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Same same but different: The evolution of TBP in archaea and their eukaryotic offspring
Fabian Blombach1, Dina Grohmann2
1a RNAP Laboratory , University College London, Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Division of Biosciences , London , UK.
Transcription
|March 25, 2017
Summary
This study explores the distinct molecular binding mechanisms of archaeal and eukaryotic transcription factors TBP and TF(II)B. We propose how these mechanisms evolved alongside transcription regulation and TBP diversity.
Area of Science:
- Molecular biology
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
Background:
- Transcription initiation involves the assembly of transcription factors, including TATA-binding protein (TBP) and Transcription Factor II B (TF(II)B), with RNA polymerase at promoter DNA.
- While TBP and TF(II)B are highly conserved across archaea and eukaryotes, their molecular binding mechanisms exhibit significant differences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the divergent molecular binding mechanisms of archaeal and eukaryotic TBP and TF(II)B.
- To speculate on the co-evolution of these mechanisms with transcription regulation and TBP multiplicity based on biophysical data.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of recent biophysical data on TBP and TF(II)B binding.
- Comparative analysis of archaeal and eukaryotic transcription initiation complexes.
Main Results:
- Significant differences identified in the molecular binding mechanisms of archaeal versus eukaryotic TBP and TF(II)B.
- Biophysical data suggests distinct interaction modes at the promoter DNA.
Conclusions:
- The evolution of transcription regulation and TBP multiplicity is linked to the divergence of TBP and TF(II)B binding mechanisms.
- Understanding these differences provides insights into the regulation of gene expression across different domains of life.
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