motif, termed the "leucine latch," at the N terminus of Rhp26. The leucine latch motif mediates the autoinhibition of the ATPase and chromatin-remodeling activities of Rhp26 via its interaction with the core ATPase domain. Moreover, we found that the C terminus of the protein counteracts this autoinhibition and that both the N- and C-terminal regions of Rhp26 are needed for its proper function in DNA repair in vivo. The presence of the leucine latch motif in organisms ranging from yeast to humans suggests a conserved mechanism for the autoregulation of CSB/ERCC6 despite the otherwise highly divergent nature of the N- and C-terminal regions.

SNF2 family ATPases are ATP-dependent motors that often function in multisubunit complexes to regulate chromatin structure. Although the central role of SNF2 ATPases in chromatin biology is well established, mechanisms by which their catalytic activities are regulated by additional subunits of chromatin-remodeling complexes are less well understood. Here we present evidence that the human Inositol auxotrophy 80 (Ino80) SNF2 ATPase is subject to regulation at multiple levels in the INO80 chromatin-remodeling complex. The zinc finger histidine triad domain-containing protein Ies2 (Ino Eighty Subunit 2) functions as a potent activator of the intrinsic catalytic activity of the Ino80 ATPase, whereas the YL-1 family Ies6 (Ino Eighty Subunit 6) and actin-related Arp5 proteins function together to promote binding of the Ino80 ATPase to nucleosomes. These findings support the idea that both substrate recognition and the intrinsic catalytic activities of SNF2 ATPases have evolved as important sites for their regulation.

The proteasome degrades proteins modified by polyubiquitylation, so correctly controlled ubiquitylation is crucial to avoid unscheduled proteolysis of essential proteins. The mechanism regulating proteolysis of RNAPII has been controversial since two distinct ubiquitin ligases (E3s), Rsp5 (and its human homologue NEDD4) and Elongin-Cullin complex, have both been shown to be required for its DNA-damage-induced polyubiquitylation. Here we show that these E3s work sequentially in a two-step mechanism. First, Rsp5 adds mono-ubiquitin, or sometimes a ubiquitin chain linked via ubiquitin lysine 63 that does not trigger proteolysis. When produced, the K63 chain can be trimmed to mono-ubiquitylation by an Rsp5-associated ubiquitin protease, Ubp2. Based on this mono-ubiquitin moiety on RNAPII, an Elc1/Cul3 complex then produces a ubiquitin chain linked via lysine 48, which can trigger proteolysis. Likewise, for correct polyubiquitylation of human RNAPII, NEDD4 cooperates with the ElonginA/B/C-Cullin 5 complex. These data indicate that RNAPII polyubiquitylation requires cooperation between distinct, sequentially acting ubiquitin ligases, and raise the intriguing possibility that other members of the large and functionally diverse family of NEDD4-like ubiquitin ligases also require the assistance of a second E3 when targeting proteins for degradation.

Posttranslational modifications play a key role in recruiting chromatin remodeling and modifying enzymes to specific regions of chromosomes to modulate chromatin structure. Alc1 (amplified in liver cancer 1), a member of the SNF2 ATPase superfamily with a carboxy-terminal macrodomain, is encoded by an oncogene implicated in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Here we show that Alc1 interacts transiently with chromatin-associated proteins, including histones and the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase Parp1. Alc1 ATPase and chromatin remodeling activities are strongly activated by Parp1 and its substrate NAD and require an intact macrodomain capable of binding poly(ADP-ribose). Alc1 is rapidly recruited to nucleosomes in vitro and to chromatin in cells when Parp1 catalyzes PAR synthesis. We propose that poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation of chromatin-associated Parp1 serves as a mechanism for targeting a SNF2 family remodeler to chromatin.

