A possible role for the yeast TATA-element-binding protein in DNA replication.

The TATA-element-binding protein (TBP) is involved in the initiation of transcription by all three eukaryotic RNA polymerases. The following observations implicate TBP in the initiation of DNA replication at yeast chromosomal origins as well: (i) Recombinant yeast TBP binds specifically to functionally important regions of many yeast replication origins in vitro. (ii) TBP-binding sites from RNA polymerase II promoters can activate defective replication origins in vivo. (iii) Point mutations in TBP-binding sites that diminish their affinity for TBP in vitro reduce their ability to support replication in vivo.