title: Transcription by RNA polymerase II: initiator-directed formation of transcription-competent complexes.
abstract: Studies of transcription by RNA polymerase II have revealed two promoter elements, the TATA motif and the initiator (Inr), capable of directing specific transcription initiation. Although binding to the TATA motif by one of the components of the transcription machinery has been shown to be the initial recognition step in transcription complex formation, many promoters that lack a traditional TATA motif have recently been described. In such TATA-less promoters, the Inr element is critical in positioning RNA polymerase II. Various Inr elements have been described and classified according to sequence homology. These Inr elements are recognized specifically by Inr-binding proteins. Interaction between these Inr-binding proteins and components of the basal transcription machinery provides a means through which a transcription competent complex can be formed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Piscataway 08854-5635.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Weis
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Reinberg
mesh_terms: D000256:Adenoviridae / Q000235:genetics; D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D004253:DNA Nucleotidylexotransferase / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic; D012319:RNA Polymerase II / Q000378:metabolism*; D012269:Ribosomal Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000502:physiology; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
chemical_list: D012269:Ribosomal Proteins; D014157:Transcription Factors; D012319:RNA Polymerase II; D004253:DNA Nucleotidylexotransferase