Mapping the promoter DNA sites proximal to conserved regions of sigma 70 in an Escherichia coli RNA polymerase-lacUV5 open promoter complex

A 3D puzzle approach to building protein-DNA structures

Despite recent advances in structural analysis, it is still challenging to obtain a high-resolution structure for a complex of RNA polymerase, transcriptional factors, and DNA. However, using biochemical constraints, 3D printed models of available structures, and computer modeling, one can build biologically relevant models of such supramolecular complexes.

Visualizing the phage T4 activated transcription complex of DNA and E. coli RNA polymerase

The ability of RNA polymerase (RNAP) to select the right promoter sequence at the right time is fundamental to the control of gene expression in all organisms. However, there is only one crystallized structure of a complete activator/RNAP/DNA complex. In a process called σ appropriation, bacteriophage T4 activates a class of phage promoters using an activator (MotA) and a co-activator (AsiA), which function through interactions with the σ⁷⁰ subunit of RNAP. We have developed a holistic, structure-based model for σ appropriation using multiple experimentally determined 3D structures (Escherichia coli RNAP, the Thermus aquaticus RNAP/DNA complex, AsiA /σ⁷⁰ Region 4, the N-terminal domain of MotA [MotA^NTD], and the C-terminal domain of MotA [MotA^CTD]), molecular modeling, and extensive biochemical observations indicating the position of the proteins relative to each other and to the DNA. Our results visualize how AsiA/MotA redirects σ, and therefore RNAP activity, to T4 promoter DNA, and demonstrate at a molecular level how the tactful interaction of transcriptional factors with even small segments of RNAP can alter promoter specificity. Furthermore, our model provides a rational basis for understanding how a mutation within the β subunit of RNAP (G1249D), which is far removed from AsiA or MotA, impairs σ appropriation.

Site-specific incorporation of probes into RNA polymerase by unnatural-amino-acid mutagenesis and Staudinger-Bertozzi ligation

A three-step procedure comprising (1) unnatural-amino-acid mutagenesis with 4-azido-phenylalanine, (2) Staudinger-Bertozzi ligation with a probe-phosphine derivative, and (3) in vitro reconstitution of RNA polymerase (RNAP) enables the efficient site-specific incorporation of a fluorescent probe, a spin label, a cross-linking agent, a cleaving agent, an affinity tag, or any other biochemical or biophysical probe, at any site of interest in RNAP. Straightforward extensions of the procedure enable the efficient site-specific incorporation of two or more different probes in two or more different subunits of RNAP. We present protocols for synthesis of probe-phosphine derivatives, preparation of RNAP subunits and the transcription initiation factor σ, unnatural amino acid mutagenesis of RNAP subunits and σ, Staudinger ligation with unnatural-amino-acid-containing RNAP subunits and σ, quantitation of labelling efficiency and labelling specificity, and reconstitution of RNAP.

Determining the Architecture of a Protein-DNA Complex by Combining FeBABE Cleavage Analyses, 3-D Printed Structures, and the ICM Molsoft Program

Determining the structure of a protein-DNA complex can be difficult, particularly if the protein does not bind tightly to the DNA, if there are no homologous proteins from which the DNA binding can be inferred, and/or if only portions of the protein can be crystallized. If the protein comprises just a part of a large multi-subunit complex, other complications can arise such as the complex being too large for NMR studies, or it is not possible to obtain the amounts of protein and nucleic acids needed for crystallographic analyses. Here, we describe a technique we used to map the position of an activator protein relative to the DNA within a large transcription complex. We determined the position of the activator on the DNA from data generated using activator proteins that had been conjugated at specific residues with the chemical cleaving reagent, iron bromoacetamidobenzyl-EDTA (FeBABE). These analyses were combined with 3-D models of the available structures of portions of the activator protein and B-form DNA to obtain a 3-D picture of the protein relative to the DNA. Finally, the Molsoft program was used to refine the position, revealing the architecture of the protein-DNA within the transcription complex.

Regulation of transcription by 6S RNAs: insights from the Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis model systems

Whereas, the majority of bacterial non-coding RNAs and functional RNA elements regulate post-transcriptional processes, either by interacting with other RNAs via base-pairing or through binding of small ligands (riboswitches), 6S RNAs affect transcription itself by binding to the housekeeping holoenzyme of RNA polymerase (RNAP). Remarkably, 6S RNAs serve as RNA templates for bacterial RNAP, giving rise to the de novo synthesis of short transcripts, termed pRNAs (product RNAs). Hence, 6S RNAs prompt the enzyme to act as an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP). Synthesis of pRNAs exceeding a certain length limit (~13 nt) persistently rearrange the 6S RNA structure, which in turn, disrupts the 6S RNA:RNAP complex. This pRNA synthesis-mediated "reanimation" of sequestered RNAP molecules represents the conceivably fastest mechanism for resuming transcription in cells that enter a new exponential growth phase. The many different 6S RNAs found in a wide variety of bacteria do not share strong sequence homology but have in common a conserved rod-shaped structure with a large internal loop, termed the central bulge; this architecture mediates specific binding to the active site of RNAP. In this article, we summarize the overall state of knowledge as well as very recent findings on the structure, function, and physiological effects of 6S RNA examples from the two model organisms, Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. Comparison of the presently known properties of 6S RNAs in the two organisms highlights common principles as well as diverse features.

