CDK7 kinase activity promotes RNA polymerase II promoter escape by facilitating initiation factor release

Cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7), part of general transcription factor TFIIH, promotes gene transcription by phosphorylating the C-terminal domain of RNA polymerase II (Pol II). Here, we combine rapid CDK7 kinase inhibition with multi-omics analysis to unravel the direct functions of CDK7 in human cells. CDK7 inhibition causes Pol II retention at promoters, leading to decreased Pol II initiation and immediate global downregulation of transcript synthesis. Elongation, termination, and recruitment of co-transcriptional factors are not directly affected. Although Pol II, initiation factors, and Mediator accumulate at promoters, Pol II complexes can also proceed into gene bodies without promoter-proximal pausing while retaining initiation factors and Mediator. Further downstream, Pol II phosphorylation increases, initiation factors and Mediator are released, allowing recruitment of elongation factors and increase in Pol II elongation velocity. Collectively, CDK7 kinase activity promotes the release of initiation factors and Mediator from Pol II, facilitating Pol II escape from the promoter.