Cryo-EM structures of human RNA polymerase III in its unbound and transcribing states

RNA polymerase III (Pol III) synthesises tRNAs and other short, essential RNAs. Human Pol III misregulation is linked to tumour transformation, neurodegenerative and developmental disorders, and increased sensitivity to viral infections. Here, we present cryo-EM structures at 2.8 to 3.3 Å resolution of transcribing and unbound human Pol III. We observe insertion of the TFIIS-like subunit RPC10 into the polymerase funnel, providing insights into how RPC10 triggers transcription termination. Our structures resolve elements absent from S. cerevisiae Pol III such as the winged-helix domains of RPC5 and an iron-sulphur cluster, which tethers the heterotrimer subcomplex to the core. The cancer-associated RPC7α isoform binds the polymerase clamp, potentially interfering with Pol III inhibition by tumour suppressor MAF1, which may explain why overexpressed RPC7α enhances tumour transformation. Finally, the human Pol III structure allows mapping of disease-related mutations and might contribute to developing inhibitors that selectively target Pol III for therapeutic interventions.