Large-scale affinity purification and mass spectrometry studies have played important roles in the assembly and analysis of comprehensive protein interaction networks for lower eukaryotes. However, the development of such networks for human proteins has been slowed by the high cost and significant technical challenges associated with systematic studies of protein interactions. To address this challenge, we have developed a method for building local and focused networks. This approach couples vector algebra and statistical methods with normalized spectral counting (NSAF) derived from the analysis of affinity purifications via chromatography-based proteomics. After mathematical removal of contaminant proteins, the core components of multiprotein complexes are determined by singular value decomposition analysis and clustering. The probability of interactions within and between complexes is computed solely based upon NSAFs using Bayes' approach. To demonstrate the application of this method to small-scale datasets, we analyzed an expanded human TIP49a and TIP49b dataset. This dataset contained proteins affinity-purified with 27 different epitope-tagged components of the chromatin remodeling SRCAP, hINO80, and TRRAP/TIP60 complexes, and the nutrient sensing complex Uri/Prefoldin. Within a core network of 65 unique proteins, we captured all known components of these complexes and novel protein associations, especially in the Uri/Prefoldin complex. Finally, we constructed a probabilistic human interaction network composed of 557 protein pairs.

Components of multiprotein complexes are routinely determined by using proteomic approaches. However, this information lacks functional content except when new complex members are identified. To analyze quantitatively the abundance of proteins in human Mediator we used normalized spectral abundance factors generated from shotgun proteomics data sets. With this approach we define a common core of mammalian Mediator subunits shared by alternative forms that variably associate with the kinase module and RNA polymerase (pol) II. Although each version of affinity-purified Mediator contained some kinase module and RNA pol II, Mediator purified through F-Med26 contained the most RNA pol II and the least kinase module as demonstrated by the normalized spectral abundance factor approach. The distinct forms of Mediator were functionally characterized by using a transcriptional activity assay, where F-Med26 Mediator/RNA pol II was the most active. This method of protein complex visualization has important implications for the analysis of multiprotein complexes and assembly of protein interaction networks.

In human cells, the ELL family of transcription factors includes at least three members, which are all capable of stimulating the overall rate of elongation by RNA polymerase II by suppressing transient pausing by the enzyme at many sites along DNA. In this report, we identify the ELL-associated factors (EAF)1 and EAF2 as strong positive regulators of ELL elongation activity. Our findings provide insights into the structure and function of ELL family transcription factors, and they bring to light direct roles for the EAF proteins in regulation of RNA polymerase II transcription.

The transition from transcription initiation to elongation involves phosphorylation of the large subunit (Rpb1) of RNA polymerase II on the repetitive carboxyl-terminal domain. The elongating hyperphosphorylated Rpb1 is subject to ubiquitination, particularly in response to UV radiation and DNA-damaging agents. By using computer modeling, we identified regions of Rpb1 and the adjacent subunit 6 of RNA polymerase II (Rpb6) that share sequence and structural similarity with the domain of hypoxia-inducible transcription factor 1 alpha (HIF-1 alpha) that binds von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor protein (pVHL). pVHL confers substrate specificity to the E3 ligase complex, which ubiquitinates HIF-alpha and targets it for proteasomal degradation. In agreement with the computational model, we show biochemical evidence that pVHL specifically binds the hyperphosphorylated Rpb1 in a proline-hydroxylation-dependent manner, targeting it for ubiquitination. This interaction is regulated by UV radiation.

The product of the von Hippel-Lindau gene, pVHL, targets the alpha subunits of the heterodimeric transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) for polyubiquitination in the presence of oxygen. The binding of pVHL to HIF is governed by the enzymatic hydroxylation of conserved prolyl residues within peptidic motifs present in the HIFalpha family members. By using a biochemical purification strategy, we have identified a human homolog of Caenorhabditis elegans Egl9 as a HIF prolyl hydroxylase. In addition, we studied the activity of a structurally diverse collection of low molecular weight inhibitors of procollagen prolyl 4-hydroxylase as potential inhibitors of the HIF hydroxylase. A model compound of this series stabilized HIF in a variety of cells, leading to the increased production of its downstream target, vascular endothelial growth factor.

