1
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Petushkov I, Elkina D, Burenina O, Kubareva E, Kulbachinskiy A. Key interactions of RNA polymerase with 6S RNA and secondary channel factors during pRNA synthesis. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2024; 1867:195032. [PMID: 38692564 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2024.195032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Small non-coding 6S RNA mimics DNA promoters and binds to the σ70 holoenzyme of bacterial RNA polymerase (RNAP) to suppress transcription of various genes mainly during the stationary phase of cell growth or starvation. This inhibition can be relieved upon synthesis of short product RNA (pRNA) performed by RNAP from the 6S RNA template. Here, we have shown that pRNA synthesis depends on specific contacts of 6S RNA with RNAP and interactions of the σ finger with the RNA template in the active site of RNAP, and is also modulated by the secondary channel factors. We have adapted a molecular beacon assay with fluorescently labeled σ70 to analyze 6S RNA release during pRNA synthesis. We found the kinetics of 6S RNA release to be oppositely affected by mutations in the σ finger and in the CRE pocket of core RNAP, similarly to the reported role of these regions in promoter-dependent transcription. Secondary channel factors, DksA and GreB, inhibit pRNA synthesis and 6S RNA release from RNAP, suggesting that they may contribute to the 6S RNA-mediated switch in transcription during stringent response. Our results demonstrate that pRNA synthesis depends on a similar set of contacts between RNAP and 6S RNA as in the case of promoter-dependent transcription initiation and reveal that both processes can be regulated by universal transcription factors acting on RNAP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Petushkov
- National Research Center "Kurchatov Institute", Moscow 123182, Russia; Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119334, Russia
| | - Daria Elkina
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119992, Russia
| | - Olga Burenina
- Center of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow 121205, Russia; Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Elena Kubareva
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119992, Russia
| | - Andrey Kulbachinskiy
- National Research Center "Kurchatov Institute", Moscow 123182, Russia; Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119334, Russia.
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2
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Petushkov I, Feklistov A, Kulbachinskiy A. Highly specific aptamer trap for extremophilic RNA polymerases. Biochimie 2024; 225:99-105. [PMID: 38759834 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2024.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
During transcription initiation, the holoenzyme of bacterial RNA polymerase (RNAP) specifically recognizes promoters using a dedicated σ factor. During transcription elongation, the core enzyme of RNAP interacts with nucleic acids mainly nonspecifically, by stably locking the DNA template and RNA transcript inside the main cleft. Here, we present a synthetic DNA aptamer that is specifically recognized by both core and holoenzyme RNAPs from extremophilic bacteria of the Deinococcus-Thermus phylum. The aptamer binds RNAP with subnanomolar affinities, forming extremely stable complexes even at high ionic strength conditions, blocks RNAP interactions with the DNA template and inhibits RNAP activity during transcription elongation. We propose that the aptamer binds at a conserved site within the downstream DNA-binding cleft of RNAP and traps it in an inactive conformation. The aptamer can potentially be used for structural studies to reveal RNAP conformational states, affinity binding of RNAP and associated factors, and screening of transcriptional inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Petushkov
- National Research Center "Kurchatov Institute", Moscow, 123182, Kurchatov Sq. 2, Russia; Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334, Russia
| | - Andrey Feklistov
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Andrey Kulbachinskiy
- National Research Center "Kurchatov Institute", Moscow, 123182, Kurchatov Sq. 2, Russia; Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334, Russia.
