The SAGA coactivator complex recruits TBP (TATA-binding protein) to the promoter, and this recruitment is critical for gene activation at many promoters. However, the SAGA subunit(s) required for this recruitment and the precise mechanism for recruiting TBP to the promoter has been unclear.

We are therefore investigating how SAGA binds TBP and directs it to promoter DNA using highly purified SAGA purified from yeast as well as recombinant SAGA subunits and TBP.

References:

Sermwittayawong, D. and Tan, S. (2006) SAGA binds TBP via its Spt8 subunit in competition with DNA, implications for TBP recruitment, EMBO Journal, 25:3791-3800. (abstract)