The heterodimeric Elongin BC complex has been shown to interact in vitro and in cells with a conserved BC-box motif found in an increasing number of proteins including RNA polymerase II elongation factor Elongin A, suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS)-box proteins, and the von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor protein. Recently, the Elongin BC complex was found to function as an adaptor that links these BC-box proteins to a module composed of Cullin family members Cul2 or Cul5 and RING-H2 finger protein Rbx1 to reconstitute a family of E3 ubiquitin ligases that activate ubiquitylation by the E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme Ubc5. As part of our effort to understand the functions of Elongin BC-based ubiquitin ligases, we exploited a modified yeast two-hybrid screen to identify a mammalian BC-box protein similar in sequence to Saccharomyces cerevisiae Mediator subunit Med8p. In this report we demonstrate (i) that mammalian MED8 is a subunit of the mammalian Mediator complex and (ii) that MED8 can assemble with Elongins B and C, Cul2, and Rbx1 to reconstitute a ubiquitin ligase. Taken together, our findings are consistent with the model that MED8 could function to recruit ubiquitin ligase activity directly to the RNA polymerase II transcriptional machinery.

TFIIH is a multifunctional RNA polymerase II general initiation factor that includes two DNA helicases encoded by the Xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group B (XPB) and D (XPD) genes and a cyclin-dependent protein kinase encoded by the CDK7 gene. Previous studies have shown that the TFIIH XPB DNA helicase plays critical roles not only in transcription initiation, where it catalyzes ATP-dependent formation of the open complex, but also in efficient promoter escape, where it suppresses arrest of very early RNA polymerase II elongation intermediates. In this report, we present evidence that ATP-dependent TFIIH action in transcription initiation and promoter escape requires distinct regions of the DNA template; these regions are well separated from the promoter region unwound by the XPB DNA helicase and extend, respectively, approximately 23-39 and approximately 39-50 bp downstream from the transcriptional start site. Taken together, our findings bring to light a role for promoter DNA in TFIIH action and are consistent with the model that TFIIH translocates along promoter DNA ahead of the RNA polymerase II elongation complex until polymerase has escaped the promoter.

Mutations in the VHL tumor suppressor gene result in constitutive expression of many hypoxia-inducible genes, at least in part because of increases in the cellular level of hypoxia-inducible transcription factor HIF1alpha, which in normal cells is rapidly ubiquitinated and degraded by the proteasome under normoxic conditions. The recent observation that the VHL protein is a subunit of an Skp1-Cul1/Cdc53-F-box (SCF)-like E3 ubiquitin ligase raised the possibility that VHL may be directly responsible for regulating cellular levels of HIF1alpha by targeting it for ubiquitination and proteolysis. In this report, we test this hypothesis directly. We report development of methods for production of the purified recombinant VHL complex and present direct biochemical evidence that it can function with an E1 ubiquitin-activating enzyme and E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme to activate HIF1alpha ubiquitination in vitro. Our findings provide new insight into the function of the VHL tumor suppressor protein, and they provide a foundation for future investigations of the mechanisms underlying VHL regulation of oxygen-dependent gene expression.

Mutations of von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL) tumor-suppressor gene product (pVHL) are found in patients with dominant inherited VHL syndrome and in the vast majority of sporadic clear cell renal carcinomas. The function of the pVHL protein has not been clarified. pVHL has been shown to form a complex with elongin B and elongin C (VBC) and with cullin (CUL)-2. In light of the structural analogy of VBC-CUL-2 to SKP1-CUL-1-F-box ubiquitin ligases, the ubiquitin ligase activity of VBC-CUL-2 was examined in this study. We show that VBC-CUL-2 exhibits ubiquitin ligase activity, and we identified UbcH5a, b, and c, but not CDC34, as the ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes of the VBC-CUL-2 ubiquitin ligase. The protein Rbx1/ROC1 enhances ligase activity of VBC-CUL-2 as it does in the SKP1-CUL-1-F-box protein ligase complex. We also found that pVHL associates with two proteins, p100 and p220, which migrate at a similar molecular weight as two major bands in the ubiquitination assay. Furthermore, naturally occurring pVHL missense mutations, including mutants capable of forming a complex with elongin B-elongin C-CUL-2, fail to associate with p100 and p220 and cannot exhibit the E3 ligase activity. These results suggest that pVHL might be the substrate recognition subunit of the VBC-CUL-2 E3 ligase. This is also, to our knowledge, the first example of a human tumor-suppressor protein being directly involved in the ubiquitin conjugation system which leads to the targeted degradation of substrate proteins.

