Functional divergence of eukaryotic RNA polymerases: Unique properties of RNA polymerase I suit its cellular role

Eukaryotic cells express at least three unique nuclear RNA polymerases. The selective advantage provided by this enhanced complexity is a topic of fundamental interest in cell biology. It has long been known that the gene targets and transcription initiation pathways for RNA polymerases (Pols) I, II and III are distinct; however, recent genetic, biochemical and structural data suggest that even the core enzymes have evolved unique properties. Among the three eukaryotic RNA polymerases, Poll is considered the most divergent Transcription of the ribosomal DNA by Poll is unmatched in its high rate of initiation, complex organization within the nucleolus and functional connection to ribosome assembly. Furthermore, ribosome synthesis is intimately linked to cell growth and proliferation. Thus, there is intense selective pressure on Poll. This review describes key features of Pall transcription, discusses catalytic activities of the enzyme and focuses on recent advances in understanding its unique role among eukaryotic RNA polymerases. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.