Architecture of the bacteriophage T4 activator MotA/promoter DNA interaction during sigma appropriation

Gene expression can be regulated through factors that direct RNA polymerase to the correct promoter sequence at the correct time. Bacteriophage T4 controls its development in this way using phage proteins that interact with host RNA polymerase. Using a process called σ appropriation, the T4 co-activator AsiA structurally remodels the σ(70) subunit of host RNA polymerase, while a T4 activator, MotA, engages the C terminus of σ(70) and binds to a DNA promoter element, the MotA box. Structures for the N-terminal (NTD) and C-terminal (CTD) domains of MotA are available, but no structure exists for MotA with or without DNA. We report the first molecular map of the MotA/DNA interaction within the σ-appropriated complex, which we obtained by using the cleaving reagent, iron bromoacetamidobenzyl-EDTA (FeBABE). We conjugated surface-exposed, single cysteines in MotA with FeBABE and performed cleavage reactions in the context of stable transcription complexes. The DNA cleavage sites were analyzed using ICM Molsoft software and three-dimensional physical models of MotA(NTD), MotA(CTD), and the DNA to investigate shape complementarity between the protein and the DNA and to position MotA on the DNA. We found that the unusual "double wing" motif present within MotA(CTD) resides in the major groove of the MotA box. In addition, we have used surface plasmon resonance to show that MotA alone is in a very dynamic equilibrium with the MotA element. Our results demonstrate the utility of fine resolution FeBABE mapping to determine the architecture of protein-DNA complexes that have been recalcitrant to traditional structure analyses.

Interaction of Escherichia coli RNA polymerase with artificial promoters, containing nonnucleotide spacers

To study the functional role of the spacer region between two consensus -10 and -35 elements of promoters, recognized by E. coli RNA polymerase, the model promoter-like DNA duplexes containing nonnucleotide inserts (mimicking 17-mer spacer) either in one or both strands, were constructed. The modified duplexes can form the heparin-resistant binary complexes with RNA polymerase. The DNA duplex with nonnucleotide insert in the template strand can specifically direct the synthesis of mRNA in the in vitro run-off transcription assays.

Different requirements for σ Region 4 in BvgA activation of the Bordetella pertussis promoters P(fim3) and P(fhaB)

Bordetella pertussis BvgA is a global response regulator that activates virulence genes, including adhesin-encoding fim3 and fhaB. At the fhaB promoter, P(fhaB), a BvgA binding site lies immediately upstream of the -35 promoter element recognized by Region 4 of the σ subunit of RNA polymerase (RNAP). We demonstrate that σ Region 4 is required for BvgA activation of P(fhaB), a hallmark of Class II activation. In contrast, the promoter-proximal BvgA binding site at P(fim3) includes the -35 region, which is composed of a tract of cytosines that lacks specific sequence information. We demonstrate that σ Region 4 is not required for BvgA activation at P(fim3). Nonetheless, Region 4 mutations that impair its typical interactions with core and with the -35 DNA affect P(fim3) transcription. Hydroxyl radical cleavage using RNAP with σD581C-FeBABE positions Region 4 near the -35 region of P(fim3); cleavage using RNAP with α276C-FeBABE or α302C-FeBABE also positions an α subunit C-terminal domain within the -35 region, on a different helical face from the promoter-proximal BvgA~P dimer. Our results suggest that the -35 region of P(fim3) accommodates a BvgA~P dimer, an α subunit C-terminal domain, and σ Region 4. Molecular modeling suggests how BvgA, σ Region 4, and α might coexist within this DNA in a conformation that suggests a novel mechanism of activation.

Remodeling and activation of Escherichia coli RNA polymerase by osmolytes

The ability of bacteria to survive environmental stresses and colonize the gastrointestinal tract depends on adaptation to high osmolarity. The adaptation involves global reprogramming of gene expression, including inhibition of bulk sigma70 RNA polymerase transcription and activation of bulk sigma38 transcription. The activating signal transduction pathways that originate with osmolytes remain to be established. Experiments here confirm that accumulation of a simple signaling molecule, glutamate, can reprogram RNA polymerase in vitro without the need for specific protein receptors. During osmotic activation, glutamate appears to act as a Hofmeister series osmolyte to facilitate promoter escape. Escape is accompanied by a remodeling of the key interaction between the sigma38 stress protein and the beta-flap of the bacterial core RNA polymerase. This activation event contrasts with the established mechanism of inhibition in which glutamate, by virtue of its electrostatic properties, helps to inhibit binding to ribosomal promoters after osmotic shock. Overall, Escherichia coli survival in natural hosts and reservoirs is expected to rely on the accumulation of simple ions that trigger changes in protein conformation that lead to global changes in transcription.

