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Transcription activator interactions with multiple SWI/SNF subunits.
Kristen E Neely1, Ahmed H Hassan, Christine E Brown
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
Molecular and Cellular Biology
|February 28, 2002
Summary
The yeast SWI/SNF complex recruits activators via Snf5, Swi1, and Swi2/Snf2 subunits. These subunits directly bind acidic activation domains, crucial for transcriptional stimulation.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Gene Regulation
- Chromatin Remodeling
Background:
- The yeast SWI/SNF complex is a chromatin remodeler that stimulates transcription.
- SWI/SNF activity depends on direct interaction with transcriptional activators.
- Understanding these interactions is key to elucidating gene regulation mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the specific subunits of the yeast SWI/SNF complex responsible for interacting with transcriptional activators.
- To investigate how these subunit-activator interactions contribute to transcriptional stimulation.
Main Methods:
- Photo-cross-linking label transfer strategy was employed.
- Intact native SWI/SNF complex was used in conjunction with yeast acidic activators (Gcn4 and Hap4).
- Individual subunit interactions with acidic activation domains were assessed.
Main Results:
- The Snf5, Swi1, and Swi2/Snf2 subunits of SWI/SNF were shown to be contacted by Gcn4 and Hap4.
- These three subunits were also found to interact independently with acidic activation domains.
- Mutations reducing activator potential also reduced interactions with these SWI/SNF subunits.
Conclusions:
- Three distinct subunits (Snf5, Swi1, Swi2/Snf2) of the yeast SWI/SNF complex mediate interactions with acidic activation domains.
- Each of these subunits contributes to the binding of activators.
- These findings elucidate the molecular basis of activator recruitment by SWI/SNF, linking it to transcriptional regulation.