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3
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Prusa J, Zhu DX, Flynn AJ, Jensen D, Ruiz Manzano A, Galburt EA, Stallings CL. Molecular dissection of RbpA-mediated regulation of fidaxomicin sensitivity in mycobacteria. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101752. [PMID: 35189142 PMCID: PMC8956947 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA polymerase (RNAP) binding protein A (RbpA) is essential for mycobacterial viability and regulates transcription initiation by increasing the stability of the RNAP-promoter open complex (RPo). RbpA consists of four domains: an N-terminal tail (NTT), a core domain (CD), a basic linker, and a sigma interaction domain. We have previously shown that truncation of the RbpA NTT and CD increases RPo stabilization by RbpA, implying that these domains inhibit this activity of RbpA. Previously published structural studies showed that the NTT and CD are positioned near multiple RNAP-σA holoenzyme functional domains and predict that the RbpA NTT contributes specific amino acids to the binding site of the antibiotic fidaxomicin (Fdx), which inhibits the formation of the RPo complex. Furthermore, deletion of the NTT results in decreased Mycobacterium smegmatis sensitivity to Fdx, but whether this is caused by a loss in Fdx binding is unknown. We generated a panel of rbpA mutants and found that the RbpA NTT residues predicted to directly interact with Fdx are partially responsible for RbpA-dependent Fdx activity in vitro, while multiple additional RbpA domains contribute to Fdx activity in vivo. Specifically, our results suggest that the RPo-stabilizing activity of RbpA decreases Fdx activity in vivo. In support of the association between RPo stability and Fdx activity, we find that another factor that promotes RPo stability in bacteria, CarD, also impacts to Fdx sensitivity. Our findings highlight how RbpA and other factors may influence RNAP dynamics to affect Fdx sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerome Prusa
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Dennis X. Zhu
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Aidan J. Flynn
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Drake Jensen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Ana Ruiz Manzano
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Eric A. Galburt
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Christina L. Stallings
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA,For correspondence: Christina L. Stallings
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4
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Malinen AM, Bakermans J, Aalto-Setälä E, Blessing M, Bauer DLV, Parilova O, Belogurov GA, Dulin D, Kapanidis AN. Real-Time Single-Molecule Studies of RNA Polymerase-Promoter Open Complex Formation Reveal Substantial Heterogeneity Along the Promoter-Opening Pathway. J Mol Biol 2022; 434:167383. [PMID: 34863780 PMCID: PMC8783055 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.167383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The expression of most bacterial genes commences with the binding of RNA polymerase (RNAP)-σ70 holoenzyme to the promoter DNA. This initial RNAP-promoter closed complex undergoes a series of conformational changes, including the formation of a transcription bubble on the promoter and the loading of template DNA strand into the RNAP active site; these changes lead to the catalytically active open complex (RPO) state. Recent cryo-electron microscopy studies have provided detailed structural insight on the RPO and putative intermediates on its formation pathway. Here, we employ single-molecule fluorescence microscopy to interrogate the conformational dynamics and reaction kinetics during real-time RPO formation on a consensus lac promoter. We find that the promoter opening may proceed rapidly from the closed to open conformation in a single apparent step, or may instead involve a significant intermediate between these states. The formed RPO complexes are also different with respect to their transcription bubble stability. The RNAP cleft loops, and especially the β' rudder, stabilise the transcription bubble. The RNAP interactions with the promoter upstream sequence (beyond -35) stimulate transcription bubble nucleation and tune the reaction path towards stable forms of the RPO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anssi M Malinen
- Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland; Biological Physics Research Group, Clarendon Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PU, UK.
| | - Jacob Bakermans
- Biological Physics Research Group, Clarendon Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PU, UK
| | - Emil Aalto-Setälä
- Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Martin Blessing
- Biological Physics Research Group, Clarendon Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PU, UK; Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, Staudtstraße 2, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - David L V Bauer
- Biological Physics Research Group, Clarendon Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PU, UK; RNA Virus Replication Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Olena Parilova
- Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
| | | | - David Dulin
- Biological Physics Research Group, Clarendon Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PU, UK; Junior Research Group 2, Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Cauerstr. 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany; Department of Physics and Astronomy, and LaserLaB Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1081, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Achillefs N Kapanidis
- Biological Physics Research Group, Clarendon Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PU, UK; Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford.
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5
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de Dios R, Santero E, Reyes-Ramírez F. Extracytoplasmic Function σ Factors as Tools for Coordinating Stress Responses. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22083900. [PMID: 33918849 PMCID: PMC8103513 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22083900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability of bacterial core RNA polymerase (RNAP) to interact with different σ factors, thereby forming a variety of holoenzymes with different specificities, represents a powerful tool to coordinately reprogram gene expression. Extracytoplasmic function σ factors (ECFs), which are the largest and most diverse family of alternative σ factors, frequently participate in stress responses. The classification of ECFs in 157 different groups according to their phylogenetic relationships and genomic context has revealed their diversity. Here, we have clustered 55 ECF groups with experimentally studied representatives into two broad classes of stress responses. The remaining 102 groups still lack any mechanistic or functional insight, representing a myriad of systems yet to explore. In this work, we review the main features of ECFs and discuss the different mechanisms controlling their production and activity, and how they lead to a functional stress response. Finally, we focus in more detail on two well-characterized ECFs, for which the mechanisms to detect and respond to stress are complex and completely different: Escherichia coli RpoE, which is the best characterized ECF and whose structural and functional studies have provided key insights into the transcription initiation by ECF-RNAP holoenzymes, and the ECF15-type EcfG, the master regulator of the general stress response in Alphaproteobacteria.
