Subunits of yeast RNA polymerases: structure and function

Abstract

Following isolation of the genes encoding the putative subunits or RNA polymerase in both budding and fission yeasts, combined biochemical and genetic studies, together with a structural approach applicable to large assemblies, have begun to reveal the protein—protein interactions not only between RNA polymerase subunits but also between the RNA polymerase and transcription factors. These protein—protein interactions ultimately lead to control of the activity and specificity of the RNA polymerases.