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. 2012 Oct 17;3(11):846–854. doi: 10.1007/s13238-012-2085-7

The RNA Pol II sub-complex hsRpb4/7 is required for viability of multiple human cell lines

Yang Zhao 1, Kim K C Li 1, King Pan Ng 1, Chi Ho Ng 1, Kevin A W Lee 1,✉
PMCID: PMC4875460  PMID: 23073835

Abstract

The evolutionarily conserved RNA Polymerase II Rpb4/7 sub-complex has been thoroughly studied in yeast and impacts gene expression at multiple levels including transcription, mRNA processing and decay. In addition Rpb4/7 exerts differential effects on gene expression in yeast and Rpb4 is not obligatory for yeast (S. cerevisiae) survival. Specialised roles for human (hs) Rpb4/7 have not been extensively described and we have probed this question by depleting hsRpb4/7 in established human cell lines using RNA interference. We find that Rpb4/7 protein levels are inter-dependent and accordingly, the functional effects of depleting either protein are co-incident. hsRpb4/7 exhibits gene-specific effects and cells initially remain viable upon hsRpb4/7 depletion. However prolonged hsRpb4/7 depletion is cytotoxic in the range of cell lines tested. Protracted cell death occurs by an unknown mechanism and in some cases is accompanied by a pronounced elongated cell morphology. In conclusion we provide evidence for a gene-specific role of hsRpb4/7 in human cell viability.

Keywords: RNA Polymerase II, hsRpb4/7 sub-complex, gene expression, cell viability, cell shape

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