Formation of open and elongating transcription complexes by RNA polymerase III.

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae transcription factors (TF) IIIB and IIIC assemble onto their respective DNA-binding sites on the SUP4 tRNA(Tyr) gene at 0 degrees C. RNA polymerase III specifically associates at 0 degrees C with this TFIIIC-TFIIIB-DNA complex to form a stable "closed" promoter complex in which the DNA surrounding the transcriptional start retains its duplex form. Promoter "opening" is a temperature-dependent and readily reversible process that involves up to 22 unwound base-pairs of DNA, and can be followed by analyzing the hyperreactivity of thymine to KMnO4 oxidation. This promoter opening increases progressively from 10 degrees C to 40 degrees C, with at least two regions within the transcription bubble appearing to melt independently. In contrast, the temperature dependence of forming an initiated transcription complex containing a 17 nucleotide nascent RNA chain displays a sharp transition between 10 degrees C and 15 degrees C. When RNA polymerase initiates transcription under conditions that limit the nascent RNA chain to less than six nucleotides, there is no displacement of the transcription bubble. These transcription complexes are distinguishable from "open" promoter complexes in their maintenance of the transcription bubble at 0 degrees C, and from transcription complexes with more extended (17 nucleotide) RNA chains in their sensitivity to disruption by heparin. In light of recent results by others that demonstrate a requirement for an RNA transcription factor in a Bombyx mori-based in vitro RNA polymerase III transcription system, we have searched for a comparable component in the S. cerevisiae-derived system. We show that if an RNA component is required in the yeast-derived system, it is not susceptible to inactivation by massive amounts of micrococcal nuclease, RNase A, or RNase T1.