The composition of the Arabidopsis RNA Polymerase II Transcript Elongation Complex reveals the interplay between elongation and mRNA processing factors

Gene expression is regulated at multiple levels such as genome, transcription, RNA processing and nuclear export, translation, and post-translation. Functional mRNA levels are regulated at transcription stage where RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) controls initiation and elongation of mRNA. In particular, the C-terminal domain of RNAPII defines the elongation phase along with Transcript Elongation Factors (TEFs). Using Reciprocal Tagging approach, Antosz et al identified TEFs in Arabidopsis RNAPII elongation complex. They also studied epistatic interaction between the TEF genes and their effects on plant growth and development. In addition, they co-purified several splicing proteins with TEF-RNAPII complex suggesting interplay between mRNA elongation and processing at the same time. (Summary by Nidhi Sharma) Plant Cell 10.​1105/​tpc.​16.​00735