Expanding the Genetic Code

Although chemists can synthesize virtually any small organic molecule, our ability to rationally manipulate the structures of proteins is quite limited, despite their involvement in virtually every life process. For most proteins, modifications are largely restricted to substitutions among the common 20 amino acids. Herein we describe recent advances that make it possible to add new building blocks to the genetic codes of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Over 30 novel amino acids have been genetically encoded in response to unique triplet and quadruplet codons including fluorescent, photoreactive, and redox-active amino acids, glycosylated amino acids, and amino acids with keto, azido, acetylenic, and heavy-atom-containing side chains. By removing the limitations imposed by the existing 20 amino acid code, it should be possible to generate proteins and perhaps entire organisms with new or enhanced properties.

Interactions among CII protein, RNA polymerase and the lambda PRE promoter: contacts between RNA polymerase and the -35 region of PRE are identical in the presence and absence of CII protein

The DNA recognition sequence for the transcriptional activator, CII protein, which is critical for lysogenization by bacteriophage lambda, overlaps the -35 region of the P(RE) promoter. Data presented here show that activation by CII does not change the pattern of cleavage of the -35 region of P(RE) by iron (S)-1-(p-bromoacetamidobenzyl)-EDTA (Fe-BABE) conjugated to the sigma subunit of RNA polymerase (RNAP). Thus, the overall interaction between sigma and the -35 region of P(RE) is not significantly altered by CII. Therefore, the effects of the activator on RNAP binding to the promoter and formation of open complexes do not reflect a large-scale qualitative change in the nature of the interaction between RNAP and promoter DNA. The ability of CII to stimulate lysogenization is reduced in the presence of plasmid-borne rpoA variants encoding alanine substitutions at several positions in the C-terminal domain of the alpha subunit. However, it has not been possible to identify residues that directly affect the interaction between the activator and RNA polymerase.

Mapping sigma 54-RNA polymerase interactions at the -24 consensus promoter element

The sigma 54 promoter specificity factor is distinct from sigma 70-type factors. The sigma 54-RNA polymerase binds to promoters with conserved sequence elements at -24 and -12 and utilizes specialized enhancer-binding activators to convert, through an ATP-dependent process, closed promoter complexes to open promoter complexes. The interface between sigma 54-RNA polymerase and promoter DNA is poorly characterized, contrasting with sigma 70. Here, sigma 54 was modified with strategically positioned cleavage reagents to provide physical evidence that the highly conserved RpoN box motif of sigma 54 is close to and may therefore interact with the consensus -24 promoter element. We show that the spatial relationship between the sigma 54-RNA polymerase and the -24 promoter element remains unchanged during closed to open complex conversion and transcription initiation but changes during the early elongation phase. In contrast, the spatial relationship between sigma 54-RNA polymerase and the consensus -12 promoter element changes upon conversion of the closed promoter complex to an open one. We provide evidence that some -12 promoter region-sigma 54 interactions are dependent upon either the core RNA polymerase or a fork junction DNA structure at the -12-position, indicating that DNA fork junctions can substitute for core RNAP. We also show the beta-subunit flap domain contributes to different sets of sigma-promoter DNA interactions at sigma 54- and sigma 70-dependent promoters.

Binding of the Escherichia coli MelR protein to the melAB promoter: orientation of MelR subunits and investigation of MelR-DNA contacts

The Escherichia coli MelR protein is a melibiose-triggered transcription factor, belonging to the AraC family, that activates transcription initiation at the melAB promoter. Activation is dependent on the binding of MelR to four 18 bp sites, centred at position -42.5 (site 2'), position -62.5 (site 2), position -100.5 (site 1) and position -120.5 (site 1') relative to the melAB transcription start point. Activation also depends on the binding of CRP to a single site located between MelR binding site 1 and site 2. All members of the AraC family contain two helix-turn-helix (HTH) motifs that contact two segments of the DNA major groove at target sites on the same DNA face. In this work, we have studied the binding of MelR to different sites at the melAB promoter, focusing on the orientation of binding of the two MelR HTH motifs, and the juxtaposition of the different bound MelR subunits with respect to each other. To do this, MelR was engineered to contain a single cysteine residue adjacent to either one or the other HTH motif. The MelR derivatives were purified, and the cysteine residues were tagged with p-bromoacetamidobenzyl-EDTA-Fe, an inorganic DNA cleavage reagent. Patterns of DNA cleavage after MelR binding were then used to determine the positions of the two HTH motifs at target sites. In order to simplify our analysis, we exploited an engineered derivative of the melAB promoter in which MelR binding to site 2 and site 2', in the absence of CRP, is sufficient for transcription activation. To assist in the interpretation of our results, we also used a shortened derivative of MelR, MelR173, that is able to bind to site 2 but not to site 2'. Our results show that MelR binds as a direct repeat to site 2 and site 2' with the C-terminal HTH located towards the promoter-proximal end of each site. The orientation in which MelR binds to site 2' appears to be determined by MelR-MelR interactions rather than by MelR-DNA interactions. In complementary experiments, we used genetic analysis to investigate the importance of different residues in the two HTH motifs of MelR. Epistasis experiments provided evidence that supports the proposed orientation of binding of MelR at its target site.

