The C-terminal domain of Rpb1 functions on other RNA polymerase II subunits

The C-terminal domain (CTD) of Rpb1, the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (RNApII), coordinates recruitment of RNA- and chromatin-modifying factors to transcription complexes. It is unclear whether the CTD communicates with the catalytic core region of Rpb1 and thus must be physically connected, or instead can function as an independent domain. To address this question, CTD was transferred to other RNApII subunits. Fusions to Rpb4 or Rpb6, two RNApII subunits located near the original position of CTD, support viability in a strain carrying a truncated Rpb1. In contrast, CTD fusion to Rpb9 on the other side of RNApII does not. Rpb4-CTD and Rpb6-CTD proteins are functional for phosphorylation and recruitment of various factors, albeit with some restrictions and minor defects. Normal CTD functions are not transferred to RNApI or RNApIII by Rbp6-CTD. These results show that, with some spatial constraints, CTD can function even when disconnected from Rpb1.