Elongin is a heterotrimeric transcription elongation factor composed of subunits A, B, and C in mammals. Elongin A and C are F-box-containing and SKP1 homologue proteins, respectively, and are therefore of interest for their potential roles in cell cycle-dependent proteolysis. Mammalian elongin C interacts with both elongin A and elongin B, as well as with the von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor protein VHL. To investigate the corresponding interactions in yeast, we have utilized NMR spectroscopy combined with ultracentrifugal sedimentation experiments to examine complexes of yeast elongin C (Elc1) with yeast elongin A (Ela1) and two peptides from homologous regions of Ela1 and human VHL. Elc1 alone is a homotetramer composed of subunits with a structured N-terminal region and a dynamically unstable C-terminal region. Binding of a peptide fragment of the Elc1-interaction domain of Ela1 or with a homologous peptide from VHL promotes folding of the C-terminal region of Elc1 into two regular helical structures and dissociates Elc1 into homodimers. Moreover, analysis of the complex of Elc1 with the full Elc1-interaction domain of Ela1 reveals that the Elc1 homodimer is dissociated to preferentially form an Ela1/Elc1 heterodimer. Thus, elongin C is found to oligomerize in solution and to undergo significant structural rearrangements upon binding of two different partner proteins. These results suggest a structural basis for the interaction of an F-box-containing protein with a SKP1 homologue and the modulation of this interaction by the tumor suppressor VHL.

A multiprotein complex isolated from murine cells is identified as a counterpart of the yeast Mediator of transcriptional regulation on the basis of the following: homologs of two subunits of yeast Mediator, Srb7 and Med7, copurify with the complex; peptide sequencing reveals, in addition, homologs of the yeast Mediator subunits Rgr1 and Med6; as with yeast Mediator, the mouse complex binds to the RNA polymerase II C-terminal domain (CTD) and stimulates phosphorylation of the CTD by TFIIH. Peptide sequencing also identifies a component of mouse Mediator as a relative of Ring-3 protein, a mitogen-activated nuclear protein kinase, raising the possibility of Mediator as an end point of signal transduction pathways.

TFIIH is a multifunctional RNA polymerase II transcription factor that possesses DNA-dependent ATPase, DNA helicase, and protein kinase activities. Previous studies have established that TFIIH enters the preinitiation complex and fulfills a critical role in initiation by catalyzing ATP-dependent formation of the open complex prior to synthesis of the first phosphodiester bond of nascent transcripts. In this report, we present direct evidence that TFIIH also controls RNA polymerase II activity at a postinitiation stage of transcription, by preventing premature arrest by very early elongation complexes just prior to their transition to stably elongating complexes. Unexpectedly, we observe that TFIIH is capable of entering the transcription cycle not only during assembly of the preinitiation complex but also after initiation and synthesis of as many as four to six phosphodiester bonds. These findings shed new light on the role of TFIIH in initiation and promoter escape and reveal an unanticipated flexibility in the ability of TFIIH to interact with RNA polymerase II transcription intermediates prior to, during, and immediately after initiation.

