Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “transcript”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 343 records · Page 19Linked to original sources

Transcription-coupled DNA repair in yeast transcription factor IIE (TFIIE) mutants.

We examined the role of yeast transcription initiation factor IIE (TFIIE) in eukaryotic transcription-coupled repair (TCR), the preferential removal of DNA damage from the transcribed strands of genes over non-transcribed sequences. TFIIE can recruit the transcription initiation/repair factor TFIIH to the RNA polymerase II (RNA pol II) initiation complex to facilitate promoter clearance. Following exposure to UV radiation, the RNA pol II elongation complex is blocked at sites of UV-induced DNA damage, and may be recognized by nucleotide excision repair proteins, thus enabling TCR. The TFA1 gene encodes the large subunit of TFIIE. We determined how DNA repair is affected by TFA1 conditional mutations. In particular, we find proficient TCR in a heat-sensitive tfa1 mutant at the non-permissive temperature during which growth is inhibited and overall RNA pol II transcription is reported to be inhibited. We demonstrate that transcription of the RPB2 gene was reduced, but readily detectable, in the heat-sensitive tfa1 mutant at the non-permissive temperature and thereby prove that TCR does occur in an expressed gene in the absence of TFIIE in vivo. We demonstrate that TCR occurs even at low levels of transcription.

Cell Division↗

Sarkosyl defines three intermediate steps in transcription initiation by RNA polymerase III: application to stimulation of transcription by E1A.

We used Sarkosyl to analyze steps along the pathway of transcription initiation by RNA polymerase III. Sarkosyl (0.015%) inhibited transcription when present prior to incubation of RNA polymerase III, TFIIIB, and TFIIIC with the VAI gene, whereas it had no detectable effect on initiation or reinitiation of transcription when added subsequently. The formation of the corresponding 0.015% Sarkosyl-resistant complex required the presence of TFIIIC, TFIIIB, and RNA polymerase III but not nucleoside triphosphates. The addition of 0.05% Sarkosyl after this early step selectively inhibited a later step in the preinitiation pathway, allowing a single round of transcription after nucleoside triphosphate addition but blocking subsequent rounds of initiation. This step occurred prior to initiation because nucleoside triphosphates were not required for the formation of the corresponding 0.05% Sarkosyl-resistant complex. These observations provided a means to distinguish effects of regulatory factors on different steps in promoter activation and function. Using 0.05% Sarkosyl to limit reinitiation, we determined that the E1A-mediated stimulation of transcription by RNA polymerase III resulted from an increase in the number of active transcription complexes.

Adenovirus Early Proteins↗

The Oct-1 POU-specific domain can stimulate small nuclear RNA gene transcription by stabilizing the basal transcription complex SNAPc.

The RNA polymerase II and III human small nuclear RNA promoters have a common basal element, the proximal sequence element, which binds the TATA box-binding protein-containing complex SNAPc. They also contain an enhancer characterized by a highly conserved octamer sequence, which constitutes a binding site for the broadly expressed POU domain transcription factor Oct-1. The POU domain is a bipartite DNA-binding domain consisting of a POU-homeo (POUH) domain and a POU-specific (POUs) domain joined by a flexible linker. Here, we show that the Oct-1 POU domain but not the related Pit-1 POU domain can facilitate the binding of SNAPc to the proximal sequence element, and activate transcription. The effect is probably mediated by protein-protein contacts, and 1 of 30 amino acid differences between the Oct-1 and Pit-1 POUs domains is the key determinant for the differential interaction with SNAPc and the ability to activate transcription. These results show that a function that is the hallmark of activation domains, namely, recruitment of a basal transcription complex resulting in activation of transcription, can be performed by a DNA-binding domain. In this case, subtle changes between activator DNA-binding domains, as subtle as a single amino acid difference, can profoundly affect interaction with the basal transcription machinery.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Analysis of the molecular mechanisms for the species-specific transcription of Drosophila and human tRNA gene transcription components.

