A 7 bp mutation converts a human RNA polymerase II snRNA promoter into an RNA polymerase III promoter

Lobo, S. M., Hernandez, N. (July 1989) A 7 bp mutation converts a human RNA polymerase II snRNA promoter into an RNA polymerase III promoter. Cell, 58 (1). pp. 55-67. ISSN 1097-4172

URL: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2752422
DOI: 10.1016/0092-8674(89)90402-9

Abstract

The human U2 snRNA promoter directs the formation of a specialized RNA polymerase II transcription complex that recognizes the snRNA gene 3' box as a signal for RNA 3' end formation. In contrast, the human U6 promoter is recognized by RNA polymerase III and transcription terminates in a run of Ts. We show that transcription from the U6 promoter is dependent on a sequence similar to the U2 proximal element and on an AT-rich element centered around position -27. Mutation of the AT-rich element induces RNA polymerase II transcription from the U6 promoter, whereas insertion of this element within the U2 promoter converts it into a predominantly RNA polymerase III promoter. The site of transcription termination always correlates with the nature of the transcribing polymerase: the 3' box with RNA polymerase II and a run of Ts with RNA polymerase III. Thus, a single element determines the RNA polymerase specificity of snRNA promoters and hence the site of transcription termination.

Item Type: Paper
Uncontrolled Keywords: Base Composition Base Sequence DNA Mutational Analysis DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases/*metabolism Humans In Vitro Molecular Sequence Data *Promoter Regions (Genetics) RNA Polymerase II/*metabolism RNA Polymerase III/*metabolism RNA, Small Nuclear/*genetics Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S. Structure-Activity Relationship Terminator Regions (Genetics) *Transcription, Genetic
Subjects: bioinformatics > genomics and proteomics > genetics & nucleic acid processing > protein structure, function, modification > protein types > enzymes > RNA polymerase
organism description > animal > mammal > primates > hominids > human
bioinformatics > genomics and proteomics > genetics & nucleic acid processing > DNA, RNA structure, function, modification > mutations
CSHL Authors:
Communities: CSHL labs > Hernandez lab
Depositing User: Gail Sherman
Date: 14 July 1989
Date Deposited: 27 Jun 2017 16:15
Last Modified: 27 Jun 2017 16:15
Related URLs:
URI: https://repository.cshl.edu/id/eprint/34873

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