New Role For Factor Critical To Transcription Identified By Shilatifard Lab

Main Category: Genetics
Also Included In: Biology / Biochemistry;  Lymphoma / Leukemia
Article Date: 20 Jun 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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The Stowers Institute's Shilatifard Lab has identified a new role for the elongation factor ELL in gene transcription by RNA polymerase II (Pol II) - the enzyme that synthesizes messenger RNA to carry genetic information from DNA to the protein-synthesizing machinery of the cell.

Precise control of the timing and location of transcript elongation by Pol II is essential for development. In a paper published online in the Early Edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science (PNAS), the team found that ELL plays a fundamental role in the regulation of gene expression by causing temporary interruptions of the action of Pol II in the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster).

"Biological mechanisms such as the 'pausing' of Pol II at nearby promoters have been found at many regulated genes," explained Ali Shilatifard, Ph.D., Investigator. "In this study, we wanted to determine whether the elongation factor ELL is required for the regulation of the temporary interruptions of Pol II transcription in a living organism."

"ELL is found in translocation with the MLL gene in childhood leukemia," said Edwin Smith, Ph.D., Research Scientist in the Shilatifard Lab. "We know very little about the role of these factors in the pathogenesis of leukemia and, therefore, understanding the molecular basis of ELL function will be instrumental for future studies aimed at developing targeted therapeutics for the treatment of translocation-based leukemia."

The Shilatifard Lab will continue to work with the reagents developed in this study to learn more about the molecular properties of ELL in the fruit fly in the hope of elucidating the role of ELL in human disease.

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Article adapted by Medical News Today from original press release.
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Additional contributors to the publication include Benjamin Winter, Stowers Institute Research Technician I, and Joel Eissenberg, Ph.D., Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at St. Louis University.

Click here to learn more about Dr. Shilatifard's work.

About the Stowers Institute

Housed in a 600,000 square-foot state-of-the-art facility on a 10-acre campus in the heart of Kansas City, Missouri, the Stowers Institute for Medical Research conducts basic research on fundamental processes of cellular life. Through its commitment to collaborative research and the use of cutting-edge technology, the Institute seeks more effective means of preventing and curing disease. The Institute was founded by Jim and Virginia Stowers, two cancer survivors who have created combined endowments of $2 billion in support of basic research of the highest quality.

Source: Marie Jennings
Stowers Institute for Medical Research