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The C‐terminal domain of pol II and a DRB‐sensitive kinase are required for 3′ processing of U2 snRNA
Author(s) -
Medlin Joanne E.,
Uguen Patricia,
Taylor Alice,
Bentley David L.,
Murphy Shona
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
the embo journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 7.484
H-Index - 392
eISSN - 1460-2075
pISSN - 0261-4189
DOI - 10.1093/emboj/cdg077
Subject(s) - biology , small nuclear rna , snrnp , genetics , microbiology and biotechnology , rna splicing , gene , polymerase , rna , rna dependent rna polymerase
The human snRNA genes transcribed by RNA polymerase II (e.g. U1 and U2) have a characteristic TATA‐less promoter containing an essential proximal sequence element. Formation of the 3′ end of these non‐polyadenylated RNAs requires a specialized 3′ box element whose function is promoter specific. Here we show that truncation of the C‐terminal domain (CTD) of RNA polymerase II and treatment of cells with CTD kinase inhibitors, including DRB (5,6‐dichloro‐1‐β‐ D ‐ribofuranosylbenzimidazole), causes a dramatic reduction in proper 3′ end formation of U2 transcripts. Activation of 3′ box recognition by the phosphorylated CTD would be consistent with the role of phospho‐CTD in mRNA processing. CTD kinase inhibitors, however, have little effect on initiation or elongation of transcription of the U2 genes, whereas elongation of transcription of the β‐actin gene is severely affected. This result highlights differences in transcription of snRNA and mRNA genes.