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6
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The Context-Dependent Influence of Promoter Sequence Motifs on Transcription Initiation Kinetics and Regulation. J Bacteriol 2021; 203:JB.00512-20. [PMID: 33139481 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00512-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The fitness of an individual bacterial cell is highly dependent upon the temporal tuning of gene expression levels when subjected to different environmental cues. Kinetic regulation of transcription initiation is a key step in modulating the levels of transcribed genes to promote bacterial survival. The initiation phase encompasses the binding of RNA polymerase (RNAP) to promoter DNA and a series of coupled protein-DNA conformational changes prior to entry into processive elongation. The time required to complete the initiation phase can vary by orders of magnitude and is ultimately dictated by the DNA sequence of the promoter. In this review, we aim to provide the required background to understand how promoter sequence motifs may affect initiation kinetics during promoter recognition and binding, subsequent conformational changes which lead to DNA opening around the transcription start site, and promoter escape. By calculating the steady-state flux of RNA production as a function of these effects, we illustrate that the presence/absence of a consensus promoter motif cannot be used in isolation to make conclusions regarding promoter strength. Instead, the entire series of linked, sequence-dependent structural transitions must be considered holistically. Finally, we describe how individual transcription factors take advantage of the broad distribution of sequence-dependent basal kinetics to either increase or decrease RNA flux.
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7
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Oguienko A, Petushkov I, Pupov D, Esyunina D, Kulbachinskiy A. Universal functions of the σ finger in alternative σ factors during transcription initiation by bacterial RNA polymerase. RNA Biol 2021; 18:2028-2037. [PMID: 33573428 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2021.1889254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The bacterial σ factor plays the central role in promoter recognition by RNA polymerase (RNAP). The primary σ factor, involved in transcription of housekeeping genes, was also shown to participate in the initiation of RNA synthesis and promoter escape by RNAP. In the open promoter complex, the σ finger formed by σ region 3.2 directly interacts with the template DNA strand upstream of the transcription start site. Here, we analysed the role of the σ finger in transcription initiation by four alternative σ factors in Escherichia coli, σ38, σ32, σ28 and σ24. We found that deletions of the σ finger to various extent compromise the activity of RNAP holoenzymes containing alternative σ factors, especially at low NTP concentrations. All four σs are able to utilize NADH as a noncanonical priming substrate but it has only mild effects on the efficiency of transcription initiation. The mediators of the stringent response, transcription factor DksA and the alarmone ppGpp decrease RNAP activity and promoter complex stability for all four σ factors on tested promoters. For all σs except σ38, deletions of the σ finger conversely increase the stability of promoter complexes and decrease their sensitivity to DksA and ppGpp. The result suggests that the σ finger plays a universal role in transcription initiation by alternative σ factors and sensitizes promoter complexes to the action of global transcription regulators DksA and ppGpp by modulating promoter complex stability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ivan Petushkov
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, NRC "Kurchatov Institute", Moscow, Russia
| | - Danil Pupov
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, NRC "Kurchatov Institute", Moscow, Russia
| | - Daria Esyunina
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, NRC "Kurchatov Institute", Moscow, Russia
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8
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Petushkov IV, Kulbachinskiy AV. Role of Interactions of the CRE Region of Escherichia coli RNA Polymerase with Nontemplate DNA during Promoter Escape. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2021; 85:792-800. [PMID: 33040723 DOI: 10.1134/s000629792007007x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
RNA polymerase (RNAP) recognizes promoter DNA through many interactions that determine specificity of transcription initiation. In addition to the dedicated transcription initiation σ factor in bacteria, the core enzyme of RNAP can also participate in promoter recognition. In particular, guanine residue at the +2 position (+2G) of the nontemplate DNA strand is bound in the CRE pocket formed by the RNAP β subunit. Here, we analyzed the role of these contacts in the process of promoter escape by RNAP by studying point mutations in the β subunit of Escherichia coli RNAP that disrupted these interactions. We found that the presence of +2G in the promoter slowed down the rate of promoter escape and increased proportion of inactive complexes. Amino acid substitutions in the CRE pocket decreased the promoter complex stability and changed the pattern of short RNA products synthesized during initiation, but did not significantly affect the rate of transition to elongation, regardless of the presence of +2G. Thus, the contacts of the CRE pocket with +2G do not make a significant contribution to the kinetics of promoter escape by RNAP, while the observed changes in the efficiency of abortive synthesis are not directly related to the rate of promoter escape.
