The Spt4-Spt5 complex: A multi-faceted regulator of transcription elongation

► Spt4-Spt5 is a positive and negative regulator of transcription elongation. ► Spt5/NusG proteins are found in all organisms and are essential for life. ► Spt4-Spt5 links transcription elongation to chromatin remodeling and RNA processing. ► Structural studies are beginning to provide insights into Spt4-Spt5 function.