An integrated model for termination of RNA polymerase III transcription

Sci Adv. 2022 Jul 15;8(28):eabm9875. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.abm9875. Epub 2022 Jul 13.

Abstract

RNA polymerase III (RNAPIII) synthesizes essential and abundant noncoding RNAs such as transfer RNAs. Controlling RNAPIII span of activity by accurate and efficient termination is a challenging necessity to ensure robust gene expression and to prevent conflicts with other DNA-associated machineries. The mechanism of RNAPIII termination is believed to be simpler than that of other eukaryotic RNA polymerases, solely relying on the recognition of a T-tract in the nontemplate strand. Here, we combine high-resolution genome-wide analyses and in vitro transcription termination assays to revisit the mechanism of RNAPIII transcription termination in budding yeast. We show that T-tracts are necessary but not always sufficient for termination and that secondary structures of the nascent RNAs are important auxiliary cis-acting elements. Moreover, we show that the helicase Sen1 plays a key role in a fail-safe termination pathway. Our results provide a comprehensive model illustrating how multiple mechanisms cooperate to ensure efficient RNAPIII transcription termination.

MeSH terms

  • DNA Helicases / metabolism
  • Genome-Wide Association Study
  • RNA Polymerase III* / genetics
  • RNA Polymerase III* / metabolism
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins* / metabolism
  • Transcription, Genetic

Substances

  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins
  • RNA Polymerase III
  • DNA Helicases