Structure and function of IWS1 in transcription elongation

Transcription elongation by RNA polymerase II is a tightly regulated process that requires coordinated interactions between transcription elongation factors. IWS1 (Interacts with SPT6) has been implicated as a core elongation factor, but its molecular role remains unclear. We show that the intrinsically disordered C-terminal region of IWS1 contains short linear motifs (SLiMs) that multivalently engage the elongation machinery. Using cryo-electron microscopy, we map SLiMs in IWS1 that interact with Pol II subunits RPB1, RPB2, and RPB5, as well as elongation factors DSIF, SPT6, and ELOF1. Functional assays demonstrate that distinct IWS1 SLiMs specify IWS1 recruitment and IWS1-dependent transcription stimulation. IWS1 recruitment to the transcription elongation complex depends on association via the RPB1 jaw and binding of downstream DNA. Transcription elongation stimulation requires interactions with the RPB2 lobe and ELOF1. We identify other transcription elongation factors including ELOA and RECQL5 that bind the RPB1 jaw and demonstrate that IWS1 protects the activated transcription elongation complex from RECQL5 inhibition. We also reveal the binding of the histone reader and IWS1 interactor LEDGF to a transcribed downstream nucleosome. Our findings establish IWS1 as a modular scaffold that helps organize the transcription elongation complex, illustrating how disordered regions regulate transcription elongation.When genes are copied into RNA, the enzyme RNA Pol II relies on accessory proteins called transcription elongation factors. The transcription elongation factor IWS1 has long been linked to this process, but its molecular role and mode of interaction with the transcription machinery were unclear. Using cryo-electron microscopy, the authors show that the IWS1 C-terminus contains short sequence motifs that individually contact multiple components of the elongation machinery, forming an extensive interaction network that controls IWS1 recruitment and transcription stimulation. Additionally, IWS1 competes with the helicase RECQL5 for the same binding site on the polymerase. These findings establish IWS1 as a modular scaffold that stabilizes the elongation complex and contributes to transcription elongation.