CHAPTER 4: RNA Polymerase-associated Transcription Elongation Factors

DNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RNAP)transcribes genes through three major stages: initiation, elongation, and termination. Transcription elongation factors associate with the RNA polymerase during the elongation stage, and are implicated in processive transcription, transcription regulation, and interplay with other elements including chromatin. In this chapter, eukaryotic elongation factors, elongation factor 1 (Elf1), suppressor of Ty 4–5 (Spt4–5), suppressor of Ty 6 (Spt6), RNAP II-associated factor (PAF), and negative transcription elongation factor (NELF), are outlined, together with their structures and roles in transcription and its regulation.