Regulation of RNA polymerase III transcription during cell cycle entry

Scott, P.H., Cairns, C.A., Sutcliffe, J.E., Alzuherri, H.M., McLees, A., Winter, A.G. and White, R.J. (2001) Regulation of RNA polymerase III transcription during cell cycle entry. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 276(2), pp. 1005-1014. (doi: 10.1074/jbc.M005417200)

Abstract

Increased rates of RNA polymerase (pol) III transcription constitute a central feature of the mitogenic response, but little is known about the mechanism(s) responsible. We demonstrate that the retinoblastoma protein RB plays a major role in suppressing pol III transcription in growth-arrested fibroblasts. RB knockout cells are compromised in their ability to down-regulate pol III following serum withdrawal. RB binds and represses the pol III-specific transcription factor TFIIIB during G0 and early G1, but this interaction decreases as cells approach S phase. Full induction of pol III coincides with mid- to late G1 phase, when RB becomes phosphorylated by cyclin D- and E-dependent kinases. TFIIIB only associates with the underphosphorylated form of RB, and overexpression of cyclins D and E stimulates pol III transcription in vivo. The RB-related protein p130 also contributes to the repression of TFIIIB in growth-arrested fibroblasts. These observations provide insight into the mechanisms responsible for controlling pol III transcription during the switch between growth and quiescence.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: White, Prof Robert and Scott, Dr Pamela
• Authors: Scott, P.H., Cairns, C.A., Sutcliffe, J.E., Alzuherri, H.M., McLees, A., Winter, A.G., and White, R.J.
• Subjects: Q Science > QH Natural history > QH345 Biochemistry
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cancer Sciences
• Journal Name: Journal of Biological Chemistry
• Journal Abbr.: J Biol Chem.
• Publisher: American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.
• ISSN: 0021-9258
• ISSN (Online): 1083-351X