Transcription of DNA-histone complexes by yeast RNA polymerase B

Nucleic Acids Res. 1978 Jun;5(6):1907-17. doi: 10.1093/nar/5.6.1907.

Abstract

Transcription of denatured DNA complexed with histones (total, H1 or H2A/H2B/H3/H4) by yeast RNA polymerase B is investigated. Binding of histones to DNA restricts its template activity by decreasing the formation of active, heparin-resistant, RNA polymerase initiation complexes. The elongation of pre-initiated RNA on denatured DNA, complexed with histones, is possible, although resulting in somewhat shorter RNA chains. It is suggested that RNA polymerase B can elongate on a DNA strand covered with histones.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • DNA / metabolism*
  • DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases / metabolism*
  • Deoxyribonucleoproteins / metabolism*
  • Heparin / pharmacology
  • Histones / metabolism*
  • Kinetics
  • Nucleoproteins / metabolism*
  • RNA Polymerase II / metabolism*
  • Rats
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / enzymology*
  • Templates, Genetic
  • Transcription, Genetic* / drug effects

Substances

  • Deoxyribonucleoproteins
  • Histones
  • Nucleoproteins
  • Heparin
  • DNA
  • RNA Polymerase II
  • DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases