The homologous C-terminal zinc ribbon domains of subunits A12.2, Rpb9, and C11 in RNA Polymerases (Pol) I, II, and III, respectively are required for intrinsic transcript cleavage. TFS is a related archaeal protein that is involved in RNA cleavage by archaeal polymerase. These proteins have two zinc-binding beta-ribbon domains, N-terminal zinc ribbon (N-ribbon) and C-terminal zinc ribbon (C-ribbon). Transcription Factor IIS (TFIIS) domain III is homologous to the C-ribbon domain that stimulates the weak cleavage activity of Rpb9 for Pol II.
Comment:The zinc ribbon is the most conserved part of RPB9, RPC11, RPA12 subunits of RNA polymerases and it is homologous to TFIIS domain III and the C-terminal zinc ribbon domain of archaeal Transcription Factor S. Three antiparallel b-sheets are stabilized by a tetrad of cysteines that chelate zinc