The mRNA cap-binding complex stimulates the formation of pre-initiation complex at the promoter via its interaction with Mot1p in vivo

Nucleic Acids Res. 2011 Mar;39(6):2188-209. doi: 10.1093/nar/gkq1029. Epub 2010 Nov 12.

Abstract

The cap-binding complex (CBC) binds to the cap structure of mRNA to protect it from exonucleases as well as to regulate downstream post-transcriptional events, translational initiation and nonsense-mediated mRNA decay. However, its role in regulation of the upstream transcriptional events such as initiation or elongation remains unknown. Here, using a formaldehyde-based in vivo cross-linking and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay in conjunction with transcriptional, mutational and co-immunoprecipitational analyses, we show that CBC is recruited to the body of yeast gene, and then stimulates the formation of pre-initiation complex (PIC) at several yeast promoters through its interaction with Mot1p (modifier of transcription). Mot1p is recruited to these promoters, and enhances the PIC formation. We find that CBC promotes the recruitment of Mot1p which subsequently stimulates PIC formation at these promoters. Furthermore, the formation of PIC is essential for recruitment of CBC. Thus, our study presents an interesting observation that an mRNA binding factor exhibits a reciprocal synergistic effect on formation of PIC (and hence transcriptional initiation) at the promoter, revealing a new pathway of eukaryotic gene regulation in vivo.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine Triphosphatases / metabolism*
  • Chromatin Assembly and Disassembly
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Galactokinase / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal*
  • Nuclear Cap-Binding Protein Complex / metabolism*
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic*
  • RNA Caps / metabolism
  • RNA Polymerase II / metabolism
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / genetics*
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / metabolism
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins / genetics
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins / metabolism*
  • TATA-Binding Protein Associated Factors / metabolism*
  • Trans-Activators / metabolism
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Transcription, Genetic*

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • GAL4 protein, S cerevisiae
  • Nuclear Cap-Binding Protein Complex
  • RNA Caps
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins
  • TATA-Binding Protein Associated Factors
  • Trans-Activators
  • Transcription Factors
  • GAL1 protein, S cerevisiae
  • Galactokinase
  • RNA Polymerase II
  • Adenosine Triphosphatases
  • MOT1 protein, S cerevisiae