Molecular cloning and characterization of the cDNA encoding the largest subunit of mouse RNA polymerase I

We describe the cloning and analysis of mRPA1, the cDNA encoding the largest subunit (RPA194) of murine RNA polymerase I. The coding region comprises an open reading frame of 5151 bp that encodes a polypeptide of 1717 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 194 kDa. Alignment of the deduced protein sequence reveals homology to the β′ subunit of Escherichia coli RNA polymerase in the conserved regions a-h present in all large subunits of RNA polymerases. However, the overall sequence homology among the conserved regions of RPA1 from different species is significantly lower than that observed in the corresponding β′-like subunits of class II and III RNA polymerase. We have raised two types of antibodies which are directed against the conserved regions c and f of RPA194. Both antibodies are monospecific for RPA194 and do not cross-react with subunits of RNA polymerase II or III. Moreover, these antibodies immunoprecipitate RNA polymerase I both from murine and human cell extracts and, therefore, represent an invaluable tool for the identification of RNA polymerase I-associated proteins. Received: 27 January 1997 / Accepted: 1 April 1997     

DNA-dependent RNA polymerase II from nuclei of suspension-cultured tobacco cells

From isolated nuclei of suspension cultured cells of Nicotiana tabacum. DNA-dependent RNA polymerase II (E.C. 2.7.76) has been purified to homogeneity as evidenced by polyacrylamidegel electrophoresis under non-denaturing conditions. The purified enzyme had a specific activity of more than 15 nmol min^-1·mg^-1 with denatured calf thymus DNA as template. Sodium-dodecyl-sulfate gel electrophoresis and protein highperformance liquid chromatography revealed a subunit composition of four proteins with molecular weights of 165 000, 135 000, 35 000 and 25 000 and with a stoichiometry of 1:1:2:2. The RNA polymerase did not exhibit any detectable proteinkinase activity. The 25 000 subunit binds ADP in a molar ratio of 1:1; it could not be decided whether this subunit has an ATPase activity or is merely an acceptor of ADP.Abbreviations HPLC high-performance liquid chromatography - PMSF phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride - SDS sodium dodecyl sulfate This contribution is dedicated to Professor Fritz Cramer on the occasion of his 60th birthday     

RNA polymerase II acts as an RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase to extend and destabilize a non‐coding RNA

RNA polymerase II (Pol II) is a well‐characterized DNA‐dependent RNA polymerase, which has also been reported to have RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) activity. Natural cellular RNA substrates of mammalian Pol II, however, have not been identified and the cellular function of the Pol II RdRP activity is unknown. We found that Pol II can use a non‐coding RNA, B2 RNA, as both a substrate and a template for its RdRP activity. Pol II extends B2 RNA by 18 nt on its 3′‐end in an internally templated reaction. The RNA product resulting from extension of B2 RNA by the Pol II RdRP can be removed from Pol II by a factor present in nuclear extracts. Treatment of cells with α‐amanitin or actinomycin D revealed that extension of B2 RNA by Pol II destabilizes the RNA. Our studies provide compelling evidence that mammalian Pol II acts as an RdRP to control the stability of a cellular RNA by extending its 3′‐end.     

RNA polymerase II large subunit is cleaved by caspases during DNA damage-induced apoptosis

UV radiation induces DNA lesions that are repaired by the nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway. Cells that are NER deficient such as those derived from xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) patients are susceptible to apoptosis after 10J/m(2) UV radiation, a dose largely survivable by repair proficient cells. Herein, we report that RNA polymerase II large subunit (RNAP II-LS) undergoes caspase-mediated cleavage, yielding a 140kDa C-terminal fragment in XP lymphoblasts but not NER proficient lymphoblasts after 10J/m(2) UV irradiation. Cleavage could also be induced by cisplatin or oxaliplatin, but not transplatin, an isomer of cisplatin that does not induce DNA adducts. The cleavage of RNAP II-LS was blocked by a panel of caspase inhibitors but not by proteasomal inhibitors or inhibitors of other proteases. In vitro cleavage with caspase 8 yielded the same 140kDa RNAP II-LS fragment observed in vivo. Using site-directed mutagenesis, the RNAP II-LS cleavage site was localized to an LETD sequence ending at residue 1339, which is near its C-terminal domain.     

Two forms of RNA polymerase II holoenzyme display different abundance during the cell cycle

We analyzed the composition and abundance of two forms of RNA polymerase II (pol II) holoenzyme in synchronized HeLa cells. We did not detect significant changes in pol II holoenzyme composition, but we noticed differences in the abundance of the two complexes at different stages of the cell cycle. Summarized data from several independent experiments demonstrate that pol II holoenzyme, which is purified by GST-TFIIS affinity chromatography, is more abundant during G1/S and S phases. Another form of pol II holoenzyme, which is purified by anti-CDK7 antibodies, shows relatively higher amounts in G2/M and early G1 phases.