Evolution of complex RNA polymerases: the complete archaeal RNA polymerase structure.

Journal article

The archaeal RNA polymerase (RNAP) shares structural similarities with eukaryotic RNAP II but requires a reduced subset of general transcription factors for promoter-dependent initiation. To deepen our knowledge of cellular transcription, we have determined the structure of the 13-subunit DNA-directed RNAP from Sulfolobus shibatae at 3.35 Å resolution. The structure contains the full complement of subunits, including RpoG/Rpb8 and the equivalent of the clamp-head and jaw domains of the eukaryotic Rpb1. Furthermore, we have identified subunit Rpo13, an RNAP component in the order Sulfolobales, which contains a helix-turn-helix motif that interacts with the RpoH/Rpb5 and RpoA'/Rpb1 subunits. Its location and topology suggest a role in the formation of the transcription bubble.

Authors: Korkhin, Y; Unligil, U; Littlefield, O; Nelson, P; Stuart, D

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: PLoS biology
• Volume: 7
• Issue: 5
• Pages: e1000102
• Publication date: 2009-05-01
• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.1000102
• EISSN: 1545-7885
• ISSN: 1544-9173
• Language: English
• Keywords: Models, Molecular; Sulfolobus; Transcription, Genetic; Archaeal Proteins; RNA, Archaeal; Amino Acid Sequence; Molecular Sequence Data; Protein Subunits; Evolution, Molecular; Crystallography, X-Ray; DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases