Proper regulation of gene expression is critical for normal cellular function and is frequently altered during viral infection and in certain diseases such as cancer. This proposal examines some of the mechanisms of gene expression by RNA polymerase II (RNAP II), which unlike RNAP III can regulate elongation, capping, splicing and polyadenylation of its transcripts. The carboxy terminal domain (CTD) of the largest subunit of RNAP II is necessary for all of these processes. The experiments in this proposal will test whether the CTD in the context of RNAP III is sufficient for these processes. To address this question, the CTD of RNAP II will be cloned onto the largest subunit of RNAP III. The RNAP III plus CTD enzyme will be evaluated for its responsiveness to positive and negative elongation factors and for its ability to direct the capping, splicing and polyadenylation of RNA whose synthesis is directed by a RNAP III promoter.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
5F32GM067466-02
Application #
6722813
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-F05 (20))
Program Officer
Wolfe, Paul B
Project Start
2003-03-01
Project End
2004-06-30
Budget Start
2004-03-01
Budget End
2004-06-30
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2004
Total Cost
$17,226
Indirect Cost
Name
Duke University
Department
Genetics
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
044387793
City
Durham
State
NC
Country
United States
Zip Code
27705
Robson-Dixon, Nicole D; Garcia-Blanco, Mariano A (2004) MAZ elements alter transcription elongation and silencing of the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 exon IIIb. J Biol Chem 279:29075-84