Structural insights into distinct mechanisms of RNA polymerase II and III recruitment to snRNA promoters

RNA polymerase III (Pol III) is specialized in the transcription of short, essential RNAs, including the U6 small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs). At U6 snRNA genes, Pol III is recruited by the snRNA Activating Protein Complex (SNAPc) forming, together with a Brf2-containing TFIIIB complex, a transcriptionally competent pre-initiation complex (PIC). Additionally, SNAPc is responsible for the recruitment of Pol II at the remaining snRNAs genes (U1, 2, 4 and 5), representing a unique example of a multi subunit transcription factor shared among different RNA Polymerases. The mechanism of SNAPc cross-polymerase engagement and the role of the SNAPC2 and SNAPC5 subunits in transcription remain poorly defined. Here, we present cryo-EM structures of the full-length SNAPc-containing Pol III PIC assembled on the U6 snRNA promoter in the open and melting states at 3.2-4.2 angstrom resolution. Comparative structural analysis revealed unexpected differences with the yeast PIC and revealed the molecular basis of selective and structurally distinct SNAPc engagement within Pol III and Pol II PICs. Harnessing crosslinking mass spectrometry, we also localize the SNAPC2 and SNAPC5 subunits in proximity to the bound promoter DNA, expanding upon existing descriptions of snRNA Pol III PIC structure.