The human PAF1 complex acts in chromatin transcription elongation both independently and cooperatively with SII/TFIIS.
Genetic and cell-based studies have implicated the PAF1 complex (PAF1C) in transcription-associated events, but there has been no evidence showing a direct role in facilitating transcription of a natural chromatin template. Here, we demonstrate an intrinsic ability of human PAF1C (hPAF1C) to facilitate activator (p53)- and histone acetyltransferase (p300)-dependent transcription elongation from a recombinant chromatin template in a biochemically defined RNA polymerase II transcription system. This represents a PAF1C function distinct from its established role in histone ubiquitylation and methylation. Importantly, we further demonstrate a strong synergy between hPAF1C and elongation factor SII/TFIIS and an underlying mechanism involving direct hPAF1C-SII interactions and cooperative binding to RNA polymerase II. Apart from a distinct PAF1C function, the present observations provide a molecular mechanism for the cooperative function of distinct transcription elongation factors in chromatin transcription.
Kim
Jaehoon
J
The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA.
Guermah
Mohamed
M
Roeder
Robert G
RG
D002843:Chromatin / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D009687:Nuclear Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D012319:RNA Polymerase II / Q000378:metabolism; D014157:Transcription Factors; D014158:Transcription, Genetic; D035602:Transcriptional Elongation Factors / Q000378:metabolism*; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / Q000378:metabolism; D050880:p300-CBP Transcription Factors / Q000378:metabolism
D002843:Chromatin; D009687:Nuclear Proteins; C501972:PAF1 protein, human; C495901:TP53 protein, human; D014157:Transcription Factors; D035602:Transcriptional Elongation Factors; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53; C018648:transcription factor S-II; D050880:p300-CBP Transcription Factors; D012319:RNA Polymerase II