trans-activation of RNA polymerase II and III promoters by SV40 small t antigen.
A biochemical role for SV40 small t antigen (t) in the viral infectious cycle that would explain the strong conservation of t structure among papovaviruses and its role as a helper of SV40 large T antigen function in the viral transforming process is not understood. Here, we report an intracellular biochemical function of the protein--the capacity to trans-activate selected RNA polymerase II and III-requiring promoters. Since t has failed in the past to bind to DNA and did not stimulate all polymerase II-requiring promoters tested, it likely trans-activates, at least in part, by modifying the activity of selected transcription factors.
Loeken
M
M
Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02215.
Bikel
I
I
Livingston
D M
DM
Brady
J
J
D000952:Antigens, Polyomavirus Transforming / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004247:DNA / Q000378:metabolism; D012321:DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases / Q000235:genetics*; D004742:Enhancer Elements, Genetic; D004789:Enzyme Activation; D012319:RNA Polymerase II / Q000235:genetics*; D012320:RNA Polymerase III / Q000235:genetics*; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000378:metabolism
D000952:Antigens, Polyomavirus Transforming; D014157:Transcription Factors; D004247:DNA; D012319:RNA Polymerase II; D012321:DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases; D012320:RNA Polymerase III