Single strands of DNA serve, in rare instances, as promoters for transcription; duplex DNA promoters with individual strands that also have a promoter capacityfunction have not been described. We show that the nontranscribed strand of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae U6 snRNA gene directs transcription initiation factor IIIB-requiring and accurately initiating transcription by RNA polymerase III. The nontranscribed strand promoter is much more extended than its duplex DNA counterpart, comprising the U6 gene TATA box, a downstream T(7) tract, and an upstream-lying segment. A requirement for placement of the 3' end of the transcribed (template) strand within the confines of the transcription bubble is seen as indicating that the nontranscribed strand provides a scaffold for RNA polymerase recruitment but is deficient at a subsequent step of transcription initiation factor IIIB's direct involvement in promoter opening.

• PMID: 12538860
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Reference Type

Journal Article | Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

Authors

Schroder O, Geiduschek EP, Kassavetis GA

Primary Lit For

SNR6 | BRF1 | BDP1 | SPT15 | DNA-directed RNA polymerase III complex

Additional Lit For

Review For