Crystal structure of a bacterial RNA polymerase holoenzyme at 2.6 A resolution

In bacteria, the binding of a single protein, the initiation factor sigma, to a multi-subunit RNA polymerase core enzyme results in the formation of a holoenzyme, the active form of RNA polymerase essential for transcription initiation. Here we report the crystal structure of a bacterial RNA polymerase holoenzyme from Thermus thermophilus at 2.6 A resolution. In the structure, two amino-terminal domains of the sigma subunit form a V-shaped structure near the opening of the upstream DNA-binding channel of the active site cleft. The carboxy-terminal domain of sigma is near the outlet of the RNA-exit channel, about 57 A from the N-terminal domains. The extended linker domain forms a hairpin protruding into the active site cleft, then stretching through the RNA-exit channel to connect the N- and C-terminal domains. The holoenzyme structure provides insight into the structural organization of transcription intermediate complexes and into the mechanism of transcription initiation.

Generality of the branched pathway in transcription initiation by Escherichia coli RNA polymerase

Transcription initiation has been assumed to be a multi-step sequential process, although additional steps could exist. Initiation from the T7A1 promoter, in particular, apparently behaves in vitro in a manner that can be fully explained by the sequential pathway. However, initiation from the lambda P(R)AL promoter has been shown to follow a branched pathway from which a part of the enzyme-promoter complex is arrested at the promoter raising the question as to which mechanism is general. We found that a moribund complex, characteristic of the arrested branch, is formed at the T7A1 promoter, especially in low salt condition indicating that the initiation mechanism for this promoter is also branched. The results of DNA footprinting suggested that holoenzyme in the moribund complex is dislocated on DNA from the position of productive complex. However, only a small fraction of the binary complex becomes arrested at this promoter, and the interconversion between subspecies of binary complex is apparently more reversible than at the lambda P(R)AL promoter, which explains why the reaction pathway appears to be sequential. These findings suggest a generality of the branched pathway mechanism, which would resolve contradictory observations that have been reported for various promoters.

Structural organization of bacterial RNA polymerase holoenzyme and the RNA polymerase-promoter open complex

We have used systematic fluorescence resonance energy transfer and distance-constrained docking to define the three-dimensional structures of bacterial RNA polymerase holoenzyme and the bacterial RNA polymerase-promoter open complex in solution. The structures provide a framework for understanding sigma(70)-(RNA polymerase core), sigma(70)-DNA, and sigma(70)-RNA interactions. The positions of sigma(70) regions 1.2, 2, 3, and 4 are similar in holoenzyme and open complex. In contrast, the position of sigma(70) region 1.1 differs dramatically in holoenzyme and open complex. In holoenzyme, region 1.1 is located within the active-center cleft, apparently serving as a "molecular mimic" of DNA, but, in open complex, region 1.1 is located outside the active center cleft. The approach described here should be applicable to the analysis of other nanometer-scale complexes.

The interaction between sigmaS, the stationary phase sigma factor, and the core enzyme of Escherichia coli RNA polymerase

BACKGROUND

The RNA polymerase holoenzyme of Escherichia coli is composed of a core enzyme (subunit structure alpha2betabeta') associated with one of the sigma subunits, required for promoter recognition. Different sigma factors compete for core binding. Among the seven sigma factors present in E. coli, sigma70 controls gene transcription during the exponential phase, whereas sigmaS regulates the transcription of genes in the stationary phase or in response to different stresses. Using labelled sigmaS and sigma70, we compared the affinities of both sigma factors for core binding and investigated the structural changes in the different subunits involved in the formation of the holoenzymes.

RESULTS

Using native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, we demonstrate that sigmaS binds to the core enzyme with fivefold reduced affinity compared to sigma70. Using iron chelate protein footprinting, we show that the core enzyme significantly reduces polypeptide backbone solvent accessibility in regions 1.1, 2.5, 3.1 and 3.2 of sigmaS, while increasing the accessibility in region 4.1 of sigmaS. We have also analysed the positioning of sigmaS on the holoenzyme by the proximity-dependent protein cleavage method using sigmaS derivatives in which FeBABE was tethered to single cysteine residues at nine different positions. Protein cutting patterns are observed on the beta and beta' subunits, but not alpha. Regions 2.5, 3.1 and 3.2 of sigmaS are close to both beta and beta' subunits, in agreement with iron chelate protein footprinting data.

CONCLUSIONS

A comparison between these results using sigmaS and previous data from sigma70 indicates similar contact patterns on the core subunits and similar characteristic changes associated with holoenzyme formation, despite striking differences in the accessibility of regions 4.1 and 4.2.

Characterization of monoclonal antibodies against Escherichia coli core RNA polymerase

Multiple interactions with DNA, RNA and transcription factors occur in a transcription cycle. To survey the proximity of some of these factors to the Escherichia coli RNA polymerase surface, we produced a set of nine monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against the enzyme. These mAbs, located at different places on the surface of the enzyme, were used in a co-immunopurification assay to investigate interference with the binding of NusA, sigma70, GreB and HepA to core RNA polymerase. One of these mAbs turned out to be the first antibody inhibitor of the binding of NusA and sigma70; it did not affect GreB and HepA interactions. Its epitope was located on the beta' subunit at the C-terminus of region G. The properties of this mAb reinforce the idea that the mutually exclusive binding of NusA and sigma70 to core RNA polymerase is due to, at least partially, overlapping binding sites, rather than allosteric interaction between two distant binding sites. This mAb is also useful to understand the occupancy of sigma70, NusA and Gre proteins on core RNA polymerase.

