The transcription complex of the Xenopus somatic 5 S RNA gene. A functional analysis of protein-DNA interactions outside of the internal control region.

We have defined protein-DNA interactions associated with the transcription complex of a Xenopus somatic 5 S RNA gene under efficient in vitro transcription conditions. Transcription factor IIIA, the internal control region of the 5 S RNA gene and specific DNA sequences 5' and 3' of the internal control region are all involved in the formation of a multiprotein complex. Specific protein-DNA interactions outside of the 5 S RNA gene itself, revealed by DNase I footprinting, have no apparent role in the transcription process. Sequences within the 5 S RNA gene, 5' of the internal control region, are not essential for transcription by RNA polymerase III in vitro, but do contribute to its efficiency.