Cyclin-dependent kinase 9 links RNA polymerase II transcription to processing of ribosomal RNA

Abstract

Background: Processing of ribosomal RNA is sensitive to Cdk inhibitors. Results: Inhibition of Cdk9 activity blocks 47 S rRNA processing and stabilizes a 3 extended 47 S primary transcript. Defective 3' processing negatively feeds back on RNAPI transcription. Conclusion: Cdk9 facilitates processing of 47 S rRNA by RNAPII-dependent synthesis of U8 snoRNA. Significance: Cdk9 may be a critical regulator of rRNA processing to harmonize RNAPII transcription activity with a ribosome biogenesis rate. © 2013 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.