Enzyme design by chemical modification of protein scaffolds

Covalent modification methods allow an almost unlimited range of functionality to be introduced into proteins. In concert with genetic techniques, chemical strategies have had significant impact in the field of enzyme design. Major recent developments include introducing catalytic activity into inactive proteins, modifying the selectivity and/or reactivity of existing enzymes and designing novel enzyme-based biosensors. New chemical methods promise to further increase the range of functionality that can be incorporated into proteins. These results suggest that semi-synthetic methods will play a key role in the development of future biocatalysts.

Restructuring of an RNA polymerase holoenzyme elongation complex by lambdoid phage Q proteins

The structure of an intermediate in the initiation to elongation transition of Escherichia coli RNA polymerase has been visualized through region-specific DNA cleavage by the hydroxyl radical reagent FeBABE. FeBABE was tethered to specific sites of the final sigma(70) subunit and incorporated into two specialized paused elongation complexes that obligatorily retain the final sigma(70) initiation subunit and are targets for modification by lambdoid phage late gene antiterminators. The FeBABE cleavage pattern reveals structures similar to open complex, except for notable changes to region 3 of final sigma(70) that might reflect the presence of stably bound transcript. Binding of the antiterminator protein Q displaces the reactivity of FeBABE conjugated to region 4 of final sigma(70), suggesting that final sigma(70) subunit rearrangement is a step in conversion of RNAP to the antiterminating form.

Binding of the initiation factor sigma(70) to core RNA polymerase is a multistep process

The interaction of RNA polymerase and its initiation factors is central to the process of transcription initiation. To dissect the role of this interface, we undertook the identification of the contact sites between RNA polymerase and sigma(70), the Escherichia coli initiation factor. We identified nine mutationally verified interaction sites between sigma(70) and specific domains of RNA polymerase and provide evidence that sigma(70) and RNA polymerase interact in at least a two-step process. We propose that a cycle of changes in the interface of sigma(70) with core RNA polymerase is associated with progression through the process of transcription initiation.

A multipartite interaction between Salmonella transcription factor sigma28 and its anti-sigma factor FlgM: implications for sigma28 holoenzyme destabilization through stepwise binding

Transcription of the late (Class 3) flagellar promoters in Salmonella typhimurium is dependent upon the flagellar specific sigma factor, sigma28, encoded by the fliA gene. sigma28-dependent transcription is inhibited by an anti-sigma factor, FlgM, through a direct interaction. FlgM can bind both to free sigma28 to prevent it from forming a complex with core RNA polymerase, and to sigma28 holoenzyme to destabilize the complex. A collection of fliA mutants defective for negative regulation by FlgM (fliA* mutants) were isolated. This collection included 27 substitution mutations that conferred insensitivity to FlgM in vivo. The distribution of mutations defined three potential FlgM binding domains in conserved sigma factor regions 2.1, 3.1 and 4 of sigma28. A subset of mutants from each region was assayed for FlgM binding and transcriptional activity in vitro. The results strongly support a multipartite interaction between sigma28 and FlgM. Region 4 mutations, but not region 2.1 or 3.1 mutations, interfered with the ability of FlgM to destabilize sigma28 from core RNA polymerase. We present refined models for FlgM inhibition of sigma28, and for FlgM destabilization of sigma28 holoenzyme.

Regulatory sequences in sigma 54 localise near the start of DNA melting

Transcription initiation by the enhancer-dependent sigma(54) RNA polymerase holoenzyme is positively regulated after promoter binding. The promoter DNA melting process is subject to activation by an enhancer-bound activator protein with nucleoside triphosphate hydrolysis activity. Tethered iron chelate probes attached to amino and carboxyl-terminal domains of sigma(54) were used to map sigma(54)-DNA interaction sites. The two domains localise to form a centre over the -12 promoter region. The use of deletion mutants of sigma(54) suggests that amino-terminal and carboxyl-terminal sequences are both needed for the centre to function. Upon activation, the relationship between the centre and promoter DNA changes. We suggest that the activator re-organises the centre to favour stable open complex formation through adjustments in sigma(54)-DNA contact and sigma(54) conformation. The centre is close to the active site of the RNA polymerase and includes sigma(54) regulatory sequences needed for DNA melting upon activation. This contrasts systems where activators recruit RNA polymerase to promoter DNA, and the protein and DNA determinants required for activation localise away from promoter sequences closely associated with the start of DNA melting.

Topography of lacUV5 initiation complexes

Formation of a transcriptionally competent open complex is a highly regulated multistep process involving at least two intermediates. The rate of formation and stability of the intermediate complexes often determine promoter strength. However, the detailed mechanism of formation of the open complex and the high resolution structures of these intermediates are not known. In this study the structures of the open and intermediate complexes formed on the lacUV5 promoter by Escherichia coli RNA polymerase were analyzed using 'zero length' DNA-protein cross-linking. In both the open and the intermediate complexes the core subunits (ss' and ss) interact with lacUV5 DNA in a similar way, forming DNA-protein contacts flanking the initiation site. At the same time, the recognition (sigma(70)) subunit closely interacts with the promoter only in the open complex. In combination with our previous results, the data suggest that during promoter recognition contacts of the sigma subunit with core RNA polymerase and promoter DNA are rearranged in concert. These rearrangements constitute a landmark of transition from the intermediate to the open complex, identifying the sigma subunit as a key player directing formation of the open complex.