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Affiliation(s)
- I V Petushkov
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 123182, Russia.
| | - A V Kulbachinskiy
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 123182, Russia
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9
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Shin Y, Qayyum MZ, Pupov D, Esyunina D, Kulbachinskiy A, Murakami KS. Structural basis of ribosomal RNA transcription regulation. Nat Commun 2021; 12:528. [PMID: 33483500 PMCID: PMC7822876 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20776-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is most highly expressed in rapidly growing bacteria and is drastically downregulated under stress conditions by the global transcriptional regulator DksA and the alarmone ppGpp. Here, we determined cryo-electron microscopy structures of the Escherichia coli RNA polymerase (RNAP) σ70 holoenzyme during rRNA promoter recognition with and without DksA/ppGpp. RNAP contacts the UP element using dimerized α subunit carboxyl-terminal domains and scrunches the template DNA with the σ finger and β' lid to select the transcription start site favorable for rapid promoter escape. Promoter binding induces conformational change of σ domain 2 that opens a gate for DNA loading and ejects σ1.1 from the RNAP cleft to facilitate open complex formation. DksA/ppGpp binding also opens the DNA loading gate, which is not coupled to σ1.1 ejection and impedes open complex formation. These results provide a molecular basis for the exceptionally active rRNA transcription and its vulnerability to DksA/ppGpp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeonoh Shin
- grid.29857.310000 0001 2097 4281Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802 USA
| | - M. Zuhaib Qayyum
- grid.29857.310000 0001 2097 4281Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802 USA
| | - Danil Pupov
- grid.4886.20000 0001 2192 9124Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 123182 Russia
| | - Daria Esyunina
- grid.4886.20000 0001 2192 9124Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 123182 Russia
| | - Andrey Kulbachinskiy
- grid.4886.20000 0001 2192 9124Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 123182 Russia
| | - Katsuhiko S. Murakami
- grid.29857.310000 0001 2097 4281Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802 USA
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10
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Brodolin K, Morichaud Z. Region 4 of the RNA polymerase σ subunit counteracts pausing during initial transcription. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100253. [PMID: 33380428 PMCID: PMC7948647 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.016299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
All cellular genetic information is transcribed into RNA by multisubunit RNA polymerases (RNAPs). The basal transcription initiation factors of cellular RNAPs stimulate the initial RNA synthesis via poorly understood mechanisms. Here, we explored the mechanism employed by the bacterial factor σ in promoter-independent initial transcription. We found that the RNAP holoenzyme lacking the promoter-binding domain σ4 is ineffective in de novo transcription initiation and displays high propensity to pausing upon extension of RNAs 3 to 7 nucleotides in length. The nucleotide at the RNA 3' end determines the pause lifetime. The σ4 domain stabilizes short RNA:DNA hybrids and suppresses pausing by stimulating RNAP active-center translocation. The antipausing activity of σ4 is modulated by its interaction with the β subunit flap domain and by the σ remodeling factors AsiA and RbpA. Our results suggest that the presence of σ4 within the RNA exit channel compensates for the intrinsic instability of short RNA:DNA hybrids by increasing RNAP processivity, thus favoring productive transcription initiation. This "RNAP boosting" activity of the initiation factor is shaped by the thermodynamics of RNA:DNA interactions and thus, should be relevant for any factor-dependent RNAP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin Brodolin
- Institut de Recherche en Infectiologie de Montpellier, Centre national de la recherche scientifique, Univ Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale, Institut de Recherche en Infectiologie de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
| | - Zakia Morichaud
- Institut de Recherche en Infectiologie de Montpellier, Centre national de la recherche scientifique, Univ Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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11
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Basu U, Bostwick AM, Das K, Dittenhafer-Reed KE, Patel SS. Structure, mechanism, and regulation of mitochondrial DNA transcription initiation. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:18406-18425. [PMID: 33127643 PMCID: PMC7939475 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.rev120.011202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are specialized compartments that produce requisite ATP to fuel cellular functions and serve as centers of metabolite processing, cellular signaling, and apoptosis. To accomplish these roles, mitochondria rely on the genetic information in their small genome (mitochondrial DNA) and the nucleus. A growing appreciation for mitochondria's role in a myriad of human diseases, including inherited genetic disorders, degenerative diseases, inflammation, and cancer, has fueled the study of biochemical mechanisms that control mitochondrial function. The mitochondrial transcriptional machinery is different from nuclear machinery. The in vitro re-constituted transcriptional complexes of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) and humans, aided with high-resolution structures and biochemical characterizations, have provided a deeper understanding of the mechanism and regulation of mitochondrial DNA transcription. In this review, we will discuss recent advances in the structure and mechanism of mitochondrial transcription initiation. We will follow up with recent discoveries and formative findings regarding the regulatory events that control mitochondrial DNA transcription, focusing on those involved in cross-talk between the mitochondria and nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urmimala Basu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | | | - Kalyan Das
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Smita S Patel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA.