The transcription of eucaryotic tRNA genes requires two factors IIIB and IIIC, in addition to RNA polymerase III, to reconstitute this process in vitro. We have examined the functional exchangeability of these components from Drosophila and human systems. The reconstitution of heterologous IIIB and IIIC components demonstrated that neither factor will functionally substitute for the homologous components to activate tRNA gene transcription. The addition of the heterologous Drosophila factors to HeLa transcription assays causes an inhibition of RNA synthesis that is dependent upon the order of addition of these proteins to the DNA template. Thus, it appears that tRNA gene transcription in these systems is species-specific. We have further analyzed the reason for the apparent incompatibilities of these components by the use of stable complex formation assays. We find that human HeLa IIIB and Drosophila IIIC are unable to form stably associated complexes with a tRNA gene template, whereas the Drosophila IIIB and HeLa IIIC do form stable but nonproductive complexes. These results demonstrate that specific IIIC-IIIB interactions are critical in the formation of productive transcription complexes and are responsible for the observed species specificity of Drosophila and human tRNA gene transcription.

Animals↗

Expression of the clustered mitochondrial tRNA genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: transcription and processing of transcripts.

The transcripts of a cluster of eight tRNA genes localized in the Cap-oxiI region of the mitochondrial genome of Saccharomyces cerevisiae were investigated by hybridization of gene-specific probes on Northern blots of mitochondrial RNA and by S1 mapping of the 5' termini of the transcripts. Two rho- mutants that lack mature tRNA species and accumulate precursors have been used to detect transcripts that are not detectable in wild-type (w.t.) mitochondria. The results have shown the existence of polygenic transcripts carrying at least 5-7 tRNA sequences, both in w.t. and in rho- strains. The existence of several alternative processing pathways, which involve cleavage at the 3' and 5' ends of the tRNA sequences and in the long intergenic regions (possibly at GC clusters), is suggested. Cleavage at the 5' ends of tRNA sequences is defective in the mutant strains. The transcripts of the genes for tRNAThrACN and tRNACys (the tRNA genes immediately downstream from the 21S rRNA gene) have been analyzed; the possibility that these species represent primary transcripts is considered, and potential sites for initiation of transcription of the clustered tRNA genes are discussed.

Base Sequence↗

Hepatoma variants (C2) are defective for transcriptional and post-transcriptional actions from both endogenous and viral genomes.

A series of rat hepatoma cell lines was infected with a recombinant adenovirus bearing the rat albumin promoter. Transcription from this promoter was scored directly and was highest in FAO, the differentiated parent, undetectable in C2, a cell variant that has lost almost all hepatocytic characteristics, and high again in C2-Rev7, a 'revertant' cell line derived from C2 that has regained the ability to produce many proteins characteristic of hepatocytes. The endogenous albumin gene is not transcribed in C2 cells, and at a very low rate in C2-Rev7 cells, which accumulate endogenous albumin mRNA at close to normal amounts. Thus the C2-Rev7 'recovery' of albumin mRNA concentration for the endogenous gene is based mainly on post-transcriptional events while the ability of C2-Rev7 to transcribe the albumin promoter in the viral genome is based on a transcriptional factor(s). We also showed that the C2 phenotype included post-transcriptional effects for other genes: transcription of phenylalanine hydroxylase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase mRNA sequences continue in C2 at rates equivalent to FAO but these C2 cells have no mRNA for these proteins while FAO does. In addition, C2 cells transcribed certain early adenovirus transcription units (E2 and 4) as well as FAO cells but accumulated E2 mRNAs poorly if at all. The changes that led to the C2-Rev7 cell line produced a return to normal of the ability to accumulate these viral mRNAs. Thus a major event in the C2 to C2-Rev7 transition involves post-transcriptional processes as well as the ability to transcribe the albumin promoter positioned in the virus genome.

Adenoviridae↗

Transcription of the thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) gene from a newly defined start site: positive regulation by TTF-1 in the thyroid.