Effects of combination of different -10 hexamers and downstream sequences on stationary-phase-specific sigma factor sigma(S)-dependent transcription in Pseudomonas putida

The main sigma factor activating gene expression, necessary in stationary phase and under stress conditions, is sigma(S). In contrast to other minor sigma factors, RNA polymerase holoenzyme containing sigma(S) (Esigma(S)) recognizes a number of promoters which are also recognized by that containing sigma(70) (Esigma(70)). We have previously shown that transposon Tn4652 can activate silent genes in starving Pseudomonas putida cells by creating fusion promoters during transposition. The sequence of the fusion promoters is similar to the sigma(70)-specific promoter consensus. The -10 hexameric sequence and the sequence downstream from the -10 element differ among these promoters. We found that transcription from the fusion promoters is stationary phase specific. Based on in vivo experiments carried out with wild-type and rpoS-deficient mutant P. putida, the effect of sigma(S) on transcription from the fusion promoters was established only in some of these promoters. The importance of the sequence of the -10 hexamer has been pointed out in several published papers, but there is no information about whether the sequences downstream from the -10 element can affect sigma(S)-dependent transcription. Combination of the -10 hexameric sequences and downstream sequences of different fusion promoters revealed that sigma(S)-specific transcription from these promoters is not determined by the -10 hexameric sequence only. The results obtained in this study indicate that the sequence of the -10 element influences sigma(S)-specific transcription in concert with the sequence downstream from the -10 box.

Protein-protein interactions mapped by artificial proteases: where sigma factors bind to RNA polymerase

Interactions between proteins are important to understand but difficult to study. Conjugating a protein to a small artificial protease endows it with the ability to cut other proteins where it binds to them. Analysing the sites cut on the target proteins leads to new understanding of the structure of each complex. The binding of sigma factors to a common region on RNA polymerase provides an example.

Structural organization of the RNA polymerase-promoter open complex

We have used systematic site-specific protein-DNA photocrosslinking to define interactions between bacterial RNA polymerase (RNAP) and promoter DNA in the catalytically competent RNAP-promoter open complex (RPo). We have mapped more than 100 distinct crosslinks between individual segments of RNAP subunits and individual phosphates of promoter DNA. The results provide a comprehensive description of protein-DNA interactions in RPo, permit construction of a detailed model for the structure of RPo, and permit analysis of effects of a transcriptional activator on the structure of RPo.

Positioning of region 4 of the Escherichia coli RNA polymerase sigma(70) subunit by a transcription activator

A DNA cleavage reagent, specifically tethered to residue 581 of the Escherichia coli RNA polymerase sigma(70) subunit, has been used to investigate the location of sigma(70) region 4 in different complexes at the galp(1) promoter and the effect of the cyclic AMP receptor protein. The positions of DNA cleavage by the reagent are not affected by the cyclic AMP receptor protein. We conclude that transcription activation at the galp(1) promoter by the cyclic AMP receptor protein does not involve major conformation changes in or repositioning of sigma(70) region 4.

Identification of RNA polymerase beta' subunit segment contacting the melted region of the lacUV5 promoter

Identification of the RNA polymerase functional regions involved in interactions with promoter is a basis for understanding the mechanism of transcription initiation. We have used formaldehyde cross-linking to identify a region of Escherichia coli RNA polymerase beta' subunit contacting lacUV5 promoter in open complex. Treatment of open complex with formaldehyde results in cross-linking of beta' and sigma(70) subunits at positions -5 and -3 on the nontemplate strand of the promoter DNA. These cross-links reflect specific interactions between RNA polymerase and promoter established in open complex. The positions of formaldehyde cross-links in the beta' subunit were mapped to the N-terminal segment (Cys(198)-Met(237)), which is contiguous to the evolutionary conserved region B. The proximity of the beta' and sigma cross-links suggest that the N-terminal region of the beta' subunit, interacting with single-stranded promoter DNA, can cooperate with the sigma subunit in the process of open complex formation.

Probing the structure of the PI-SceI-DNA complex by affinity cleavage and affinity photocross-linking

The PI-SceI protein is an intein-encoded homing endonuclease that initiates the mobility of its gene by making a double strand break at a single site in the yeast genome. The PI-SceI protein splicing and endonucleolytic active sites are separately located in each of two domains in the PI-SceI structure. To determine the spatial relationship between bases in the PI-SceI recognition sequence and selected PI-SceI amino acids, the PI-SceI-DNA complex was probed by photocross-linking and affinity cleavage methods. Unique solvent-accessible cysteine residues were introduced into the two PI-SceI domains at positions 91, 97, 170, 230, 376, and 378, and the mutant proteins were modified with either 4-azidophenacyl bromide or iron (S)-1-(p-bromoacetamidobenzyl)-ethylenediaminetetraacetate (FeBABE). The phenyl azide-coupled proteins cross-linked to the PI-SceI target sequence, and the FeBABE-modified proteins cleaved the DNA proximal to the derivatized amino acid. The results suggest that an extended beta-hairpin loop in the endonuclease domain that contains residues 376 and 378 contacts the major groove near the PI-SceI cleavage site. Conversely, residues 91, 97, and 170 in the protein splicing domain are in close proximity to a distant region of the substrate. To interpret our results, we used a new PI-SceI structure that is ordered in regions of the protein that bind DNA. The data strongly support a model of the PI-SceI-DNA complex derived from this structure.

