Transcription in Yeast: Separation and Properties of Multiple RNA Polymerases

Abstract

Four peaks of DNA-directed RNA polymerase activity are resolved by salt gradient elution of a sonicated yeast cell extract on DEAE-Sephadex. The enzymes, which are named IA, IB, II, and III in order of elution, all appear to come from cell nuclei. Only enzyme II is sensitive to alpha-amanitin. All enzymes are more active with Mn(++) than with Mg(++) as divalent ion. Enzymes IB and II have salt optima in the range 0.05-0.10 M (NH(4))(2)SO(4), whereas enzyme III is maximally active at 0.20-0.25 M (NH(4))(2)SO(4). With optimal salt concentration and saturating DNA, the template preference ratio, activity on native calfthymus DNA divided by activity on denatured calf-thymus DNA, is 2.2 for IB, 0.4 for II, and 3.5 for III. None of the yeast polymerases was inhibited by rifamycin SV. Rifamycin AF/013 effectively inhibited polymerases IB, II, and III.