Architecture of an RNA polymerase II transcription pre-initiation complex.
basic_science · Level V
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- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 24072820.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1126/science.1238724 and PMC identifier 4039082.
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Abstract
The protein density and arrangement of subunits of a complete, 32-protein, RNA polymerase II (pol II) transcription pre-initiation complex (PIC) were determined by means of cryogenic electron microscopy and a combination of chemical cross-linking and mass spectrometry. The PIC showed a marked division in two parts, one containing all the general transcription factors (GTFs) and the other pol II. Promoter DNA was associated only with the GTFs, suspended above the pol II cleft and not in contact with pol II. This structural principle of the PIC underlies its conversion to a transcriptionally active state; the PIC is poised for the formation of a transcription bubble and descent of the DNA into the pol II cleft.
Medical subject headings
- Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal
- Multiprotein Complexes
- RNA Polymerase II
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins
- Transcription Factors, General
- Transcription Initiation, Genetic