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TFIIH plays an essential role in RNA polymerase I transcription

Publication at Third Faculty of Medicine |
2002

Abstract

TFIIH is a multisubunit protein complex that plays an essential role in nucleotide excision repair and transcription of protein-coding genes. Here, we report that TFIIH is also required for ribosomal RNA synthesis in vivo and in vitro.

In yeast, pre-rRNA synthesis is impaired in TFIIH ts strains. In a mouse, part of cellular TFIIH is localized within the nucleolus and is associated with subpopulations of both RNA polymerase I and the basal factor TIF-IB.

Transcription systems lacking TFIIH are inactive and exogenous TFIIH restores transcriptional activity. TFIIH is required for productive but not abortive rDNA transcription, implying a postinitiation role in transcription.

The results provide a molecular link between RNA polymerase I transcription and transcription-coupled repair of active ribosomal RNA genes.