Multiple layers of cooperativity regulate enhanceosome-responsive RNA polymerase II transcription complex assembly

Two coordinate forms of transcriptional synergy mediate eukaryotic gene regulation: the greater-than-additive transcriptional response to multiple promoter-bound activators, and the sigmoidal response to increasing activator concentration. The mechanism underlying the sigmoidal response has not been elucidated but is almost certainly founded on the cooperative binding of activators and the general machinery to DNA. Here we explore that mechanism by using highly purified transcription factor preparations and a strong Epstein-Barr virus promoter, BHLF-1, regulated by the virally encoded activator ZEBRA. We demonstrate that two layers of cooperative binding govern transcription complex assembly. First, the architectural proteins HMG-1 and -2 mediate cooperative formation of an enhanceosome containing ZEBRA and cellular Sp1. This enhanceosome then recruits transcription factor IIA (TFIIA) and TFIID to the promoter to form the DA complex. The DA complex, however, stimulates assembly of the enhanceosome itself such that the entire reaction can occur in a highly concerted manner. The data reveal the importance of reciprocal cooperative interactions among activators and the general machinery in eukaryotic gene regulation.