Transcription activation mediated by the carboxyl-terminal domain of the RNA polymerase alpha-subunit. Multipoint monitoring using a fluorescent probe

Conformational changes within the carboxyl-terminal domain of the Escherichia coli RNA polymerase alpha-subunit (alpha-CTD) upon interaction with the DNA UP element or the transcription factor cAMP receptor protein (CRP) were studied by monitoring the spectral parameters of a fluorescent dye, fluorescein mercuric acetate, conjugated to various positions of alpha-CTD. When fluorescein mercuric acetate was conjugated to Cys located on helix I and the loop between helices III and IV, the spectral changes typical for DNA interaction were observed for the RNA polymerase-promoter binary complex with UP element-dependent rrnBP1 and the ternary complex with the CRP-dependent uxuAB promoter in the presence of cAMP/CRP. Likewise, the chemical nuclease iron-(p-bromoacetamidobenzyl)-EDTA conjugated to Cys-269 or Cys-272 introduced CRP-dependent cleavage of the uxuAB promoter, as in the case of rrnBP1 (Murakami, K., Owens, J. T., Belyaeva, T. A., Meares, C. F., Busby, S. J. W., and Ishihama, A. (1997) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 94, 11274-11278), indicating that CRP rearranges the topology of the DNA contact surface in alpha-CTD. Conformational changes in alpha-CTD were also observed upon formation of a binary complex with the uxuAB (in the absence of CRP) and factor-independent T7D promoters. The spectral changes suggested that helix IV of alpha-CTD approaches the negatively charged phosphate moiety of DNA. In agreement with this prediction, iron-(p-bromoacetamidobenzyl)-EDTA conjugated to Cys-309 induced extensive DNA cleavage upstream from the uxuAB promoter -35 element. We propose that helix IV of alpha-CTD is involved in direct interaction with some promoters.

Architecture of a complex between the sigma70 subunit of Escherichia coli RNA polymerase and the nontemplate strand oligonucleotide. Luminescence resonance energy transfer study

We used luminescence energy transfer measurements to determine the localization of 5'- and 3'-ends of a 12-nucleotide nontemplate strand oligonucleotide bound to sigma70 holoenzyme. Five single reactive cysteine mutants of sigma70 (cysteine residues at positions 1, 59, 366, 442, and 596) were labeled with a europium chelate fluorochrome (donor). The oligonucleotide was modified at the 5'- or at the 3'-end with Cy5 fluorochrome (acceptor). The energy transfer was observed upon complex formation between the donor-labeled sigma70 holoenzyme and the acceptor-labeled nontemplate strand oligonucleotide, whereas no interaction was observed with the template strand oligonucleotide. The oligonucleotide was bound in one preferred orientation. This observation together with the sequence specificity of single-stranded oligonucleotide interaction suggests that two mechanisms of discrimination between the template and nontemplate strand are used by sigma70: sequence specificity and strand polarity specificity. The bound oligonucleotide was found to be close to residue 442, confirming that the single-stranded DNA binding site of sigma70 is located in an alpha-helix containing residue 442. The 5'-end of the oligonucleotide was oriented toward the COOH terminus of the helix.

A mutation in region 1.1 of sigma70 affects promoter DNA binding by Escherichia coli RNA polymerase holoenzyme

The sigma subunit of eubacterial RNA polymerase is essential for initiation of transcription at promoter sites. It directs recognition of DNA sequences by holoenzyme (alpha2betabeta'sigma) and facilitates subsequent steps in the initiation pathway. The primary sigma factor from Escherichia coli, sigma70, has four regions that are conserved among members of the sigma70 family. Previous work has shown that region 1.1 modulates DNA binding by regions 2 and 4 when sigma is separated from the core subunits, and is required for efficient progression through the later steps of initiation in the context of holoenzyme. In this report, we show that an amino acid substitution at position 53 in region 1.1, which converts isoleucine to alanine (I53A), creates a sigma factor that associates with the core subunits to form holoenzyme, but the holoenzyme is severely deficient for promoter binding. The I53A phenotype can be suppressed by truncation of five amino acids from the C-terminus of sigma70. We propose that the behavior of sigma70-I53A is a consequence of impaired ability to undergo a critical conformational change upon binding to the core subunits, which is needed to expose the DNA-binding domains and confer promoter recognition capability upon holoenzyme.

