Recent work has shown that RNA polymerase (Pol) II can be recruited to and transcribe distal regulatory regions. Here we analyzed transcription initiation and elongation through genome-wide localization of Pol II, general transcription factors (GTFs) and active chromatin in developing T cells. We show that Pol II and GTFs are recruited to known T cell-specific enhancers. We extend this observation to many new putative enhancers, a majority of which can be transcribed with or without polyadenylation. Importantly, we also identify genomic features called transcriptional initiation platforms (TIPs) that are characterized by large areas of Pol II and GTF recruitment at promoters, intergenic and intragenic regions. TIPs show variable widths (0.4-10 kb) and correlate with high CpG content and increased tissue specificity at promoters. Finally, we also report differential recruitment of TFIID and other GTFs at promoters and enhancers. Overall, we propose that TIPs represent important new regulatory hallmarks of the genome.
Transcription initiation platforms and GTF recruitment at tissue-specific enhancers and promoters
Koch, F.; Fenouil, R.; Gut, M.; Cauchy, P.; Albert, T. K.; Zacarias-Cabeza, J.; Spicuglia, S.; de la Chapelle, A. L.; Heidemann, M.; Hintermair, C.; Eick, D.; Gut, I.; Ferrier, P.; Andrau, J. C.
2011
Nat Struct Mol Biol
2011-08 / vol 18 / pages 956-63
Abstract
10.1038/nsmb.2085
1545-9985 (Electronic) 1545-9985 (Linking)
IGMM team(s) involved in this publication
Jean-Christophe Andrau
Transcription and Epigenomics in developing T cells
Tags
Animals; Mice; CpG Islands; *Enhancer Elements, Genetic; *Promoter Regions, Genetic; *Transcription Initiation Site; DNA/*chemistry; Polyadenylation; RNA Polymerase II/chemistry/*physiology; Transcription Factors, General/chemistry/*metabolism/physiology