High-affinity DNA binding by a Mot1p-TBP complex: implications for TAF-independent transcription.

Yeast Mot1p, an abundant conserved member of the Snf2p-ATPase family of proteins, both dissociates TBP from DNA in vitro using the energy of ATP and represses gene transcription in vivo, yet paradoxically, loss of Mot1p function also leads to decreased transcription of certain genes. We conducted experiments utilizing fluorescently labeled DNA, TBP, fluorescence anisotropy spectroscopy and native gel electrophoresis to study Mot1p action. We have made a number of observations, the most intriguing being that a stable Mot1p-TBP complex has the ability to bind TATA DNA with high affinity, albeit with dramatically altered specificity.

Clinical and molecular features of small cell lung cancer.

Small cell lung cancer is a common malignancy found in smokers. It has a poor long-term prognosis despite initial sensitivity to chemotherapy and radiation. The clinical features of small cell lung cancer are unique among lung cancers and other neuroendocrine tumors.