Human U2 snRNA Genes Exhibit a Persistently Open Transcriptional State and Promoter Disassembly at Metaphase

ABSTRACT In mammals, small multigene families generate spliceosomal U snRNAs that are nearly as abundant as rRNA. Using the tandemly repeated human U2 genes as a model, we show by footprinting with DNase I and permanganate that nearly all sequences between the enhancer-like distal sequence element and the initiation site are protected during interphase whereas the upstream half of the U2 snRNA coding region is exposed. We also show by chromatin immunoprecipitation that the SNAPc complex, which binds the TATA-like proximal sequence element, is removed at metaphase but remains bound under conditions that induce locus-specific metaphase fragility of the U2 genes, such as loss of CSB, BRCA1, or BRCA2 function, treatment with actinomycin D, or overexpression of the tetrameric p53 C terminus. We propose that the U2 snRNA promoter establishes a persistently open state to facilitate rapid reinitiation and perhaps also to bypass TFIIH-dependent promoter melting; this open state would then be disassembled to allow metaphase chromatin condensation.

Architectural Arrangement of Cloned Proximal Sequence Element-Binding Protein Subunits on Drosophila U1 and U6 snRNA Gene Promoters

ABSTRACT Transcription of snRNA genes by either RNA polymerase II (U1 to U5) or RNA polymerase III (U6) is dependent upon a proximal sequence element (PSE) located approximately 40 to 60 bp upstream of the transcription start site. In Drosophila melanogaster, RNA polymerase specificity is determined by as few as three nucleotide differences within the otherwise well-conserved 21-bp PSE. Previous photo-cross-linking studies revealed that the D. melanogaster PSE-binding protein, DmPBP, contains three subunits (DmPBP45, DmPBP49, and DmPBP95) that associate with the DNA to form complexes that are conformationally distinct depending upon whether the protein is bound to a U1 or a U6 PSE. We have identified and cloned the genes that code for these subunits of DmPBP by virtue of their similarity to three of the five subunits of SNAPc, the human PBP. When expressed in S2 cells, each of the three cloned gene products is incorporated into a protein complex that functionally binds to a PSE. We also find that the conformational difference referred to above is particularly pronounced for DmPBP45, herein identified as the ortholog of human SNAP43. DmPBP45 cross-linked strongly to DNA for two turns of the DNA helix downstream of the U1 PSE, but it cross-linked strongly for only a half turn of the helix downstream of a U6 PSE. These substantial differences in the cross-linking pattern are consistent with those of a model in which conformational differences in DmPBP-DNA complexes lead to selective RNA polymerase recruitment to U1 and U6 promoters.

trans Splicing of PolycistronicCaenorhabditis elegans Pre-mRNAs: Analysis of the SL2 RNA

ABSTRACT Genes in Caenorhabditis elegans operons are transcribed as polycistronic pre-mRNAs in which downstream gene products aretrans spliced to a specialized spliced leader, SL2. SL2 is donated by a 110-nucleotide RNA, SL2 RNA, present in the cell as an Sm-bound snRNP. SL2 RNA can be conceptually folded into a phylogenetically conserved three-stem-loop secondary structure. Here we report an in vivo mutational analysis of the SL2 RNA. Some sequences can be changed without consequence, while other changes result in a substantial loss of trans splicing. Interestingly, the spliced leader itself can be dramatically altered, such that the first stem-loop cannot form, with only a relatively small loss intrans-splicing efficiency. However, the primary sequence of stem II is crucial for SL2 trans splicing. Similarly, the conserved primary sequence of the third stem-loop plays a key role intrans splicing. While mutations in stem-loop III allow snRNP formation, a single nucleotide substitution in the loop preventstrans splicing. In contrast, the analogous region of SL1 RNA is not highly conserved, and its mutation does not abrogate function. Thus, stem-loop III appears to confer a specific function to SL2 RNA. Finally, an upstream sequence, previously predicted to be a proximal sequence element, is shown to be required for SL2 RNA expression.

Identification and Topological Arrangement ofDrosophila Proximal Sequence Element (PSE)-Binding Protein Subunits That Contact the PSEs of U1 and U6 Small Nuclear RNA Genes

ABSTRACT Most small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs) are synthesized by RNA polymerase II, but U6 and a few others are synthesized by RNA polymerase III. Transcription of snRNA genes by either polymerase is dependent on a proximal sequence element (PSE) located upstream of position −40 relative to the transcription start site. In contrast to findings in vertebrates, sea urchins, and plants, the RNA polymerase specificity ofDrosophila snRNA genes is intrinsically encoded in the PSE sequence itself. We have investigated the differential interaction of the Drosophila melanogaster PSE-binding protein (DmPBP) with U1 and U6 gene PSEs. By using a site specific protein-DNA photo-cross-linking assay, we identified three polypeptide subunits of DmPBP with apparent molecular masses of 95, 49, and 45 kDa that are in close proximity to the DNA and two additional putative polypeptides of 230 and 52 kDa that may be integral to the complex. The 95-kDa subunit cross-linked at positions spanning the entire length of the PSE, but the 49- and 45-kDa subunits cross-linked only to the 3′ half of the PSE. The same polypeptides cross-linked to both the U1 and U6 PSE sequences. However, there were significant differences in the cross-linking patterns of these subunits at a subset of the phosphate positions, depending on whether binding was to a U1 or U6 gene PSE. These data suggest that RNA polymerase specificity is associated with distinct modes of interaction of DmPBP with the DNA at U1 and U6 promoters.

A nucleosome positioned in the distal promoter region activates transcription of the human U6 gene.

To investigate the consequences of chromatin reconstitution for transcription of the human U6 gene, we assembled nucleosomes on both plasmids and linear DNA fragments containing the U6 gene. Initial experiments with DNA fragments revealed that U6 sequences located between the distal sequence element (DSE) and the proximal sequence element (PSE) lead to the positioning of a nucleosome partially encompassing these promoter elements. Furthermore, indirect end-labelling analyses of the reconstituted U6 wild-type plasmids showed strong micrococcal nuclease cuts near the DSE and PSE, indicating that a nucleosome is located between these elements. To investigate the influence that nucleosomes exert on U6 transcription, we used two different experimental approaches for chromatin reconstitution, both of which resulted in the observation that transcription of the U6 wild-type gene was enhanced after chromatin assembly. To ensure that the facilitated transcription of the nucleosomal templates is in fact due to a positioned nucleosome, we constructed mutants of the U6 gene in which the sequences between the DSE and PSE were progressively deleted. In contrast to what was observed with the wild-type genes, transcription of these deletion mutants was significantly inhibited when they were packaged into nucleosomes.