RNA polymerase II CTD is dispensable for transcription and required for termination in human cells

Abstract

The largest subunit of RNA polymerase (Pol) II harbors an evolutionarily conserved C‐terminal domain (CTD), composed of heptapeptide repeats, central to the transcriptional process. Here, we analyze the transcriptional phenotypes of a CTD‐Δ5 mutant that carries a large CTD truncation in human cells. Our data show that this mutant can transcribe genes in living cells but displays a pervasive phenotype with impaired termination, similar to but more severe than previously characterized mutations of CTD tyrosine residues. The CTD‐Δ5 mutant does not interact with the Mediator and Integrator complexes involved in the activation of transcription and processing of RNAs. Examination of long‐distance interactions and CTCF‐binding patterns in CTD‐Δ5 mutant cells reveals no changes in TAD domains or borders. Our data demonstrate that the CTD is largely dispensable for the act of transcription in living cells. We propose a model in which CTD‐depleted Pol II has a lower entry rate onto DNA but becomes pervasive once engaged in transcription, resulting in a defect in termination. image RNA polymerase II is essential for gene expression. This study shows that its Carboxy‐Terminal Domain plays a previously unappreciated role in the control of transcription termination and is dispensable for transcription in human cells. RNA polymerase II Carboxy‐Terminal Domain (CTD) is dispensable for transcription. Transcription without CTD displays a termination defect at both 5′ and 3′ ends of the genes. RNA polymerase II without CTD interacts less with Mediator and Integrator complexes.