Work

UPs and downs in bacterial transcription initiation: the role of the alpha subunit of RNA polymerase in promoter recognition

Year: 2000

Type: review

Abstract: In recent years, it has become clear that promoter recognition by bacterial RNA polymerase involves interactions not only between core promoter elements and the sigma subunit, but also between a DNA element upstream of the core promoter and the alpha subunit. DNA binding by alpha can increase transcription dramatically. Here we review the current state of our understanding of the alpha interaction with DNA during basal transcription initiation (i.e. in the absence of proteins other than RNA polymerase) and activated transcription initiation (i.e. when stimulated by transcription factors).

Source: Molecular Microbiology

DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2958.2000.01972.x

Authors: Richard L. Gourse, Wilma Ross, Tamas Gaal

Institution: University of Wisconsin–Madison

Language: English

Topic: Bacterial Genetics and Biotechnology

Subfield: Genetics

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute of General Medical Sciences

Awards: G3209968427, G9000208737