Snapshots of RNA polymerase III in action – A mini review

• Published in: Gene Vol. 821; p. 146282
• Main Authors: Wang, Qianmin, Daiß, Julia L., Xu, Youwei, Engel, Christoph
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 05.05.2022
• Subjects: Cryoelectron Microscopy; Models, Molecular; Multiprotein Complexes - chemistry; Promoter Regions, Genetic; Protein Conformation; RNA Polymerase III - chemistry; RNA Polymerase III - metabolism; Transcription Factors - chemistry; Transcription Factors - metabolism; RPA; HL; RPC; RPB; TCS; RPAC; mRNA; snRNA; WHD; VZV; EMSA; cryo-EM; PSE; TBP; tRNA; rRNA; Pol; RPABC; SNAPc; τ (tau); NMR; TF; TSS; ICR; HPD; dsDNA
• ISSN: 0378-1119; 1879-0038
• DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146282

•Mechanic insights gained from recently published high-resolution structures of human RNA polymerase III are reviewed.•The current state of biochemical and structural characterization of RNA polymerase III transcription factors is summarized.•Perspectives, open questions and research directions in Pol III research are discussed. RNA polymerase (Pol) III is responsible for the transcription of tRNAs, 5S rRNA, U6 snRNA, and other non-coding RNAs. Transcription factors such as TFIIIA, -B, -C, SNAPc, and Maf1 are required for promoter recognition, promoter opening, and Pol III activity regulation. Recent developments in cryo-electron microscopy and advanced purification approaches for endogenous multi-subunit complexes accelerated structural studies resulting in detailed structural insights which allowed an in-depth understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying Pol III transcription. Here, we summarize structural data on Pol III and its regulating factors providing a three-dimensional framework to guide further analysis of RNA polymerase III.