Perspectives on the RNA Polymerase II Core Promoter

Introduction

• The RNA polymerase II core promoter is critical for the initiation of transcription.
• It acts as a gateway to transcription, but its structure and function are complex and varied.

Core Promoter Elements

• Key elements include TATA box, initiator (Inr), polypyrimidine initiator (TCT), TFIIB recognition element (BRE), motif ten element (MTE), and downstream core promoter element (DPE).
• There are no universal core promoter elements; different promoters have different elements.

Functions and Diversity

• Different core promoters are transcribed by different transcription factors.
• Core promoter elements are linked to specific biological networks.
  • Example: TCT motif is associated with ribosomal protein genes in Drosophila and humans.
  • Example: DPE motif is present in nearly all Drosophila Hox genes.

Core Promoter and Gene Regulation

• Core promoter structure affects transcription initiation patterns.
• Stability or lability of transcriptional states is influenced by core promoter elements.
• Chromatin structure organization within the promoter region is crucial.

Biological Networks

• Specific motifs in core promoters are involved in particular biological networks.

Conclusion

• The core promoter plays a significant role in regulating gene activity and is a vital component in transcriptional regulation.

Categories

• Gene Expression and Transcriptional Hierarchies > Regulatory Mechanisms
• Gene Expression and Transcriptional Hierarchies > Gene Networks and Genomics