Regulation of the thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) gene expression in the thyroid was investigated. We identified a new transcription start site as nucleotide (nt) -1917, 1700 bp upstream of previously described site, and the region encompassing nt -1242 to -14 as the first intron. Although a probe targeting exon 2 hybridized to both 3.7 and 2.7 kp transcripts, a probe targeting newly identified exon 1 mainly reacted with 3.7 kb transcript, indicating that there exsits a transcript from -1917. Chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter gene assays demonstrated that 5'-flanking region of the start site exhibited promoter activity in FRTL-5 cells but not in rat liver cells, suggesting that this region confers the thyrocyte-selective expression of the gene. Two consensus TTF-1 binding motifs were detected in this promoter region, and electrophoretic mobility-shift assays showed that oligonucleotide probes, each containing one of these motifs, formed a complex with the recombinant TTF-1 homeodomain. Moreover, recombinant TTF-1 increased the transcriptional activity in FRT cells which do not express TTF-1. These results suggest that transcription from the newly identified start site in the TTF-1 gene is positively regulated by TTF-1 in the thyroid.

Animals↗

Multiple transcription initiation sites, alternative splicing, and differential polyadenylation contribute to the complexity of human neurofibromatosis 2 transcripts.

Northern blot analysis has shown that the human neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) cDNA hybridizes to multiple RNA species. To examine whether these hybridizing RNA species represent NF2 transcripts, we cloned the complete NF2 cDNA by a combination of techniques: 5' and 3' rapid amplification of cDNA ends, RT-PCR, and searching and sequencing the NF2-related cDNA clones from the IMAGE consortium. We showed that human NF2 transcripts initiate at multiple positions. Analogous to those reported previously, NF2 transcripts undergo alternative splicing in the coding exons. We isolated eight alternatively spliced NF2 cDNA isoforms, including one that contains a new exon termed exon 2', which potentially could encode proteins of different sizes. We assembled the overlapping cDNA fragments, and the longest NF2 cDNA, containing all 17 exons, consists of 6067 nucleotides, which is consistent with the size of the major RNA species hybridized to the NF2 probe. The cDNA has a 425-nucleotide 5' untranslated region upstream from the ATG start codon, and a long 3' untranslated region of 3869 nucleotides. We also isolated two shorter NF2 cDNAs that were terminated by different polyadenylation signal sequences, which indicates that differential usage of multiple polyadenylation sites also contributes to the complexity of human NF2 transcripts. By reference to the transcription initiation site mapped, we analyzed the 5' flanking sequence of the human NF2 gene. Transient transfection analysis in human 293 kidney, SK-N-AS neuroblastoma, and NT2/D1 teratocarcinoma cells with NF2 promoter-luciferase chimeric constructs revealed a core promoter region extending 400 base pairs from the major transcription initiation site. Although multiple regions are required for full promoter activity, a site-directed mutagenesis experiment identified a GC-rich sequence (position -58 to -46), which could be bound by transcription factor Sp1, as a positive cis-acting regulatory element. Cotransfection studies in Drosophila melanogaster SL2 cells showed that Sp1 could activate the NF2 promoter through the GC-rich sequence.

Alternative Splicing↗

Yeast class III gene transcription factors and homologous RNA polymerase III form ternary transcription complexes stable to disruption by N-lauroyl-sarcosine (sarcosyl).

Yeast Class III gene transcription factors and RNA polymerase III were used to form ternary transcription complexes on a tRNASer gene in vitro under UTP-limiting transcription conditions. These ternary transcription complexes were composed of template DNA, proteins, and RNA. We have shown that the RNAs contained in these complexes represented specifically initiated nascent pre-tRNASer transcripts. These nascent RNAs could be very efficiently elongated to full-length pre-tRNASer molecules, even in the presence of the ionic detergent sarcosyl. Partial purification (greater than 100-fold) of these sarcosyl-resistant ternary transcription complexes could be achieved in a single step via sucrose gradient sedimentation. Comparable sarcosyl-resistant ternary transcription complexes could not be formed using purified yeast RNA polymerase III as the only protein component of the complex.

