Dynamics of RNA polymerase II and elongation factor Spt4/5 recruitment during activator-dependent transcription

Significance The synthesis of a eukaryotic messenger RNA molecule involves the association of RNA polymerase and dozens of accessory proteins on DNA. We used differently colored fluorescent dyes to tag DNA, RNA polymerase II, and the elongation factor Spt4/5 in yeast nuclear extract and then observed the assembly and dynamics of individual molecules of the proteins with single DNA molecules by microscopy. The observations quantitatively define an overall pathway by which transcription complexes form and evolve during activator-dependent transcription. They also suggest how Spt4/5 dynamics might promote efficient RNA production.