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Related Concept Videos

Bacterial Transcription01:53

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RNA polymerase (RNAP) carries out DNA-dependent RNA synthesis in both bacteria and eukaryotes. Bacteria do not have a membrane-bound nucleus. So, transcription and translation occur simultaneously, on the same DNA template.
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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.
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Transcription Initiation01:47

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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.
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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.
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Stepwise Promoter Melting by Bacterial RNA Polymerase.

James Chen1, Courtney Chiu1, Saumya Gopalkrishnan2

  • 1Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA.

Molecular Cell
|March 12, 2020
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Researchers visualized key steps in transcription initiation, revealing the structures of intermediate complexes. This provides a structural basis for understanding how RNA polymerase forms the open promoter complex, a crucial gene expression checkpoint.

Keywords:
Conformational changeCryoelectron microscopyDNAOpen promoter complex formationPromoter DNARNA polymeraseTraRTranscription initiation

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Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Structural Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Transcription initiation is a critical gene expression checkpoint.
  • Formation of the open promoter complex (RPo) by RNA polymerase (RNAP) involves DNA unwinding and loading.
  • The structures of transient intermediates in RPo formation are largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To visualize the structural intermediates during the formation of the open promoter complex (RPo).
  • To define the conformational changes of RNAP and promoter DNA during RPo formation.
  • To understand the role of transient promoter-RNAP interactions in RPo formation.

Main Methods:

  • Single-particle cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) was used to determine structures.
  • Biochemical data were used to support structural findings.

Main Results:

  • Seven intermediates of Escherichia coli RNAP with transcription factor TraR were visualized.
  • Structures captured the pathway from closed complex to RPo.
  • Previously undetected transient promoter-RNAP interactions were identified.

Conclusions:

  • The study provides the first structural view of RPo formation intermediates.
  • Defines conformational changes and transient interactions critical for RPo formation.
  • Offers a structural basis for understanding RPo formation and its regulation.