Base Sequence↗

Transcriptional and post-transcriptional analysis of peroxisomal protein encoding genes from rat treated with an hypolipemic agent, ciprofibrate. Effect of an intermittent treatment and influence of obesity.

The treatment of rats with ciprofibrate, a potent peroxisome proliferator, led to increased levels of the peroxisomal acyl-CoA oxidase (ACO) mRNA. How ciprofibrate functions to elevate ACO mRNA is not known. To help determine the mechanism of ciprofibrate action, in vitro transcription assays were performed. It was determined that ciprofibrate was responsible for a 3.5-fold stimulation of the rate of ACO transcription within 24 hr of ingestion. It was also observed that the transcription rate stimulation following a 2-week ciprofibrate treatment of Wistar rats was maintained following 4 weeks of ciprofibrate withdrawal. Re-introduction of the drug after the 4-week pause resulted in greater stimulation than was initially observed. The results demonstrate that the effect of ciprofibrate is rapid and persists at least twice as long as the initial treatment period. In Zucker rats, both lean and obese, ACO mRNA levels were examined following 2 weeks of ciprofibrate treatment (1 or 3 mg/kg body weight/day). The presence of increased blood levels of triglycerides did not increase ciprofibrate action on transcription, although basal levels of transcription of peroxisomal enzymes were higher in obese rats. The increase in the ACO mRNA level was greater than the transcription rate stimulation suggesting a post-transcriptional regulation.

Acyl-CoA Oxidase↗

Transcription of E. coli and Euglena chloroplast tRNA gene clusters and processing of polycistronic transcripts in a HeLa cell-free system.

The transcription of cloned tRNA genes that are clustered in the Escherichia coli and Euglena gracilis chloroplast genome was studied in a HeLa cell-free extract. RNA polymerase III transcribes the tRNA gene clusters into polycistronic primary transcripts, consisting of pre-tRNAVal-tRNAAsn-tRNAArg and pre-tRNAAsp-tRNATrp transcribed from the Euglena chloroplast and E. coli tRNA locus, respectively. A UV5-lac promoter in the 5'-flanking sequence of the E. coli tRNA gene cluster can be removed without effect on transcription initiation frequency. During transcription of the tRNA gene clusters, RNA polymerase III initiates predominantly, if not solely, with the first tRNA gene. Upon removal of the first tRNA gene, RNA polymerase III initiates transcription with the following tRNA gene. The primary transcripts are subsequently processed to mature tRNAs. RNA fingerprint analysis and reincubation experiments were used to establish the steps of tRNA maturation of the pre-tRNAVal-tRNAAsn-tRNAArg. The 3' trailer is processed prior to the removal of 5' leader and before cleavage of the primary transcript in the spacer sequences. The pre-tRNAs are then processed to mature tRNA molecules.

Cell-Free System↗

Purified octamer binding transcription factors stimulate RNA polymerase III--mediated transcription of the 7SK RNA gene.

We have analyzed the upstream promoter of the human 7SK RNA gene to determine which protein factors are involved in the transcription of this gene by RNA polymerase III. Using a reconstituted in vitro system, we show directly that octamer binding transcription factors (OTFs) are required for efficient transcription and that they interact with a series of nonconsensus OTF binding sites between positions -70 and -240. The same purified factors that stimulate RNA polymerase II-dependent transcription of the histone H2b gene (OTF-1) and an immunoglobulin light chain gene (OTF-2) also stimulate 7SK transcription by RNA polymerase III. Moreover, OTF-dependent stimulation requires a sequence between positions -48 and -65 that is homologous to the proximal sequence element of the class II snRNA genes. Our findings indicate that some transcription factors are utilized in the transcription of both class II and class III genes.

