The archaeal TFIIEalpha homologue facilitates transcription initiation by enhancing TATA-box recognition.
- Abstract:
- Transcription from many archaeal promoters can be reconstituted in vitro using recombinant TATA-box binding protein (TBP) and transcription factor B (TFB)-homologues of eukaryal TBP and TFIIB-together with purified RNA polymerase (RNAP). However, all archaeal genomes sequenced to date reveal the presence of TFE, a homologue of the α-subunit of the eukaryal general transcription factor, TFIIE. We show that, while TFE is not absolutely required for transcription in the reconstituted in vitro system, it nonetheless plays a stimulatory role on some promoters and under certain conditions. Mutagenesis of the TATA box or reduction of TBP concentration in transcription reactions sensitizes a promoter to TFE addition. Conversely, saturating reactions with TBP de-sensitizes promoters to TFE. These results suggest that TFE facilitates or stabilizes interactions between TBP and the TATA box.
- Authors:
- SD Bell, AB Brinkman, J van der Oost, SP Jackson
- Journal:
- EMBO Reports
- Citation info:
- 2(2):133-138
- Publication date:
- 2nd Apr 2001
- Full text
- DOI