PAF1 complex component Leo1 helps recruit Drosophila Myc to promoters

Abstract

The Myc oncogene is a transcription factor with a powerful grip on cellular growth and proliferation. The physical interaction of Myc with the E-box DNA motif has been extensively characterized, but it is less clear whether this sequence-specific interaction is sufficient for Myc’s binding to its transcriptional targets. Here we identify the PAF1 complex, and specifically its component Leo1, as a factor that helps recruit Myc to target genes. Since the PAF1 complex is typically associated with active genes, this interaction with Leo1 contributes to Myc targeting to open promoters.