TRANSCRIPTION ELONGATION-FACTOR SII (TCEA) MAPS TO HUMAN-CHROMOSOME 3P22-]P21.3

Transcription elongation factors assist RNA polymerase II through tran scriptional blockages. The human transcriptional elongation factor SII or Trascription Elongation Factor A (TCEA) releases RNA polymerase II from transcriptional arrest and is encoded by a 2.5-kb intronless gen e. Using PCR primers, verified by RT-PCR to amplify the authentic, tra nscriptionally active SII gene, this locus was mapped to human chromos ome 3 by examination of a human/rodent somatic cell hybrid panel. PCR analysis of somatic cell hybrids with chromosome 3 translocations and FISH studies utilizing a human YAC clone containing the SII gene furth er refine the map position of this locus to human chromosome 3p22 --> p21.3. Since another elongation factor, SIII, has been implicated in h uman carcinogenesis and since the interval within which the human SII gene maps is frequently deleted in certain cancers, elongation factor SII may therefore be considered a candidate gene for human malignancie s involving 3p22 --> p21.3. (C) 1996 Academic Press, Inc.