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Nature Cell Biology 6, 1165–1172 (1 December 2004) | doi:10.1038/ncb1190

Nuclear actin and myosin I are required for RNA polymerase I transcription

Vlada V. Philimonenko , Jian Zhao , Sebastian Iben , Hana Dingov|[aacute]| , Katar|[iacute]|na Kysel|[aacute]| , Michal Kahle , Hanswalter Zentgraf , Wilma A. Hofmann , Primal de Lanerolle , Pavel Hoz|[aacute]|k & Ingrid Grummt

The presence of actin and nuclear myosin I (NMI) in the nucleus suggests a role for these motor proteins in nuclear functions. We have investigated the role of actin and nuclear myosin I (NMI) in the transcription of ribosomal RNA genes (rDNA). Both proteins are associated with rDNA and are required for RNA polymerase I (Pol I) transcription. Microinjection of antibodies against actin or NMI, as well as short interfering RNA-mediated depletion of NMI, decreased Pol I transcription in vivo, whereas overexpression of NMI augmented pre-rRNA synthesis. In vitro, recombinant NMI activated Pol I transcription, and antibodies to NMI or actin inhibited Pol I transcription both on naked DNA and pre-assembled chromatin templates. Whereas actin associated with Pol I, NMI bound to Pol I through the transcription-initiation factor TIF-IA. The association with Pol I requires phosphorylation of TIF-IA at Ser 649 by RSK kinase, indicating a role for NMI in the growth-dependent regulation of rRNA synthesis.