SPT4 — Saccharomyces cerevisiae S288c

Summary

YGR063C, also known as SPT4 on chromosome VII of Saccharomyces cerevisiae S288c, encodes a zinc-binding protein that belongs to the Spt4/RpoE2 zinc finger family and is a component of the DSIF complex, as observed in related genes in other species. The protein binds RNA polymerase II core, single-stranded RNA, and rDNA, and is associated with transcription elongation from both Pol I and Pol II promoters, including positive and negative regulation of Pol I elongation. SPT4 is linked to mRNA capping, processing, and transcriptional readthrough, as well as transcription-coupled nucleotide-excision repair and cellular senescence. It has been connected to the regulation of autophagy and mitophagy. Phenotypic associations include increased replicative lifespan, increased oxidative stress resistance, decreased chronological lifespan, decreased sporulation, increased cell size, and altered stress resistance, acid sensitivity, and carbon source utilization. The protein localizes to rDNA and mating-type region heterochromatin, centromeres, and kinetochores.