Topoisomerase IIα promotes activation of RNA polymerase i transcription by facilitating pre-initiation complex formation

Swagat Ray, Tatiana Panova, Gail Miller, Arsen Volkov, Andrew C.G. Porter, Jackie Russell, Konstantin I. Panov (Lead / Corresponding author), Joost C.B.M. Zomerdijk (Lead / Corresponding author)

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    50 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Type II DNA topoisomerases catalyse DNA double-strand cleavage, passage and re-ligation to effect topological changes. There is considerable interest in elucidating topoisomerase II roles, particularly as these proteins are targets for anti-cancer drugs. Here we uncover a role for topoisomerase IIa in RNA polymerase I-directed ribosomal RNA gene transcription, which drives cell growth and proliferation and is upregulated in cancer cells. Our data suggest that topoisomerase IIa is a component of the initiation-competent RNA polymerase Iß complex and interacts directly with RNA polymerase I-associated transcription factor RRN3, which targets the polymerase to promoter-bound SL1 in pre-initiation complex formation. In cells, activation of rDNA transcription is reduced by inhibition or depletion of topoisomerase II, and this is accompanied by reduced transient double-strand DNA cleavage in the rDNA-promoter region and reduced pre-initiation complex formation. We propose that topoisomerase IIa functions in RNA polymerase I transcription to produce topological changes at the rDNA promoter that facilitate efficient de novo pre-initiation complex formation.
    Original languageEnglish
    Article number1598
    JournalNature Communications
    Volume4
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 19 Mar 2013

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Topoisomerase IIα promotes activation of RNA polymerase i transcription by facilitating pre-initiation complex formation'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this