Structural basis for P-TEFb association with BRD4

Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) dynamically regulate RNA Polymerase (Pol) II during each stage of transcription. Phosphorylation of RNA Pol II and associated transcription factors by CDKs enables stage-specific exchange of factors. CDK9 and a cyclin partner (CYCT1, T2 or K) comprise the Positive Transcription Elongation Factor-b (P-TEFb) complex, which is responsible for releasing RNA Pol II from promoter proximal pausing into processive elongation. P-TEFb activity is stimulated by bromodomain-containing Protein 4 (BRD4); however, the structural basis for BRD4 association with P-TEFb has remained unclear. Using cryogenic-electron microscopy, AlphaFold modeling, and biochemical probing, we show that the P-TEFb interacting domain of BRD4 (BRD4-PID) interacts with P-TEFb via the C-lobe of CDK9 and the second cyclin domain of CYCT1. The BRD4 binding surface on CDK9 is also used by super elongation complex component AFF4. Our analysis indicates that BRD4 may stimulate P-TEFb activity by remodeling the kinase C helix relative to previous structures. Finally, P-TEFb activity is restricted when bound to the 7SK RNP complex. We show that in addition to BRD4-PID, the AFF4 N-terminus can release P-TEFb from the 7SK RNP complex. Together, these findings define how P-TEFb activity is regulated by its incorporation into distinct complexes.