Molecular Architecture of the S. cerevisiae SAGA Complex Wu PY, Ruhlmann C, Winston F, and Schultz P Molecular Cell 15:199-208

 

2004-07-15

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The Saccharomyces cerevisiae SAGA complex is a multifunctional coactivator that regulates transcription by RNA polymerase II. The 3D structure of SAGA, revealed by electron microscopy, is formed by five modular domains and shows a high degree of structural conservation to human TFTC, reflecting their related subunit composition. The positions of several SAGA subunits were mapped by immunolabeling and by analysis of mutant complexes. The Taf (TBP-associated factor) subunits, shared with TFIID, occupy a central region in SAGA and form a similar structure in both complexes. The locations of two histone fold-containing core subunits, Spt7 and Ada1, are consistent with their role in providing a SAGA-specific interface with the Tafs. Three components that perform distinct regulatory functions, Spt3, Gcn5, and Tra1, are spatially separated, underscoring the modular nature of the complex. Our data provide insights into the molecular architecture of SAGA and imply a functional organization to the complex.


Analysis of Spt7 Function in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae SAGA Coactivator Complex Wu PY and Winson F Molecular and Cellular Biology 22:5367-6379

 

2002-08-15

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The Saccharomyces cerevisiae SAGA complex is required for the normal transcription of a large number of genes. Complex integrity depends on three core subunits, Spt7, Spt20, and Ada1. We have investigated the role of Spt7 in the assembly and function of SAGA. Our results show that Spt7 is important in controlling the levels of the other core subunits and therefore of SAGA. In addition, partial SAGA complexes containing Spt7 can be assembled in the absence of both Spt20 and Ada1. Through biochemical and genetic analyses of a series of spt7 deletion mutants, we have identified a region of Spt7 required for interaction with the SAGA component Spt8. An adjacent Spt7 domain was found to be required for a processed form of Spt7 that is present in a previously identified altered form of SAGA called SLIK, SAGAalt, or SALSA. Analysis of an spt7 mutant with greatly reduced levels of SLIK/SAGAalt/SALSA suggests a subtle role for this complex in transcription that may be redundant with a subset of SAGA functions.