RNA polymerase II phosphorylation and gene expression regulation

RNA polymerases (RNAPs) are among the most important cellular enzymes. They are present in all living organisms from Bacteria and Archaea to Eukarya and are responsible for DNA-dependent transcription. Although in Bacteria and Archaea there is only one RNAP, Eukarya possess up to three RNAPs in animals (I, II and III) and five in plants (IV and V). All of the RNAPs are evolutionarily related and have common structural and functional properties.This work was supported by a grant from the Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (BFU 2009-07179) to OC. AG was supported by a fellowship from the Junta de Castilla y León. The IBFG acknowledges support from “Ramón Areces Foundation”.Peer reviewe