Intragenic transcription of a noncoding RNA modulates expression of ASP3 in budding yeast

RNA. 2010 Nov;16(11):2085-93. doi: 10.1261/rna.2177410. Epub 2010 Sep 3.

Abstract

Inter- and intragenic noncoding transcription is widespread in eukaryotic genomes; however, the purpose of these types of transcription is still poorly understood. Here, we show that intragenic sense-oriented transcription within the budding yeast ASP3 coding region regulates a constitutively and immediately accessible promoter for the transcription of full-length ASP3. Expression of this short intragenic transcript is independent of GATA transcription factors, which are essential for the activation of full-length ASP3, and independent of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII). Furthermore, we found that an intragenic control element is required for the expression of this noncoding RNA (ncRNA). Continuous expression of the short ncRNA maintains a high level of trimethylation of histone H3 at lysine 4 (H3K4me3) at the ASP3 promoter and makes this region more accessible for RNAPII to transcribe the full-length ASP3. Our results show for the first time that intragenic noncoding transcription promotes gene expression.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Chromatin Assembly and Disassembly
  • GATA Transcription Factors / genetics
  • GATA Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal*
  • Open Reading Frames
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • RNA Polymerase II / genetics
  • RNA Polymerase II / metabolism
  • RNA, Untranslated / genetics*
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / genetics*
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / metabolism*
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins / genetics
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins / metabolism
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Transcription, Genetic*

Substances

  • GAT1 protein, S cerevisiae
  • GATA Transcription Factors
  • GLN3 protein, S cerevisiae
  • RNA, Untranslated
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins
  • Transcription Factors
  • RNA Polymerase II