Formation of the 3' end of U1 snRNA requires compatible snRNA promoter elements.
U1 and U2 snRNAs are thought to be transcribed by RNA polymerase II. A conserved sequence known as the 3' box is located just downstream from the snRNA coding region and directs formation of the 3' end of pre-U1 and pre-U2 snRNA. We show here that a U1 or U2 promoter containing an intact snRNA enhancer is required for the U1 3' box to function efficiently. Promoters for genes encoding mRNAs cannot substitute for the snRNA promoter. Thus snRNAs must be transcribed by a specialized transcription complex that differs from transcription complexes synthesizing mRNAs. Moreover, in contrast to polyadenylated and nonpolyadenylated mRNAs, the 3' ends of pre-snRNAs must be generated either by termination of transcription, or by an RNA processing event intimately coupled to transcription.
D002872:Chromosome Deletion; D004742:Enhancer Elements, Genetic; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D005796:Genes; D005809:Genes, Regulator; D006801:Humans; D009154:Mutation; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic; D012315:RNA Caps; D012323:RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional; D012342:RNA, Small Nuclear / Q000235:genetics*; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
D012315:RNA Caps; D012342:RNA, Small Nuclear