BioProject

DNA damage response (DDR) involves dramatic transcriptional alterations, the mechanisms of which remain obscure. More...

DNA damage response (DDR) involves dramatic transcriptional alterations, the mechanisms of which remain obscure. Here we show that following DNA damage, the RNA-binding motif protein 7 (RBM7) stimulates RNA polymerase II (Pol II) elongation and increases cell viability by activating the positive transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb). This is mediated by DNA damage-enhanced binding of RBM7 to 7SK, the scaffold of the 7SK small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) that inhibits P-TEFb. As a result, P-TEFb relocates from 7SK snRNP to chromatin to activate transcription of key DDR genes and multiple classes of non-coding RNAs. By alleviating the inhibition of P-TEFb, RBM7 thus promotes Pol II elongation to activate a transcriptional response that is crucial for cell fate upon genotoxic insult. Our work highlights a novel paradigm in stress-dependent control of Pol II pause release, and offers the promise of combating cancer by RBM7 and P-TEFb antagonists in combination with established DNA damage-inducing chemotherapeutics. Less...