We recently isolated an RNA polymerase II elongation factor from rat liver nuclei and found it to be homologous to the product of the human ELL gene, a frequent target for translocations in acute myeloid leukemia. To further our understanding of the possible role(s) of ELL in transcriptional regulation and human disease, we initiated a search for ELL-related proteins. In this report we describe molecular cloning, expression, and characterization of human ELL2, a novel RNA polymerase II elongation factor 49% identical and 66% similar to ELL. Mechanistic studies indicate that ELL2 and ELL possess similar transcriptional activities. Structure-function studies localize the ELL2 elongation activation domain to an ELL2 N-terminal region that is highly homologous to ELL. Finally, Northern blot analysis reveals that the ELL2 and ELL genes are transcribed in many of the same tissues, but that the ratio of their transcripts exhibits tissue-to-tissue variation, raising the possibility that ELL2 and ELL may not perform completely general functions, but, instead, may perform gene- or tissue-specific functions.

Human hepatitis B virus genome encodes a protein, termed HBx, that is widely recognized as a transcriptional transactivator. While HBx does not directly bind cis-acting transcriptional control elements, it has been shown to associate with cellular proteins that bind DNA. Because HBx transactivated a large number of viral/cellular transcriptional control elements, we looked for its targets within the components of the basal transcriptional machinery. This search led to the identification of its interactions with TFIIH. Here, we show that HBx interacts with yeast and mammalian TFIIH complexes both in vitro and in vivo. These interactions between HBx and the components of TFIIH are supported by several lines of evidence including results from immunoprocedures and direct methods of measuring interactions. We have identified ERCC3 and ERCC2 DNA helicase subunits of holoenzyme TFIIH as targets of HBx interactions. Furthermore, the DNA helicase activity of purified TFIIH from rat liver and, individually, the ERCC2 component of TFIIH is stimulated in the presence of HBx. These observations suggest a role for HBx in transcription and DNA repair.

General transcription factor SIII, a heterotrimer composed of 110-kDa (p110), 18-kDa (p18), and 15-kDa (p15) subunits, increases the catalytic rate of transcribing RNA polymerase II by suppressing transient pausing by polymerase at multiple sites on DNA templates. Here we report molecular cloning and biochemical characterization of the SIII p18 subunit, which is found to be a member of the ubiquitin homology (UbH) gene family and functions as a positive regulatory subunit of SIII. p18 is a 118-amino acid protein composed of an 84-residue N-terminal UbH domain fused to a 34-residue C-terminal tail. Mechanistic studies indicate that p18 activates SIII transcriptional activity above a basal level inherent in the SIII p110 and p15 subunits. Taken together, these findings establish a role for p18 in regulating the activity of the RNA polymerase II elongation complex, and they bring to light a function for a UbH domain protein in transcriptional regulation.

TFIIF is unique among the general transcription factors because of its ability to control the activity of RNA polymerase II at both the initiation and elongation stages of transcription. Mammalian TFIIF, a heterodimer of approximately 30-kDa (RAP30) and approximately 70-kDa (RAP74) subunits, assists TFIIB in recruiting RNA polymerase II into the preinitiation complex and activates the overall rate of RNA chain elongation by suppressing transient pausing by polymerase at many sites on DNA templates. A major objective of efforts to understand how TFIIF regulates transcription has been to establish the relationship between its initiation and elongation activities. Here we establish this relationship by demonstrating that TFIIF transcriptional activities are mediated by separable functional domains. To accomplish this, we sought and identified distinct classes of RAP30 mutations that selectively block TFIIF activity in transcription initiation and elongation. We propose that (i) TFIIF initiation activity is mediated at least in part by RAP30 C-terminal sequences that include a cryptic DNA-binding domain similar to conserved region 4 of bacterial sigma factors and (ii) TFIIF elongation activity is mediated in part by RAP30 sequences located immediately upstream of the C terminus in a region proposed to bind RNA polymerase II and by additional sequences located in the RAP30 N terminus.

