METHODS FOR STUDYING THE BIOCHEMICAL-PROPERTIES OF AN INR ELEMENT-BINDING PROTEIN - TFII-I

Transcription initiation in eukaryotic mRNA coding genes is brought ab out by a host of general transcription factors, which assemble into a functional preinitiation complex (PIC) at the core promoter region, an d gene-specific factors, which exert their effects on the rate and/or stability of the PIC. The core promoter region consists of a well-char acterized TATA box and/or a less well-characterized pyrimidine-rich in itiator element (Inr). While the biochemical mechanisms of TATA-mediat ed transcription initiation are extensively studied and known to be di rected by the TATA binding protein, the mechanisms via the Inr element are poorly understood, as several factors have been shown to bind to an Inr. Here, we describe the biochemical properties of an Inr binding protein, TFII-I, employing the naturally occurring TATA-less but Inr- containing promoter derived from the T-cell receptor beta chain gene ( V beta). (C) 1997 Academic Press.