A subset of TAF(II)s are integral components of the SAGA complex required for nucleosome acetylation and transcriptional stimulation

• Published in: Cell 1998-07, Vol.94 (1), p.45-53
• Main Authors: Grant, P A, Schieltz, D, Pray-Grant, M G, Steger, D J, Reese, J C, Yates, 3rd, J R, Workman, J L
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acetyltransferases - metabolism; DNA-Binding Proteins - metabolism; Fungal Proteins - metabolism; Histone Acetyltransferases; Histones - metabolism; Nucleosomes - metabolism; Protein Kinases - metabolism; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins; TATA-Binding Protein Associated Factors; TATA-Box Binding Protein; Transcription Factor TFIID; Transcription Factors - metabolism; Transcription, Genetic
• ISSN: 0092-8674
• DOI: 10.1016/S0092-8674(00)81220-9

A number of transcriptional coactivator proteins have been identified as histone acetyltransferase (HAT) proteins, providing a direct molecular basis for the coupling of histone acetylation and transcriptional activation. The yeast Spt-Ada-Gcn5-acetyltransferase (SAGA) complex requires the coactivator protein Gcn5 for HAT activity. Identification of protein subunits by mass spectrometry and immunoblotting revealed that the TATA binding protein-associated factors (TAF(II)s) TAF(II)90, -68/61, -60, -25/23, and -20/17 are integral components of this complex. In addition, TAF(II)68 was required for both SAGA-dependent nucleosomal HAT activity and transcriptional activation from chromatin templates in vitro. These results illustrate a role for certain TAF(II) proteins in the regulation of gene expression at the level of chromatin modification that is distinct from the TFIID complex and TAF(II)145.