The Spt4p subunit of yeast DSIF stimulates association of the Paf1 complex with elongating RNA polymerase II.
The Paf1 complex (Paf1C) interacts with RNA polymerase II (Pol II) and promotes histone methylation of transcribed coding sequences, but the mechanism of Paf1C recruitment is unknown. We show that Paf1C is not recruited directly by the activator Gcn4p but is dependent on preinitiation complex assembly and Ser5 carboxy-terminal domain phosphorylation for optimal association with ARG1 coding sequences. Importantly, Spt4p is required for Paf1C occupancy at ARG1 (and other genes) and for Paf1C association with Ser5-phosphorylated Pol II in cell extracts, whereas Spt4p-Pol II association is independent of Paf1C. Since spt4Delta does not reduce levels of Pol II at ARG1, Ser5 phosphorylation, or Paf1C expression, it appears that Spt4p (or its partner in DSIF, Spt5p) provides a platform on Pol II for recruiting Paf1C following Ser5 phosphorylation and promoter clearance. spt4Delta reduces trimethylation of Lys4 on histone H3, demonstrating a new role for yeast DSIF in promoting a Paf1C-dependent function in elongation.
Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Development, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bldg. 6A/Rm. B1A-13, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
Hongfang
H
Qiu
Cuihua
C
Hu
Chi-Ming
CM
Wong
Alan G
AG
Hinnebusch
D047369:Chromatin Immunoprecipitation; D017353:Gene Deletion; D008954:Models, Biological; D009687:Nuclear Proteins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology*; D021122:Protein Subunits / Q000378:metabolism*; D012319:RNA Polymerase II / Q000378:metabolism*; D012441:Saccharomyces cerevisiae / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D029701:Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology*; D035602:Transcriptional Elongation Factors / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000502:physiology*
D009687:Nuclear Proteins; C097698:PAF1 protein, S cerevisiae; D021122:Protein Subunits; C080991:SPT4 protein, S cerevisiae; D029701:Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins; D035602:Transcriptional Elongation Factors; D012319:RNA Polymerase II