Project description:Transcription of protein-coding genes is regulated by dynamic association of co-factors with RNA polymerase II (RNAPII). The function of these factors and their relationship with RNAPII is often poorly understood. Here, we present an approach for elongation factor-specific mNET capture (EMCAP) of RNA polymerase II complexes for sequencing and mass spectrometry analysis, for investigating the function of such RNAPII regulatory proteins. As proof of principle, we apply EMCAP to the RNAPII-associated proteins SCAF4 and SCAF8, which share an essential role as mRNA anti-terminators but have individual roles at the 3’end of genes. Mass spectrometry analysis shows that both SCAF4 and SCAF8 are part of RNAPII elongation complexes containing 3’end processing factors but depleted of splicing components. Importantly, the EMCAP-seq profiles of SCAF4- and SCAF8-RNAPII complexes reflect their function as mRNA-anti-terminators and their competing functions at the end of genes where they prevent or promote transcriptional readthrough.
Project description:Transcription of protein-coding genes is regulated by dynamic association of co-factors with RNA polymerase II (RNAPII). The function of these factors and their relationship with RNAPII is often poorly understood. Here, we present an approach for elongation-factor-specific mNET capture (ELCAP) of RNAPII complexes for sequencing and mass spectrometry analysis aimed at investigating the function of such RNAPII regulatory proteins. As proof of principle, we apply ELCAP to the RNAPII-associated proteins SCAF4 and SCAF8, which share an essential role as mRNA anti-terminators but have individual roles at the 3' end of genes. Mass spectrometry analysis shows that both SCAF4 and SCAF8 are part of RNAPII elongation complexes containing 3' end processing factors but depleted of splicing components. Importantly, the ELCAP sequencing (ELCAP-seq) profiles of SCAF4- and SCAF8-RNAPII complexes nicely reflect their function as mRNA-anti-terminators and their competing functions at the end of genes, where they prevent or promote transcriptional readthrough.
Project description:RNA polymerase II (Pol II) elongation is a critical step in gene expression. Here we find that NDF, which was identified as a bilaterian nucleosome-destabilizing factor, is also a Pol II transcription factor that stimulates elongation with plain DNA templates in the absence of nucleosomes. NDF binds directly to Pol II and enhances elongation by a different mechanism than does transcription factor TFIIS. Moreover, yeast Pdp3, which is related to NDF, binds to Pol II and stimulates elongation. Thus, NDF is a Pol II-binding transcription elongation factor that is localized over gene bodies and is conserved from yeast to humans.
Project description:Spt5 is a highly conserved RNA polymerase II (Pol II)-associated pausing and elongation factor. However, its impact on global elongation and Pol II processivity in mammalian cells has not been clarified. Here, we show that depleting Spt5 in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) does not cause global elongation defects or decreased elongation rates. Instead, in the absence of Spt5, a fraction of Pol II molecules are dislodged during elongation thus decreasing the number of Pol II complexes that complete the transcription cycle. Most strikingly, this decrease is restricted to a narrow window between 15-20 kb from the promoter, a distance which coincides with the stage where accelerating Pol II attains maximum elongation speed and processivity. Consequently, long genes show a greater dependency on Spt5 for optimal elongation efficiency and overall gene expression than short genes. We propose that an important role of Spt5 in mammalian elongation is to promote the processivity of those Pol II complexes that are transitioning towards maximum elongation speed 15-20 kb from the promoter.
Project description:This SuperSeries is composed of the following subset Series: GSE25287: Global impact of RNA polymerase II elongation inhibition on alternative splicing regulation (expression) GSE25494: Global impact of RNA polymerase II elongation inhibition on alternative splicing regulation (ChIP-Seq) Refer to individual Series
Project description:The role of MDC1 in the DNA damage response has been extensively studied, however, its impact on other cellular processes is not well understood. Here, we describe a role for MDC1 in transcription by regulating the activity of the RNAPolymerase II (RNAPII). Depletion of MDC1 caused a genome-wide reduction in the abundance of actively engaged RNAPII elongation complexes throughout the gene body of protein coding genes under unperturbed conditions. Decreased engaged RNAPII subsequently alters the assembly of the spliceosome complex on chromatin, leading to defects in pre-mRNA splicing. Mechanistically, the S/TQ domain of MDC1 modulates RNAPII-mediated transcription. Upon genotoxic stress, MDC1 promotes the abundance of engaged RNAPII complexes at DNA breaks, thereby stimulating nascent transcription at the damaged sites. Of clinical relevance, cancer cells lacking MDC1 display hypersensitivity to RNAPII inhibitors. Overall, we unveil a previously uncharacterized role of MDC1 in RNAPII-mediated transcription with potential implications for cancer treatment.
Project description:Recent studies reveal a striking phenomenon that RNA Polymerase II (Pol II) appears to travel on gene body in an accelerated fashion, but the mechanism has remained unknown. We performed synchronized transcription coupled with deep sequencing, observing an inverse relationship between initial rate and acceleration in different cell types. We directly tested several correlative events and detected a positive contribution of the splicing commitment factor SRSF2 to Pol II acceleration, suggesting a functional benefit of co-transcriptional pre-mRNA splicing in transcription elongation. Unexpectedly, we found that perturbation of Pol II Ser2 phosphorylation had little impact on Pol II elongation or acceleration. While H3K79me2 has been positively correlated with Pol II elongation, we showed that reduction of this histone modification event actually accelerated Pol II elongation. Together, these data suggest a combined effect of gradual gain-of-competence and gradual lost-of-epigenetic barriers as the mechanism for accelerated Pol II elongation. DRB time-course releasing assay under functional perturbation
Project description:The MYC oncoprotein binds to promoter-proximal regions of virtually all transcribed genes and is expressed in a strictly growth factor-dependent manner in non-tumor cells. Here we show that MYC directly binds SPT5, a subunit of the RNA polymerase II (POL2) elongation factor DSIF. MYC recruits SPT5 to genes and enables the CDK7-dependent transfer of SPT5 onto POL2. Consistent with known functions of SPT5, MYC is required for fast and processive transcription elongation. In addition, MYC increases the directionality of promoters by stimulating sense transcription and suppressing the synthesis of antisense RNAs. Our results argue that MYC controls the productive assembly of POL2 with general elongation factors to form processive elongation complexes. The high levels of MYC that are expressed in tumors sequester SPT5 into non-functional complexes, slows transcription at growth-suppressive genes and promotes uncontrolled cellular growth.
Project description:Cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7), part of the general transcription factor TFIIH, promotes gene transcription by phosphorylating the C-terminal domain of RNA polymerase II (RNA Pol II). Here, we combine rapid CDK7 kinase inhibition with multi-omics analysis to unravel the direct functions of CDK7 in human cells. CDK7 inhibition causes RNA Pol II retention at promoters, leading to decreased RNA Pol II initiation and immediate global downregulation of transcript synthesis. Elongation, termination, and recruitment of co-transcriptional factors are not directly affected. Although RNA Pol II, initiation factors, and Mediator accumulate at promoters, RNA Pol II complexes can also proceed into gene bodies without promoter-proximal pausing while retaining initiation factors and Mediator. Further downstream, RNA Pol II phosphorylation increases and initiation factors and Mediator are released, allowing recruitment of elongation factors and an increase in RNA Pol II elongation velocity. Collectively, CDK7 kinase activity promotes the release of initiation factors and Mediator from RNA Pol II, facilitating RNA Pol II escape from the promoter.