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Potential memory and hysteretic effects in transcription
D Job1, J M Soulié, C Job
1Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Marseille, France.
Journal of Theoretical Biology
|October 7, 1988
Summary
Wheat-germ RNA polymerase II exhibits distinct catalytic forms during RNA elongation, influenced by DNA template and conditions. These forms are interconvertible, potentially explaining transcription phenomena like termination and initial RNA synthesis.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
- Enzymology
Background:
- Transcription involves RNA polymerases interacting with DNA templates to synthesize RNA.
- The catalytic efficiency of RNA polymerase can be influenced by various factors, including DNA sequence and complex conformation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze kinetic data of RNA-chain elongation catalyzed by wheat-germ RNA polymerase II.
- To propose a model explaining DNA-dependent conformational transitions of the transcription complex during transcription.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of kinetic results from RNA-chain elongation experiments.
- Development of a theoretical model based on experimental data and existing concepts.
Main Results:
- A model is presented where multiple transcription complex forms with varying catalytic properties participate in RNA elongation.
- These forms are generated by DNA template characteristics and experimental conditions, and are suggested to be interconvertible.
- Potential occurrences of hysteretic transitions, such as transcription termination and abortive to productive elongation shifts, are outlined.
Conclusions:
- The study suggests that DNA-dependent conformational transitions of the transcription complex are crucial during RNA synthesis.
- Slow catalytic adaptation of the transcription complex to the DNA template sequence may be a general enzymatic phenomenon.
- This concept of enzyme memory effects could extend to DNA replication and mRNA translation.