A 7 bp mutation converts a human RNA polymerase II snRNA promoter into an RNA polymerase III promoter.
The human U2 snRNA promoter directs the formation of a specialized RNA polymerase II transcription complex that recognizes the snRNA gene 3' box as a signal for RNA 3' end formation. In contrast, the human U6 promoter is recognized by RNA polymerase III and transcription terminates in a run of Ts. We show that transcription from the U6 promoter is dependent on a sequence similar to the U2 proximal element and on an AT-rich element centered around position -27. Mutation of the AT-rich element induces RNA polymerase II transcription from the U6 promoter, whereas insertion of this element within the U2 promoter converts it into a predominantly RNA polymerase III promoter. The site of transcription termination always correlates with the nature of the transcribing polymerase: the 3' box with RNA polymerase II and a run of Ts with RNA polymerase III. Thus, a single element determines the RNA polymerase specificity of snRNA promoters and hence the site of transcription termination.
Lobo
S M
SM
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, New York 11724.
Hernandez
N
N
D001482:Base Composition; D001483:Base Sequence; D004252:DNA Mutational Analysis; D012321:DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic; D012319:RNA Polymerase II / Q000378:metabolism*; D012320:RNA Polymerase III / Q000378:metabolism*; D012342:RNA, Small Nuclear / Q000235:genetics*; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship; D013728:Terminator Regions, Genetic; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
D012342:RNA, Small Nuclear; D012319:RNA Polymerase II; D012321:DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases; D012320:RNA Polymerase III