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12
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Wang F, Shi J, He D, Tong B, Zhang C, Wen A, Zhang Y, Feng Y, Lin W. Structural basis for transcription inhibition by E. coli SspA. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:9931-9942. [PMID: 32785630 PMCID: PMC7515715 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Stringent starvation protein A (SspA) is an RNA polymerase (RNAP)-associated protein involved in nucleotide metabolism, acid tolerance and virulence of bacteria. Despite extensive biochemical and genetic analyses, the precise regulatory role of SspA in transcription is still unknown, in part, because of a lack of structural information for bacterial RNAP in complex with SspA. Here, we report a 3.68 Å cryo-EM structure of an Escherichia coli RNAP-promoter open complex (RPo) with SspA. Unexpectedly, the structure reveals that SspA binds to the E. coli σ70-RNAP holoenzyme as a homodimer, interacting with σ70 region 4 and the zinc binding domain of EcoRNAP β′ subunit simultaneously. Results from fluorescent polarization assays indicate the specific interactions between SspA and σ70 region 4 confer its σ selectivity, thereby avoiding its interactions with σs or other alternative σ factors. In addition, results from in vitro transcription assays verify that SspA inhibits transcription probably through suppressing promoter escape. Together, the results here provide a foundation for understanding the unique physiological function of SspA in transcription regulation in bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fulin Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jing Shi
- Department of Biophysics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Pathology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dingwei He
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Bei Tong
- Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Aijia Wen
- Department of Biophysics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Pathology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Feng
- Department of Biophysics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Pathology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Lin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing 210023, China
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13
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Pletnev P, Pupov D, Pshanichnaya L, Esyunina D, Petushkov I, Nesterchuk M, Osterman I, Rubtsova M, Mardanov A, Ravin N, Sergiev P, Kulbachinskiy A, Dontsova O. Rewiring of growth-dependent transcription regulation by a point mutation in region 1.1 of the housekeeping σ factor. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:10802-10819. [PMID: 32997144 PMCID: PMC7641759 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In bacteria, rapid adaptation to changing environmental conditions depends on the interplay between housekeeping and alternative σ factors, responsible for transcription of specific regulons by RNA polymerase (RNAP). In comparison with alternative σ factors, primary σs contain poorly conserved region 1.1, whose functions in transcription are only partially understood. We found that a single mutation in region 1.1 in Escherichia coli σ70 rewires transcription regulation during cell growth resulting in profound phenotypic changes. Despite its destabilizing effect on promoter complexes, this mutation increases the activity of rRNA promoters and also decreases RNAP sensitivity to the major regulator of stringent response DksA. Using total RNA sequencing combined with single-cell analysis of gene expression we showed that changes in region 1.1 disrupt the balance between the "greed" and "fear" strategies thus making the cells more susceptible to environmental threats and antibiotics. Our results reveal an unexpected role of σ region 1.1 in growth-dependent transcription regulation and suggest that changes in this region may facilitate rapid switching of RNAP properties in evolving bacterial populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Pletnev
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119992, Russia.,Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Danil Pupov
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow,123182, Russia
| | | | - Daria Esyunina
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow,123182, Russia
| | - Ivan Petushkov
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow,123182, Russia
| | - Mikhail Nesterchuk
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Skolkovo, Moscow Region 143028, Russia
| | - Ilya Osterman
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119992, Russia.,Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Skolkovo, Moscow Region 143028, Russia
| | - Maria Rubtsova
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119992, Russia.,Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Skolkovo, Moscow Region 143028, Russia
| | - Andrey Mardanov
- Institute of Bioengineering, Research Center of Biotechnology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Nikolai Ravin
- Institute of Bioengineering, Research Center of Biotechnology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Petr Sergiev
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119992, Russia.,Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Skolkovo, Moscow Region 143028, Russia.,Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119992, Russia.,Institute of Functional Genomics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119992, Russia
| | - Andrey Kulbachinskiy
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow,123182, Russia
