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Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Artificial RNA Polymerase II Elongation Complexes for Dissecting Co-transcriptional RNA Processing Events
Published on: May 13, 2019
Novel synthetic molecules targeting the bacterial RNA polymerase assembly
Estelle André1, Lionel Bastide, Sylvie Michaux-Charachon
1CPBS CNRS UMR 5160, Faculté de Pharmacie 15 Avenue Charles Flahault, BP 14491, 34093 Montpellier Cedex 5, France.
Objectives:
Despite extensive functional screening of the bacterial RNA polymerase (RNAP) over the past years, very few novel inhibitors have been reported. We have, therefore, decided to screen with a radically different, non-enzymic, protein-protein interaction assay. Our target is the highly conserved RNAP-sigma interaction that is essential for transcription.
Methods:
Small molecule inhibitors of the RNAP-sigma interaction were tested for their activity on transcription and on bacteria.
Results:
These compounds have antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria including multiresistant clinical isolates.
Conclusions:
This is, to our knowledge, the first example of a small molecule inhibitor of this interaction.
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