Mechanisms of Transcription Elongation Factor DSIF (Spt4-Spt5)

The transcription elongation factor Spt5 is conserved from bacteria to humans. In eukaryotes, Spt5 forms a complex with Spt4 and regulates processive transcription elongation. Recent studies on transcription elongation suggest different mechanistic roles in yeast versus mammals. Higher eukaryotes utilize Spt4-Spt5 (DSIF) to regulate promoter-proximal pausing, a transcription-regulatory mechanism that connects initiation to productive elongation. DSIF is a versatile transcription factor and has been implicated in both gene-specific regulation and transcription through nucleosomes. Future studies will further elucidate the role of DSIF in transcriptional dynamics and disentangle its inhibitory and enhancing activities in transcription. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Spt5, a conserved transcription elongation factor, forms a complex with Spt4 in eukaryotes and regulates transcription elongation. DSIF, a versatile transcription factor, is involved in regulating promoter-proximal pausing and gene-specific transcription regulation. Further studies are needed to elucidate the role of DSIF in transcription dynamics and its inhibitory and enhancing activities.