Structure of transcription preinitiation complex engaged with the +1 nucleosome

ABSTRACT: The preinitiation complex (PIC) assembles on promoters of protein-coding genes to position RNA polymerase II (Pol II) for transcription initiation. Previous structural studies revealed the PIC on different promoters, but did not address how the PIC assembles in chromatin. In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, PIC assembly occurs adjacent to the +1 nucleosome that is positioned downstream of the core promoter. Here we present the cryo-EM structure of the yeast PIC bound to promoter DNA and the +1 nucleosome at a resolution of 3.4–3.9 Å. The general transcription factor TFIIH forms four contacts with the nucleosome, indicating how PIC assembly can be assisted by the +1 nucleosome. The TFIIH subunit Ssl2 (XPB in human TFIIH) forms a wedge between promoter DNA and the nucleosome, stabilizing two turns of DNA that are detached from the nucleosome. During subsequent scanning for the transcription start site (TSS), three additional turns of DNA can be detached before the partially unraveled nucleosome may counteract further scanning, explaining why TSSs are located at a distance of ~60 bp from the dyad of the +1 nucleosome in yeast.

INSTRUMENT(S): Q Exactive HF

ORGANISM(S): Saccharomyces Cerevisiae (baker's Yeast)

SUBMITTER: Momchil Ninov  

LAB HEAD: Henning Urlaub

PROVIDER: PXD029840 | Pride | 2023-03-11

REPOSITORIES: Pride