The RNA Pol II sub-complex hsRpb4/7 is required for viability of multiple human cell lines.
The evolutionarily conserved RNA Polymerase II Rpb4/7 sub-complex has been thoroughly studied in yeast and impacts gene expression at multiple levels including transcription, mRNA processing and decay. In addition Rpb4/7 exerts differential effects on gene expression in yeast and Rpb4 is not obligatory for yeast (S. cerevisiae) survival. Specialised roles for human (hs) Rpb4/7 have not been extensively described and we have probed this question by depleting hsRpb4/7 in established human cell lines using RNA interference. We find that Rpb4/7 protein levels are inter-dependent and accordingly, the functional effects of depleting either protein are co-incident. hsRpb4/7 exhibits gene-specific effects and cells initially remain viable upon hsRpb4/7 depletion. However prolonged hsRpb4/7 depletion is cytotoxic in the range of cell lines tested. Protracted cell death occurs by an unknown mechanism and in some cases is accompanied by a pronounced elongated cell morphology. In conclusion we provide evidence for a gene-specific role of hsRpb4/7 in human cell viability.
Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Sai Kung, Hong Kong SAR China.
Yang
Y
Zhao
Kim K C
KK
Li
King Pan
KP
Ng
Chi Ho
CH
Ng
Kevin A W
KA
Lee
D002460:Cell Line; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000378:metabolism; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D020869:Gene Expression Profiling; D006367:HeLa Cells; D006801:Humans; D034622:RNA Interference; D012319:RNA Polymerase II / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000494:pharmacology
D034741:RNA, Small Interfering; C505957:POLR2D protein, human; C477608:POLR2G protein, human; D012319:RNA Polymerase II