Base Sequence↗

Transcriptional and post-transcriptional inhibition of albumin gene expression by estrogen in Xenopus liver.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the suppression of albumin mRNA by estrogen in Xenopus liver. A single dose of estradiol rapidly suppressed albumin mRNA to 30% of the control level. Albumin mRNA remained at this new steady-state level for 9 days, after which it returned to the control level. Transcription 'run-on' experiments in isolated liver nuclei demonstrated a transient decrease of 60-90% in albumin transcription after 2-6 h and approached constitutive transcription by 12 h. Albumin gene transcription then remained constant for the following 12 days. Prolonged and enhanced suppression of albumin mRNA was observed in animals treated repeatedly with estrogen for 12 days. In these animals, albumin gene transcription was decreased 80-90% from the constitutive control level. These data indicate that albumin mRNA is suppressed by both transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms.

Albumins↗

Expression of OASIS, a CREB/ATF family transcription factor, in CNS lesion and its transcriptional activity.

We reported the expression patterns of a novel member of the CREB/ATF family, OASIS, in central nervous system (CNS) lesions and its transcriptional activity. OASIS gene expression was upregulated in the stab-injured spinal cord. Double labeling experiments revealed that the distribution of OASIS mRNA-positive cells overlapped with a population of GFAP-immunoreactive cells. This finding suggested that OASIS might regulate expression of important downstream molecules in certain subset of the reactive astrocytes (e.g. inhibitory substances in injured brain). In gel shift assays, OASIS was able to specifically bind to CRE as CREB family members were. We then examined transcriptional activity of full-length OASIS with GAL4-UAS-luciferase reporter assay in COS7 cells. OASIS protein activated transcription, but did not inhibit basal transcription driven by AdML promoter. To determine critical portion(s) of the OASIS protein in transcriptional activation, we examined the activity of various deletion constructs of OASIS gene. The assay revealed that a strong transcriptional activation domain lay in the N-terminal region where acidic amino acids clustered and a possible repression domain, which had not been reported for other CREB/ATF family members, lay in the more C-terminal region. We therefore proposed that OASIS protein positively regulated gene transcription in a subset of reactive astrocytes, and thereby influenced the reaction of injured CNS tissues.

Animals↗

Persistent phosphorylation of cyclic AMP responsive element-binding protein and activating transcription factor-2 transcription factors following transient cerebral ischemia in rat brain.

The transcription factors cyclic AMP responsive element-binding protein (CREB) and activating transcription factor-2 were studied in rat brains subjected to 15 min ischemia followed by varied periods of reperfusion using western blot and immunocytochemical analyses. The total amounts of both CREB and activating transcription factor-2 were not altered in the hippocampus after ischemia. In contrast, levels of the phosphorylated forms of both transcription factors decreased during ischemia but rebounded following reperfusion. The phospho-forms of CREB and activating transcription factor-2 showed regional and temporal differences in their expression. Phospho-CREB was increased relative to control levels at 30 min, and continued to increase for at least three days postischemia, mainly in dentate granule cells. The level of phospho-activating transcription factor-2 appeared to be higher in CAI pyramidal cells than in dentate granule cells after ischemia. The present findings suggest that the signaling pathways for phosphorylation of CREB may be neuroprotective for dentate cells, which are relatively resistant to ischemic insults. The increased phospho-activating transcription factor-2 may reflect increased stresses in these neurons. The more modest activation of CREB pathways in CA1 neurons may not be enough to overcome the increased stresses in these neurons, contributing to delayed neuronal death.

Activating Transcription Factor 2↗

Function of transcription termination factor rho in a model transcription system using synthetic deoxyribonucleic acid as template.