| | - Olga Dontsova
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119992, Russia.,Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow 117997, Russia.,Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Skolkovo, Moscow Region 143028, Russia.,Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119992, Russia
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14
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Diverse and unified mechanisms of transcription initiation in bacteria. Nat Rev Microbiol 2020; 19:95-109. [PMID: 33122819 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-020-00450-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Transcription of DNA is a fundamental process in all cellular organisms. The enzyme responsible for transcription, RNA polymerase, is conserved in general architecture and catalytic function across the three domains of life. Diverse mechanisms are used among and within the different branches to regulate transcription initiation. Mechanistic studies of transcription initiation in bacteria are especially amenable because the promoter recognition and melting steps are much less complicated than in eukaryotes or archaea. Also, bacteria have critical roles in human health as pathogens and commensals, and the bacterial RNA polymerase is a proven target for antibiotics. Recent biophysical studies of RNA polymerases and their inhibition, as well as transcription initiation and transcription factors, have detailed the mechanisms of transcription initiation in phylogenetically diverse bacteria, inspiring this Review to examine unifying and diverse themes in this process.
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15
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XACT-Seq Comprehensively Defines the Promoter-Position and Promoter-Sequence Determinants for Initial-Transcription Pausing. Mol Cell 2020; 79:797-811.e8. [PMID: 32750314 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2020.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Pausing by RNA polymerase (RNAP) during transcription elongation, in which a translocating RNAP uses a "stepping" mechanism, has been studied extensively, but pausing by RNAP during initial transcription, in which a promoter-anchored RNAP uses a "scrunching" mechanism, has not. We report a method that directly defines the RNAP-active-center position relative to DNA with single-nucleotide resolution (XACT-seq; "crosslink-between-active-center-and-template sequencing"). We apply this method to detect and quantify pausing in initial transcription at 411 (∼4,000,000) promoter sequences in vivo in Escherichia coli. The results show initial-transcription pausing can occur in each nucleotide addition during initial transcription, particularly the first 4 to 5 nucleotide additions. The results further show initial-transcription pausing occurs at sequences that resemble the consensus sequence element for transcription-elongation pausing. Our findings define the positional and sequence determinants for initial-transcription pausing and establish initial-transcription pausing is hard coded by sequence elements similar to those for transcription-elongation pausing.
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16
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Ly E, Powell AE, Goodrich JA, Kugel JF. Release of Human TFIIB from Actively Transcribing Complexes Is Triggered upon Synthesis of 7- and 9-nt RNAs. J Mol Biol 2020; 432:4049-4060. [PMID: 32417370 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2020.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
RNA polymerase II (Pol II) and its general transcription factors assemble on the promoters of mRNA genes to form large macromolecular complexes that initiate transcription in a regulated manner. During early transcription, these complexes undergo dynamic rearrangement and disassembly as Pol II moves away from the start site of transcription and transitions into elongation. One step in disassembly is the release of the general transcription factor TFIIB, although the mechanism of release and its relationship to the activity of transcribing Pol II is not understood. We developed a single-molecule fluorescence transcription system to investigate TFIIB release in vitro. Leveraging our ability to distinguish active from inactive complexes, we found that nearly all transcriptionally active complexes release TFIIB during early transcription. Release is not dependent on the contacts TFIIB makes with its recognition element in promoter DNA. We identified two different points in early transcription at which release is triggered, reflecting heterogeneity across the population of actively transcribing complexes. TFIIB releases after both trigger points with similar kinetics, suggesting the rate of release is independent of the molecular transformations that prompt release. Together our data support the model that TFIIB release is important for Pol II to successfully escape the promoter as initiating complexes transition into elongation complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elina Ly
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, 596 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Abigail E Powell
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, 596 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - James A Goodrich
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, 596 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309, USA.
| | - Jennifer F Kugel
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, 596 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309, USA.
