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. 1998 May 15;17(10):2855–2864. doi: 10.1093/emboj/17.10.2855

Cloning and functional characterization of PTRF, a novel protein which induces dissociation of paused ternary transcription complexes.

P Jansa 1, S W Mason 1, U Hoffmann-Rohrer 1, I Grummt 1
PMCID: PMC1170626  PMID: 9582279

Abstract

Termination of transcription by RNA polymerase I (Pol I) is a two-step process which involves pausing of elongating transcription complexes and release of both pre-rRNA and Pol I from the template. In mouse, pausing of elongation complexes is mediated by the transcription termination factor TTF-I bound to the 'Sal box' terminator downstream of the rDNA transcription unit. Dissociation of paused ternary complexes requires a cellular factor, termed PTRF for Pol I and transcript release factor. Here we describe the molecular cloning of a cDNA corresponding to murine PTRF. Recombinant PTRF is capable of dissociating ternary Pol I transcription complexes in vitro as revealed by release of both Pol I and nascent transcripts from the template. Consistent with its function in transcription termination, PTRF interacts with both TTF-I and Pol I. Moreover, we demonstrate specific binding of PTRF to transcripts containing the 3' end of pre-rRNA. Substitution of 3'-terminal uridylates by guanine residues abolishes PTRF binding and impairs release activity. The results reveal a network of protein-protein and protein-nucleic acid interactions that governs termination of Pol I transcription.

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Selected References

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