The nature of the nucleosomal barrier to transcription: direct observation of paused intermediates by electron cryomicroscopy.
Journal
  Molecular cell.
Citation
  Mol Cell. 4(3):377-86
Publication date
  1999 Sep
Authors
  Bednar J
Studitsky VM
Grigoryev SA
Felsenfeld G
Woodcock CL
Investigators
  Sergei A. Grigoryev
Grant agencies
  National Institute of General Medical Sciences
Grants
  NIGMS GM43786
NIGMS GM51352
NIGMS GM58650
MeSH headings
  DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases
Nucleosomes
Transcription, Genetic
MeSH qualifiers
  metabolism
Abstract
  Transcribing SP6 RNA polymerase was arrested at unique positions in the nucleosome core, and the complexes were analyzed using biochemical methods and electron cryomicroscopy. As the polymerase enters the nucleosome, it disrupts DNA-histone interactions behind and up to approximately 20 bp ahead of the elongation complex. After the polymerase proceeds 30-40 bp into the nucleosome, two intermediates are observed. In one, only the DNA ahead of the polymerase reassociates with the octamer. In the other, DNA both ahead of and behind the enzyme reassociates. These intermediates present a barrier to elongation. When the polymerase approaches the nucleosome dyad, it displaces the octamer, which is transferred to promoter-proximal DNA.
Medline ID
  99446486