Organization of open complexes at Escherichia coli promoters. Location of promoter DNA sites close to region 2.5 of the sigma70 subunit of RNA polymerase

A cysteine-tethered DNA cleavage agent has been used to locate the position of region 2.5 of sigma70 in transcriptionally competent complexes between Escherichia coli RNA polymerase and promoters. In this study we have engineered sigma70 to introduce a unique cysteine residue at a number of positions in region 2.5. Mutant proteins were purified, and in each case, the single cysteine residue used as the target for covalent coupling of the DNA cleavage agent p-bromoacetamidobenzyl-EDTA.Fe (FeBABE). RNA polymerase core reconstituted with tagged sigma derivatives was shown to be transcriptionally active. Hydroxyl radical-based DNA cleavage mediated by tethered FeBABE was observed for each derivative of RNA polymerase in the open complex. Our results show that region 2.5 is in close proximity to promoter DNA just upstream of the -10 hexamer. This positioning is independent of promoter sequence. A model for the interaction of this region of sigma with promoter DNA is discussed.

Abortive initiation of transcription at a hybrid promoter. An analysis of the sliding clamp activator of bacteriophage T4 late transcription, and a comparison of the sigma70 and T4 gp55 promoter recognition proteins

Bacteriophage T4 late promoters are transcribed by an RNA polymerase holoenzyme comprising the Escherichia coli core, E, the phage gene 55-encoded promoter recognition subunit, gp55, and the gene 33-encoded co-activator, gp33. Transcriptional initiation is activated by the T4 gene 45-encoded sliding clamp, which is loaded on to DNA at enhancer-like sites by its clamp-loader. Correct initiation of transcription at late promoters in basal mode requires only RNA polymerase core and gp55 (E.gp55). Dinucleotide-primed abortive initiation of basal and activated T4 late transcription has been compared. Only the trinucleotide non-productive transcript is made at a high rate; all other short transcripts are made at rates of less than one molecule per productive transcript. Gp45 increases abortive trinucleotide synthesis along with productive transcription, although the proportion of productive transcripts is also elevated. Nevertheless, this increase accounts for only a small part of the activation of T4 late transcription that is generated by its activator and co-activator. The pattern of production of short transcripts differs subtly between basal and enhanced transcription, indicating that linking the RNA polymerase with its sliding clamp activator only generates minor changes in the transition from abortive to productive RNA chain elongation. The T4 late promoter is converted to a strong sigma70 promoter by inserting an appropriate -35 promoter element. A direct comparison at such a hybrid promoter shows sigma70 and gp55 generating qualitatively and quantitative different patterns of abortive initiation at the same start site.

Conformational changes of Escherichia coli RNA polymerase sigma70 factor induced by binding to the core enzyme

Mutants of RNA polymerase sigma70 subunit from Escherichia coli with unique cysteine residues engineered into conserved region 1 (autoinhibition domain of sigma70), region 2.4 (-10 DNA element binding domain), region 4.2 (-35 DNA element binding domain), and a nonconserved region between regions 1 and 2 were prepared. The chemical reactivity of the cysteine at each position was determined for free sigma70 and sigma70 in complex with the core polymerase and was used as a measure of a conformational response of a particular region of the protein to an interaction with the core polymerase. Both increases and decreases in cysteine reactivity were observed in the presence of core polymerase at several positions in sigma70, providing direct physical evidence for modulation of sigma70 conformation by the core enzyme. Binding of the core polymerase resulted in increased solvent exposure of DNA binding domains of sigma70 and in more complex changes in the autoinhibition domain (region 1). Similar conformational changes in sigma70 were detected using fluorescence probes covalently attached to cysteine residues engineered into sigma70. Thus, the results obtained provided physical evidence supporting a model in which core enzyme allosterically regulates DNA binding activity of sigma70 by "unmasking" its DNA binding domains.

Mapping the sigma70 subunit contact sites on Escherichia coli RNA polymerase with a sigma70-conjugated chemical protease

The core enzyme of Escherichia coli RNA polymerase acquires essential promoter recognition and transcription initiation activities by binding one of several sigma subunits. To characterize the proximity between sigma70, the major sigma for transcription of the growth-related genes, and the core enzyme subunits (alpha2 beta beta'), we analyzed the protein-cutting patterns produced by a set of covalently tethered FeEDTA probes [FeBABE: Fe (S)-1-(p-bromoacetamidobenzyl)EDTA]. The probes were positioned in or near conserved regions of sigma70 by using seven mutants, each carrying a single cysteine residue at position 132, 376, 396, 422, 496, 517, or 581. Each FeBABE-conjugated sigma70 was bound to the core enzyme, which led to cleavage of nearby sites on the beta and beta' subunits (but not alpha). Unlike the results of random cleavage [Greiner, D. P., Hughes, K. A., Gunasekera, A. H. & Meares, C. F. (1996) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 93, 71-75], the cut sites from different probe-modified sigma70 proteins are clustered in distinct regions of the subunits. On the beta subunit, cleavage is observed in two regions, one between residues 383 and 554, including the conserved C and Rif regions; and the other between 854 and 1022, including conserved region G, regions of ppGpp sensitivity, and one of the segments forming the catalytic center of RNA polymerase. On the beta' subunit, the cleavage was identified within the sequence 228-461, including beta' conserved regions C and D (which comprise part of the catalytic center).