The human PAF1 complex acts in chromatin transcription elongation both independently and cooperatively with SII/TFIIS

Cell. 2010 Feb 19;140(4):491-503. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2009.12.050.

Abstract

Genetic and cell-based studies have implicated the PAF1 complex (PAF1C) in transcription-associated events, but there has been no evidence showing a direct role in facilitating transcription of a natural chromatin template. Here, we demonstrate an intrinsic ability of human PAF1C (hPAF1C) to facilitate activator (p53)- and histone acetyltransferase (p300)-dependent transcription elongation from a recombinant chromatin template in a biochemically defined RNA polymerase II transcription system. This represents a PAF1C function distinct from its established role in histone ubiquitylation and methylation. Importantly, we further demonstrate a strong synergy between hPAF1C and elongation factor SII/TFIIS and an underlying mechanism involving direct hPAF1C-SII interactions and cooperative binding to RNA polymerase II. Apart from a distinct PAF1C function, the present observations provide a molecular mechanism for the cooperative function of distinct transcription elongation factors in chromatin transcription.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Chromatin / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Nuclear Proteins / metabolism*
  • RNA Polymerase II / metabolism
  • Transcription Factors
  • Transcription, Genetic*
  • Transcriptional Elongation Factors / metabolism*
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / metabolism
  • p300-CBP Transcription Factors / metabolism

Substances

  • Chromatin
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • PAF1 protein, human
  • TP53 protein, human
  • Transcription Factors
  • Transcriptional Elongation Factors
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53
  • transcription factor S-II
  • p300-CBP Transcription Factors
  • RNA Polymerase II