BY511 - Lecture 14 - Transcription Elongation

Questions and Answers

What does hnRNA (pre-mRNA) stand for?

Homogeneous nuclear RNA

Heterogeneous nuclear RNA (correct)

Highly nuclear RNA

None of the above

What is the role of RNA processing?

Modification of mRNA before it leaves the nucleus.

The overall events for processing hnRNA to mRNA include adding a 5' cap and a 3' ______ sequence.

Poly(A) tail

What is a 5' cap?

A modified form of guanine nucleotide added to the 5' end of a pre-mRNA molecule. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the 3' Poly(A) sequence?

Protects mRNA from degradation and aids in transcription termination, export, and translation. Signup and view all the answers

What is snRNA?

Small nuclear RNA that participates in RNA splicing. Signup and view all the answers

What initiates the sequential phosphorylation of the RNA Pol II CTD?

Phosphorylation of Serine 5 by TFIIH kinase. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when serine-7 is mutated to alanine?

Causes a specific defect in snRNA gene expression. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of CDK9?

To activate transcription elongation by phosphorylating the C-terminal domain of RNA polymerase II. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of Flavopiridol?

Inhibits P-TEFb kinase enzyme Signup and view all the answers

What does P-TEFb stand for?

Positive Transcription Elongation Factor b Signup and view all the answers

Without ATP, the P-TEFb kinase enzyme fails to phosphorylate the Serine amino acid residue in position ______.

2 Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of inhibiting CDK9?

Downregulates transcription of target genes. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

hnRNA (pre-mRNA)

Heterogeneous nuclear RNA is the primary transcript in eukaryotes before splicing.

RNA Processing

This refers to the modifications of mRNA necessary before it exits the nucleus; exclusive to eukaryotic cells.

Processing of hnRNA to mRNA

hnRNA undergoes processing involving adding a 5' cap, a 3' Poly(A) tail, and splicing to remove introns.
The splicing mechanism entails breaking the exon-intron junctions and joining exons, resulting in mature mRNA.
Mature mRNA is subsequently transported through nuclear pores for translation in the cytoplasm.

5' Cap

A modified guanine nucleotide added to the 5' end of pre-mRNA.
It protects mRNA from degradation and facilitates ribosome binding during translation.

3' Poly(A) Sequence

A poly(A) tail at the 3' end safeguards mRNA from enzymatic degradation and aids in transcription termination, export from the nucleus, and translation.

snRNA (small nuclear RNA)

Small RNA molecules (~200 nucleotides) that participate in splicing by removing introns.

Sequential Phosphorylation of RNA Pol II CTD Heptapeptide Tail

Step I: Serine 5 is phosphorylated by TFIIH kinase, signaling for 5'-Capping factors.
Step II: Serine 2 is phosphorylated by P-TEFb kinase, promoting recruitment of intron splicing factors.
Step III: Dephosphorylation of Ser 5 by PPase leads to increased Ser 2 phosphorylation and recruitment of polyadenylation factors.

Serine 7

Phosphorylation of Ser-7 occurs prior to transcription initiation by CDK7.
Necessary for the recognition of RT-PCR by P-TEFb kinase for splicing factor recruitment.
Mutations in Ser-7 can hinder snRNA gene expression.

RNA Polymerase II CTD Structure and Function

The CTD consists of heptapeptide repeats, featuring seven amino acid sequences.
Each heptad includes "Serine" at positions 2, 5, and 7, which are phosphorylated sequentially by specific kinases, recruiting factors for hnRNA processing.

Eukaryotic Transcription Elongation and Anticancer Drug Targeting

P-TEFb is a kinase crucial for phosphorylating Ser 2 of the RNA polymerase II CTD, aiding in intron splicing factor recruitment.
It plays a role in potential anticancer drug development.

Flavopiridol (P-TEFb Kinase Inhibitor) - Mechanism

Inhibits P-TEFb by blocking ATP-binding, preventing phosphorylation of Ser 2 on RNA Pol II CTD.
This disruption halts hnRNA processing, thereby blocking mRNA production and protein synthesis, leading to cancer cell apoptosis.

Alvocidib (CDK9 Inhibitor)

A potent inhibitor of CDK9, which activates transcription elongation via phosphorylation of RNA polymerase II CTD.
By inhibiting CDK9, alvocidib reduces transcription of key target genes, including MCL-1, impacting cancer cell survival.

Description

This quiz covers key concepts from BY511 Lecture 14, focusing on transcription elongation and the recruitment of heterogeneous nuclear RNA (hnRNA) to mRNA processing factors. Test your understanding of RNA processing and its unique modifications in eukaryotes.