Spt6 directly interacts with Cdc73 and is required for Paf1 complex occupancy at active genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

The Paf1 complex (Paf1C) is a conserved transcription elongation factor that regulates transcription elongation efficiency, facilitates co-transcriptional histone modifications, and impacts molecular processes linked to RNA synthesis, such as polyA site selection. Coupling of the activities of Paf1C to transcription elongation requires its association with RNA polymerase II (Pol II). Mutational studies in yeast identified Paf1C subunits Cdc73 and Rtf1 as important mediators of Paf1C association with Pol II on active genes. While the interaction between Rtf1 and the general elongation factor Spt5 is relatively well-understood, the interactions involving Cdc73 have not been fully elucidated. Using a site-specific protein cross-linking strategy in yeast cells, we identified direct interactions between Cdc73 and two components of the Pol II elongation complex, the elongation factor Spt6 and the largest subunit of Pol II. Both of these interactions require the tandem SH2 domain of Spt6. We also show that Cdc73 and Spt6 can interact in vitro and that rapid depletion of Spt6 dissociates Paf1 from chromatin, altering patterns of Paf1C-dependent histone modifications genome-wide. These results reveal interactions between Cdc73 and the Pol II elongation complex and identify Spt6 as a key factor contributing to the occupancy of Paf1C at active genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Ecological momentary assessment of outcomes in allergic rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis: A review.

BACKGROUND: Allergic rhinitis (AR) and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) rely on patient-reported symptoms and quality-of-life measures, which are subject to bias. Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) captures data in real time through repeated short surveys, thus reducing errors/biases. EMA's use in sinonasal conditions has not been well described, and the goal of this study was to examine the literature on EMA and AR/CRS.  METHODS: A literature review was performed using the following search terms: AR, CRS, and EMA. Inclusion criteria were the use of EMA reporting of sinonasal symptoms at more than one time point. Systematic reviews and non-full text articles were excluded. Population demographics, sinonasal disease, type of EMA platform used, type and severity of symptoms reported, medication use and symptom correlation with location/pollen/pollution were collected. RESULTS: Eight studies met the inclusion criteria, and all focused on AR. All studies were conducted outside the United States in both children and adults. Seven studies used a smartphone application for reporting symptoms, and one used WeChat surveys. EMA data collection varied, with repetitive survey intervals determined either by patients (n = 6) or research team (n = 2). All studies reported sinonasal severity scores, while six reported additional symptoms (e.g., ocular, pulmonary, sleep, general health). Five collected self-reported allergy medication use. Seven studies correlated symptoms with location, pollen, or pollution. CONCLUSIONS: Few studies in AR and no studies in CRS assessed the use of EMA. EMA may provide a better understanding of the real-time relationship of environmental triggers with symptoms, in turn guiding treatment decisions.