RNA polymerase II–TFIIB structure and mechanism of transcription initiation

Dirk Kostrewa, Mirijam E. Zeller, Karim-Jean Armache, Martin Seizl, Kristin Leike, Michael Thomm and Patrick Cramer ()
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Dirk Kostrewa: Gene Center Munich and Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Feodor-Lynen-Strasse 25, 81377 Munich, Germany
Mirijam E. Zeller: Institut für Biochemie, Genetik und Mikrobiologie, Universität Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 31
Karim-Jean Armache: Gene Center Munich and Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Feodor-Lynen-Strasse 25, 81377 Munich, Germany
Martin Seizl: Gene Center Munich and Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Feodor-Lynen-Strasse 25, 81377 Munich, Germany
Kristin Leike: Gene Center Munich and Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Feodor-Lynen-Strasse 25, 81377 Munich, Germany
Michael Thomm: Institut für Biochemie, Genetik und Mikrobiologie, Universität Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 31
Patrick Cramer: Gene Center Munich and Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Feodor-Lynen-Strasse 25, 81377 Munich, Germany

Nature, 2009, vol. 462, issue 7271, 323-330

Abstract: Abstract To initiate gene transcription, RNA polymerase II (Pol II) requires the transcription factor IIB (B). Here we present the crystal structure of the complete Pol II–B complex at 4.3 Å resolution, and complementary functional data. The results indicate the mechanism of transcription initiation, including the transition to RNA elongation. Promoter DNA is positioned over the Pol II active centre cleft with the ‘B-core’ domain that binds the wall at the end of the cleft. DNA is then opened with the help of the ‘B-linker’ that binds the Pol II rudder and clamp coiled-coil at the edge of the cleft. The DNA template strand slips into the cleft and is scanned for the transcription start site with the help of the ‘B-reader’ that approaches the active site. Synthesis of the RNA chain and rewinding of upstream DNA displace the B-reader and B-linker, respectively, to trigger B release and elongation complex formation.

Date: 2009
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DOI: 10.1038/nature08548

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