
The transcription factor Sfp1 regulates both the synthesis and cytoplasmic decay of a specific set of mRNAs by binding to them co-transcriptionally, thereby imprinting their fate.


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To function effectively as an integrated system, the transcriptional and post-transcriptional machineries must communicate through mechanisms that are still poorly understood. Here we focus on Sfp1, known to regulate transcription of proliferation-related genes. We show that Sfp1 can regulate transcription either by binding to promoters, like most known transcription activators, or by binding to the transcribed regions (gene bodies), probably via RNA polymerase II (Pol II). We further studied the first mode of Sfp1 activity and found that, following promoter binding, Sfp1 binds to gene bodies and affects Pol II configuration, manifested by dissociation or conformational change of its Rpb4 subunit and increased backtracking. Surprisingly, Sfp1 binds to a subset of mRNAs co-transcriptionally and stabilizes them. The interaction between Sfp1 and its client mRNAs is controlled by their respective promoters and coincides with Sfp1’s dissociation from chromatin. Intriguingly, Sfp1 dissociation from the chromatin correlates with the extent of the backtracked Pol II. We propose that, following promoter recruitment, Sfp1 accompanies Pol II and regulates backtracking. The backtracked Pol II is more compatible with Sfp1’s relocation to the nascent transcripts, whereupon Sfp1 accompanies these mRNAs to the cytoplasm and regulates their stability. Thus, Sfp1’s co-transcriptional binding imprints the mRNA fate, serving as a paradigm for the cross-talk between the synthesis and decay of specific mRNAs. The interplay between Sfp1’s two modes of transcription regulation remains to be examined.

### Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

The transcription factor Sfp1 imprints specific classes of mRNAs and links their synthesis to cytoplasmic decay

transcription-factor-sfp1-regulates-mrna-synthesis-and-decay-by-binding-to-specific-transcripts


Transcription Factor Sfp1 Regulates mRNA Synthesis and Decay by Binding to Specific Transcripts
