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Related Concept Videos

Eukaryotic RNA Polymerases00:58

Eukaryotic RNA Polymerases

RNA Polymerase (RNAP) is conserved in all animals, with bacterial, archaeal, and eukaryotic RNAPs sharing significant sequence, structural, and functional similarities. Among the three eukaryotic RNAPs, RNA Polymerase II is most similar to bacterial RNAP in terms of both structural organization and folding topologies of the enzyme subunits. However, these similarities are not reflected in their mechanism of action.
All three eukaryotic RNAPs require specific transcription factors, of which the...
Eukaryotic RNA Polymerases00:58

Eukaryotic RNA Polymerases

RNA Polymerase (RNAP) is conserved in all animals, with bacterial, archaeal, and eukaryotic RNAPs sharing significant sequence, structural, and functional similarities. Among the three eukaryotic RNAPs, RNA Polymerase II is most similar to bacterial RNAP in terms of both structural organization and folding topologies of the enzyme subunits. However, these similarities are not reflected in their mechanism of action.
All three eukaryotic RNAPs require specific transcription factors, of which the...
Transcription Initiation01:47

Transcription Initiation

Initiation is the first step of transcription in eukaryotes. Prokaryotic RNA Polymerase (RNAP) can bind to the template DNA and start transcribing. On the other hand, transcription in eukaryotes requires additional proteins, called transcription factors, to first bind to the promoter region in the DNA template. This binding helps recruit the specific RNAP that can assemble on the DNA and start transcription.
The promoters and enhancers and their accessory proteins allow tight regulation of...
Bacterial RNA Polymerase00:43

Bacterial RNA Polymerase

Unlike eukaryotes, bacteria use a single RNA Polymerase (RNAP) to transcribe all genes. The different subunits of bacterial RNAPhave distinct functions. The multisubunit structure of the bacterial RNAP helps the enzyme to maintain catalytic function, facilitate assembly, interact with DNA and RNA, and self-regulate its activity.
In most genes, the transcription site is a single base present upstream of the coding sequence. Though RNAP is a catalytically efficient enzyme, it does not recognize...
Bacterial RNA Polymerase00:43

Bacterial RNA Polymerase

Unlike eukaryotes, bacteria use a single RNA Polymerase (RNAP) to transcribe all genes. The different subunits of bacterial RNAPhave distinct functions. The multisubunit structure of the bacterial RNAP helps the enzyme to maintain catalytic function, facilitate assembly, interact with DNA and RNA, and self-regulate its activity.
In most genes, the transcription site is a single base present upstream of the coding sequence. Though RNAP is a catalytically efficient enzyme, it does not recognize...
The Replisome03:01

The Replisome

DNA replication is carried out by a large complex of proteins that act in a coordinated matter to achieve high-fidelity DNA replication. Together this complex is known as the DNA replication machinery or the replisome.
The synthesis of the leading and lagging strands is a highly coordinated process. To explain this, the “Trombone model” was proposed by Bruce Alberts in 1980. The DNA loop formation starts when a primer is synthesized on the parent lagging strand. The loop grows with the...

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Artificial RNA Polymerase II Elongation Complexes for Dissecting Co-transcriptional RNA Processing Events
10:59

Artificial RNA Polymerase II Elongation Complexes for Dissecting Co-transcriptional RNA Processing Events

Published on: May 13, 2019

Structure-function relationships among RNA-dependent RNA polymerases.

Kenneth K S Ng1, Jamie J Arnold, Craig E Cameron

  • 1Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada. ngk@ucalgary.ca

Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology
|February 14, 2008
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RdRPs) are crucial for viral replication and gene regulation. Reviewing viral RdRP data provides a foundation for understanding essential cellular RNA-dependent RNA polymerases.

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Published on: May 13, 2019

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Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Virology
  • Epigenetics

Background:

  • RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RdRPs) are vital enzymes involved in viral RNA synthesis and cellular gene expression.
  • Understanding RdRPs is crucial for both antiviral strategies and deciphering gene regulatory networks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review existing data on viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RdRPs).
  • To establish a structural and mechanistic framework for studying cellular RdRPs based on viral counterparts.

Main Methods:

  • Crystallographic analysis of viral RdRPs.
  • Biochemical assays to study enzyme activity and substrate binding.
  • Molecular genetic studies to elucidate RdRP functions.

Main Results:

  • Detailed insights into substrate/cofactor binding, nucleotide selection, and catalysis in viral RdRPs.
  • Established structural and mechanistic principles of viral RdRPs.

Conclusions:

  • Viral RdRP studies provide a foundational framework for investigating understudied cellular RdRPs.
  • Understanding viral RdRPs is key to unlocking the functions of cellular RdRPs in gene regulation.