Transcription-dependent polyubiquitination of RNA polymerase II requires lysine 63 of ubiquitin

Biochemistry. 2004 Dec 7;43(48):15223-9. doi: 10.1021/bi048719x.

Abstract

Lysine-63-linked polyubiquitin chains are not thought to signal protein degradation but instead signal for a variety of cellular processes including some types of DNA repair. RNA polymerase (Pol) II is polyubiquitinated following DNA damage or upon treatment of nuclear extracts with the transcription inhibitor alpha-amanitin. Here, we report, using a reaction in vitro, that transcription-dependent polyubiquitination of RNA Pol II consists of lysine-63-linked chains. This modification is specific for RNA Pol II engaged in active transcription and arrested by alpha-amanitin.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Arginine / genetics
  • DNA Damage
  • Enzyme Activation / genetics
  • Enzyme Stability / genetics
  • Humans
  • Lysine / genetics
  • Lysine / metabolism*
  • Polyubiquitin / genetics*
  • Polyubiquitin / metabolism*
  • RNA Polymerase II / genetics*
  • RNA Polymerase II / metabolism*
  • Transcription, Genetic*

Substances

  • Polyubiquitin
  • Arginine
  • RNA Polymerase II
  • Lysine