The C terminus of mammalian transcription factor RAP30 has been found to be a cryptic DNA-binding domain strikingly similar to the C-terminal DNA-binding domain present in conserved region 4 of members of the sigma 70 family of bacterial sigma factors. This RAP30 domain shares strongest sequence similarity with the DNA-binding domain present in region 4 of Bacillus subtilis sporulation-specific sigma K. Like the region 4 DNA-binding activity of Escherichia coli sigma 70, the RAP30 C-terminal DNA binding activity is masked in intact RAP30 but is readily detectable when the RAP30 C terminus is expressed as a fusion protein. Consistent with a role for RAP30 DNA-binding activity in transcription, mutations that abolish DNA binding also abolish transcription. Therefore, RAP30 may function at least in part through the action of an evolutionarily ancient DNA-binding domain that first appeared prior to the divergence of bacteria and eukaryotes.

A transcription factor designated SIII was recently purified from mammalian cells and shown to regulate the activity of the RNA polymerase II elongation complex. SIII is a heterotrimer composed of approximately 110-, 18-, and 15-kDa polypeptides and is capable of increasing the overall rate of RNA chain elongation by RNA polymerase II by suppressing transient pausing of polymerase at multiple sites on the DNA template. Here we describe the molecular cloning and characterization of a cDNA encoding the functional 15-kDa subunit (p15) of SIII. The p15 cDNA encodes a 112-amino-acid polypeptide with a calculated molecular mass of 12,473 Da and an electrophoretic mobility indistinguishable from that of the natural p15 subunit. When combined with the 110- and 18-kDa SIII subunits, bacterially expressed p15 efficiently replaces the natural p15 subunit in reconstitution of transcriptionally active SIII. A homology search revealed that the amino-terminal half of the SIII p15 subunit shares significant sequence similarity with a portion of the RNA-binding domain of Escherichia coli transcription termination protein rho and with the E. coli NusB protein, suggesting that SIII may be evolutionarily related to proteins involved in the control of transcription elongation in eubacteria.

We previously purified RNA polymerase II transcription factor delta from rat liver and found that it has an associated DNA-dependent ATPase (dATPase) activity. In this report, we show that delta is also closely associated with a protein kinase activity that catalyzes phosphorylation of the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II. Kinase activity copurifies with transcription and DNA-dependent ATPase (dATPase) activities when delta is analyzed by anion- and cation-exchange HPLC as well as by sucrose gradient sedimentation, arguing that delta possesses all three activities. Phosphorylation of the largest subunits of both rat and yeast RNA polymerase II is stimulated by DNA, whereas phosphorylation of a synthetic peptide containing multiple copies of the carboxyl-terminal heptapeptide repeat is not. Although both ATP and GTP appear to function as phosphate donors, GTP is utilized less than 10% as well as ATP. These findings suggest that delta may exert its action in transcription at least in part through a mechanism involving phosphorylation of the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II.

Productive binding of RNA polymerase II at the core region of TATA box-containing promoters is controlled by the action of the TATA factor and four additional transcription factors, designated alpha, beta gamma, delta, and epsilon, which have each been purified to near homogeneity from rat liver. This process is accomplished in three distinguishable stages. In the first stage (initial complex formation), the core promoter is packaged with the TATA factor into a binary complex that serves as the recognition site for RNA polymerase II. Here we show that, in the second stage (site selection), transcription factors alpha and beta gamma act in combination to promote selective binding of RNA polymerase II to the initial complex. Several lines of evidence argue that alpha and beta gamma function at this stage by a mechanism related to that utilized by bacterial sigma factors. In the third stage, transcription factors delta and epsilon promote assembly of the functional preinitiation complex. Our evidence supports the model that delta and epsilon enter the preinitiation complex and direct formation of stable protein-DNA contacts that anchor the transcription apparatus to the core promoter at sequences near the cap site.

