title: Transcriptional refractoriness is dependent on core promoter architecture.
abstract: Genes are often transcribed in random bursts followed by long periods of inactivity. Here we employ the light-activatable white collar complex (WCC) of Neurospora to study the transcriptional bursting with a population approach. Activation of WCC by a light pulse triggers a synchronized wave of transcription from the frequency promoter followed by an extended period (∼1 h) during which the promoter is refractory towards restimulation. When challenged by a second light pulse, the newly activated WCC binds to refractory promoters and has the potential to recruit RNA polymerase II (Pol II). However, accumulation of Pol II and phosphorylation of its C-terminal domain repeats at serine 5 are impaired. Our results suggest that refractory promoters carry a physical memory of their recent transcription history. Genome-wide analysis of light-induced transcription suggests that refractoriness is rather widespread and a property of promoter architecture.
authors: Biochemistry Center, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 328, Heidelberg D-69120, Germany.
authors: François
authors: F
authors: Cesbron
authors: Biochemistry Center, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 328, Heidelberg D-69120, Germany.
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Oehler
authors: Biochemistry Center, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 328, Heidelberg D-69120, Germany.
authors: Nati
authors: N
authors: Ha
authors: Biochemistry Center, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 328, Heidelberg D-69120, Germany.
authors: Gencer
authors: G
authors: Sancar
authors: Biochemistry Center, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 328, Heidelberg D-69120, Germany.
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Brunner
mesh_terms: D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D025461:Feedback, Physiological; D005656:Fungal Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D015870:Gene Expression; D008027:Light; D009492:Neurospora crassa / Q000235:genetics*; D010766:Phosphorylation; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic / Q000502:physiology*; D012319:RNA Polymerase II / Q000378:metabolism; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism*; D014157:Transcription Factors; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
chemical_list: D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; C087405:FRQ protein, Neurospora crassa; D005656:Fungal Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D014157:Transcription Factors; C423283:VVD protein, Neurospora crassa; C105589:wc-1 protein, Neurospora crassa; C103772:white collar 2 protein, Neurospora; D012319:RNA Polymerase II