The U6 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is transcribed by RNA polymerase C (III) in vivo and in vitro

• Published in: The EMBO journal 1990-01, Vol.9 (1), p.271-277
• Main Authors: Moenne, A., Camier, S., Anderson, G., Margottin, F., Beggs, J., Sentenac, A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Base Sequence; Biological and medical sciences; DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases - metabolism; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Molecular and cellular biology; Molecular genetics; Molecular Sequence Data; Mutation; Nucleic Acid Hybridization; Restriction Mapping; RNA Polymerase III - metabolism; RNA, Ribosomal, 5S - genetics; RNA, Small Nuclear - genetics; RNA, Transfer - genetics; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; Saccharomyces cerevisiae - genetics; Single-Strand Specific DNA and RNA Endonucleases; Transcription Factor TFIIIB; Transcription Factors - pharmacology; Transcription, Genetic; Transcription. Transcription factor. Splicing. Rna processing
• ISSN: 0261-4189; 1460-2075
• DOI: 10.1002/j.1460-2075.1990.tb08105.x

Unlike the majority of genes encoding small nuclear RNAs, which are transcribed by RNA polymerase B, the U6 gene contains features found in both class B and class C genes, indicating the involvement of a combination of transcription factors normally specific to each class of genes. We present direct genetic and biochemical evidence that the U6 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is transcribed by RNA polymerase C in vivo as well as in vitro. A mutant strain with a temperature‐sensitive defect in the large subunit of RNA polymerase C that results in defective transcription of tRNA and 5S RNA genes shows a corresponding defect in U6 RNA levels. Also, purified RNA polymerase C transcribes the U6 gene when supplemented with partially purified TFIIIB. The other class C transcription factors, TFIIIA and Tau (TFIIIC), are not required in this system.