Intrinsic Translocation Barrier as an Initial Step in Pausing by RNA Polymerase II

Pausing of RNA polymerase II (RNAP II) by backtracking on DNA is a major regulatory mechanism in control of eukaryotic transcription. Backtracking occurs by extrusion of the 3′ end of the RNA from the active center after bond formation and before translocation of RNAP II on DNA. In several documented cases, backtracking requires a special signal such as A/T-rich sequences forming an unstable RNA–DNA hybrid in the elongation complex. However, other sequence-dependent backtracking signals and conformations of RNAP II leading to backtracking remain unknown. Here, we demonstrate with S. cerevisiae RNAP II that a cleavage-deficient elongation factor TFIIS (TFIISAA) enhances backtracked pauses during regular transcription. This is due to increased efficiency of formation of an intermediate that leads to backtracking. This intermediate may involve misalignment at the 3′ end of the nascent RNA in the active center of the yeast RNAP II, and TFIISAA promotes formation of this intermediate at the DNA sequences, presenting a high-energy barrier to translocation. We proposed a three-step mechanism for RNAP II pausing in which a prolonged dwell time in the pre-translocated state increases the likelihood of the 3′ RNA end misalignment facilitating a backtrack pausing. These results demonstrate an important role of the intrinsic blocks to forward translocation in pausing by RNAP II.

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► Backtracking on DNA is a major mechanism for pausing of RNAP II.
► Backtracking occurs at DNA sequences with high translocation barrier to RNAP II.
► TFIISAA induces pauses by promoting formation of the pre-backtracking intermediate.
► The intermediate is likely due to fraying of the 3′ RNA end from DNA template.