Preparations of DNA polymerase alpha from early embryos of Drosophila melanogaster catalyze the ATP-dependent synthesis of DNA with single-stranded M13 DNA or poly(dT) templates. In the case of M13 DNA, GTP, but not UTP or CTP, can replace ATP. The reaction is completely dependent on added template and is not inhibited by alpha-amanitin. Alkaline hydrolysis of the product synthesized in the presence of [alpha-32P]dATP and poly(dT) generates 32P-labeled 3'(2') adenylate, showing that a covalent ribo-deoxynucleotide linkage is formed. Furthermore, incorporation of ribonucleotides occurs at the 5' end of the newly synthesized polynucleotide chain. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that a ribo-oligonucleotide primer is synthesized by primase action and subsequently elongated by DNA polymerase. Under the appropriate conditions, DNA polymerase I from Escherichia coli can elongate primers formed by primase in the presence of ATP and poly(dT). Primase activity copurifies with DNA polymerase alpha and may be part of the multisubunit polymerase molecule.

A procedure has been devised for the purification of intact DNA polymerase alpha from early embryos of Drosophila melanogaster. The purified enzyme consists of at least three polypeptides with Mrs of 182,000, 60,000, and 50,000. These are related antigenically to the alpha (Mr 148,000), beta (Mr 58,000), and gamma (Mr 46,000) subunits, respectively, of the DNA polymerase described previously [Banks, G. R., Boezi, J. A. & Lehman, I. R. (1979) J. Biol. Chem. 254, 9886-9892]. The alpha subunit (Mr 182,000) has a molecular weight indistinguishable from that observed in extracts of freshly harvested embryos and presumably present in vivo. As in the previous preparation, the alpha subunit is required for DNA polymerase activity and is very likely the catalytic subunit of the enzyme. The ratio of primase to polymerase remains constant throughout the purification. Thus, the primase is very likely an integral component of the Drosophila DNA polymerase alpha. The purified DNA polymerase-primase contains no detectable endo- or exodeoxyribonuclease and has pH, MgCl2, (NH4)2SO4, and NaCl optima identical to those reported previously. In contrast, the Km for dTTP is 3.7 microM as compared with 17.5 microM for the previous enzyme. Sensitivities to aphidicolin and N-ethylmaleiimide and resistance to dideoxy TTP are unchanged.

A transcription factor required for synthesis of accurately initiated run-off transcripts by RNA polymerase II has been purified and shown to have an associated DNA-dependent ATPase (dATPase) activity that is strongly stimulated by the TATA region of promoters. This transcription factor, designated delta, was purified more than 3000-fold from extracts of crude rat liver nuclei and has a native molecular mass of approximately 230 kDa. DNA-dependent ATPase (dATPase) and transcription activities copurify when delta is analyzed by hydrophobic interaction and ion-exchange HPLC, arguing that transcription factor delta possesses an ATPase (dATPase) activity. ATPase (dATPase) is specific for adenine nucleotides; ATP and dATP, but not CTP, UTP, or GTP, are hydrolyzed. ATPase (dATPase) is stimulated by both double-stranded and single-stranded DNAs, including pUC18, ssM13, and poly(dT); however, DNA fragments containing the TATA region of either the adenovirus 2 major late or mouse interleukin 3 promoters stimulate ATPase as much as 10-fold more effectively than DNA fragments containing nonpromoter sequences. These data suggest the intriguing possibility that delta plays a critical role in the ATP (dATP)-dependent activation of run-off transcription through a direct interaction with the TATA region of promoters.

The primase associated with the DNA polymerase alpha from embryos of Drosophila melanogaster catalyzes the synthesis of ribo-oligonucleotide primers on single-stranded M13 DNA or polydeoxythymidylate templates, which can be elongated by DNA polymerase action [Conaway, R. C. & Lehman, I. R. (1982) Proc, Natl. Acad. Sci, USA 79, 2523--2527]. The primers synthesized in a coupled primase-DNA polymerase alpha reaction with an M13 DNA template are of a unique size (15 residues); those synthesized with poly(dT) range from 8 to 15 nucleotides. Primer synthesis is initiated at multiple but nonrandom sites. Like the DNA primase of Escherichia coli and the comparable activity in intact nuclei of polyoma-infected mouse cells, the DNA primase of D. melanogaster can substitute deoxynucleotides for ribonucleotides during primer synthesis.