The function of a transcription termination factor, rho, has been studied by using several synthetic DNAs with simple repetitive base sequences as templates for transcription. rho actually exhibits various effects on transcription depending on the base sequence of the template: (1) rho terminates poly(A) synthesis with poly(dA) x poly(dT), poly(dT), or oligo(dT), leading to release of RNA from RNA polymerase. rho also inhibits the synthesis of other homoribopolymers such as poly(U) directed by poly(dA) x poly(dT) and poly(C) and poly(I) directed by poly(dG) x poly(dC), presumably by a similar mechanism. (2) rho inhibits the synthesis of another homoribopolymer, poly(G), directed by poly(dG) x poly(dC) at the step of initiation rather than propagation of transcription. (3) rho stimulates rather than inhibits the synthesis of poly(A-C) and poly(G-U) directed by poly[d(A-C)] x poly[d(G-T)], presumably by enhancing the dissociation of transcription complexes. (4) rho has no influence on the synthesis of poly(A-U) and poly(G-C) directed by poly[d(A-T)] and poly[d(G-C)], respectively. In the first case, but not otherwise, the effect of rho is coupled with its RNA-dependent nucleosidetriphosphate phosphohydrolase activity, as is rho-mediated transcription termination on natural templates. The implication of these results is discussed in reference to the current view that rho acts on transcription complexes that have ceased elongation and causes release of RNA in an energy-requiring reaction.

Base Sequence↗

Alternative transcript initiation and novel post-transcriptional processing of a leucine-rich repeat receptor-like protein kinase gene that responds to short-day photoperiodic floral induction in morning glory (Ipomoea nil).

A gene (inrpk1) encoding a putative receptor-like protein kinase was isolated from the Japanese morning glory, Ipo-moea (Pharbitis) nil Roth. cv. Violet. The receptor-like portion of the largest derived polypeptide contains 26 direct leucine-rich repeats (LRRs) in a single block, and the catalytic portion has all the conserved amino acid residues characteristic of Ser/Thr protein kinases. RNA blot analysis detected multiple transcripts in cotyledons. The largest (4.4 kb) transcript encodes the predicted full length polypeptide (INRPK1), whereas a 1.6 kb transcript apparently originates from a secondary transcription initiation site within the gene and potentially encodes a protein kinase identical to INRPK1 but lacking most of the LRRs. Two transcripts (ca. 2.7 and 2.6 kb) are created by alternative 3'-splicing of a large (ca. 1.4-1.5 kb) cryptic intron in the LRR region, creating one transcript (2.6 kb) potentially encoding a small, secretable polypeptide. The larger transcript encoding a polypeptide identical to INRPK1, but lacking 21 LRRs, predominates in vegetative roots. Competitive PCR indicates that inrpk1 mRNA increases 20-fold in cotyledons in response to a previously given single floral-inducing short-day (SD). No differences of this magnitude were detected in any other organs examined from plants similarly treated. This pattern of expression and differential processing suggests a role for inrpk1 in some aspect of SD photoperiodic-induced flowering in morning glory.

Alternative Splicing↗

The JUN oncoprotein, a vertebrate transcription factor, activates transcription in yeast.

Transcriptional activation of RNA polymerase II in eukaryotic organisms ranging from yeasts to mammals has many common features such as enhancer elements, TATA elements, and activator proteins that bind specifically to promoter DNA. The JUN oncoprotein, which causes sarcomas in chickens, shows significant homology to the DNA-binding domain of GCN4, a yeast protein that stimulates transcription of the amino acid biosynthetic genes. The GCN4 and JUN proteins bind the same DNA sequences, consensus ATGA(C/G)TCAT, even though the DNA-binding domains are only 45% identical in amino acid sequence. The JUN protein almost certainly represents the oncogenic version of the normal AP-1 transcription factor, suggesting an evolutionary relationship between yeast and vertebrate activator proteins. Here, I demonstrate that JUN efficiently activates transcription in yeast either through its own or a heterologous DNA-binding domain. As is the case for yeast activator proteins, transcriptional stimulation by JUN requires an acidic activation region distinct from the DNA-binding domain. The functional interchangeability between yeast and vertebrate transcription factors strongly suggests a basic similarity in the molecular mechanism of eukaryotic transcriptional activation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