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.