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17
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Cyanobacterial sigma factors: Current and future applications for biotechnological advances. Biotechnol Adv 2020; 40:107517. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2020.107517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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18
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Basu U, Lee SW, Deshpande A, Shen J, Sohn BK, Cho H, Kim H, Patel SS. The C-terminal tail of the yeast mitochondrial transcription factor Mtf1 coordinates template strand alignment, DNA scrunching and timely transition into elongation. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:2604-2620. [PMID: 31980825 PMCID: PMC7049685 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial RNA polymerases depend on initiation factors, such as TFB2M in humans and Mtf1 in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, for promoter-specific transcription. These factors drive the melting of promoter DNA, but how they support RNA priming and growth was not understood. We show that the flexible C-terminal tails of Mtf1 and TFB2M play a crucial role in RNA priming by aiding template strand alignment in the active site for high-affinity binding of the initiating nucleotides. Using single-molecule fluorescence approaches, we show that the Mtf1 C-tail promotes RNA growth during initiation by stabilizing the scrunched DNA conformation. Additionally, due to its location in the path of the nascent RNA, the C-tail of Mtf1 serves as a sensor of the RNA-DNA hybrid length. Initially, steric clashes of the Mtf1 C-tail with short RNA-DNA hybrids cause abortive synthesis but clashes with longer RNA-DNA trigger conformational changes for the timely release of the promoter DNA to commence the transition into elongation. The remarkable similarities in the functions of the C-tail and σ3.2 finger of the bacterial factor suggest mechanistic convergence of a flexible element in the transcription initiation factor that engages the DNA template for RNA priming and growth and disengages when needed to generate the elongation complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urmimala Basu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Rutgers University, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School of the Rutgers University, USA
| | - Seung-Won Lee
- School of Life Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Aishwarya Deshpande
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Rutgers University, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Jiayu Shen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Rutgers University, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School of the Rutgers University, USA
| | - Byeong-Kwon Sohn
- School of Life Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hayoon Cho
- School of Life Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hajin Kim
- School of Life Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
- Center for Genomic Integrity, Institute for Basic Science, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Smita S Patel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Rutgers University, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
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19
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RNA extension drives a stepwise displacement of an initiation-factor structural module in initial transcription. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:5801-5809. [PMID: 32127479 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1920747117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
All organisms-bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes-have a transcription initiation factor that contains a structural module that binds within the RNA polymerase (RNAP) active-center cleft and interacts with template-strand single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) in the immediate vicinity of the RNAP active center. This transcription initiation-factor structural module preorganizes template-strand ssDNA to engage the RNAP active center, thereby facilitating binding of initiating nucleotides and enabling transcription initiation from initiating mononucleotides. However, this transcription initiation-factor structural module occupies the path of nascent RNA and thus presumably must be displaced before or during initial transcription. Here, we report four sets of crystal structures of bacterial initially transcribing complexes that demonstrate and define details of stepwise, RNA-extension-driven displacement of the "σ-finger" of the bacterial transcription initiation factor σ. The structures reveal that-for both the primary σ-factor and extracytoplasmic (ECF) σ-factors, and for both 5'-triphosphate RNA and 5'-hydroxy RNA-the "σ-finger" is displaced in stepwise fashion, progressively folding back upon itself, driven by collision with the RNA 5'-end, upon extension of nascent RNA from ∼5 nt to ∼10 nt.
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20
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Jensen D, Manzano AR, Rammohan J, Stallings CL, Galburt EA. CarD and RbpA modify the kinetics of initial transcription and slow promoter escape of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis RNA polymerase. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 47:6685-6698. [PMID: 31127308 PMCID: PMC6648326 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the causative agent of tuberculosis, enacts unique transcriptional regulatory mechanisms when subjected to host-derived stresses. Initiation of transcription by the Mycobacterial RNA polymerase (RNAP) has previously been shown to exhibit different open complex kinetics and stabilities relative to Escherichia coli (Eco) RNAP. However, transcription initiation rates also depend on the kinetics following open complex formation such as initial nucleotide incorporation and subsequent promoter escape. Here, using a real-time fluorescence assay, we present the first in-depth kinetic analysis of initial transcription and promoter escape for the Mtb RNAP. We show that in relation to Eco RNAP, Mtb displays slower initial nucleotide incorporation but faster overall promoter escape kinetics on the Mtb rrnAP3 promoter. Furthermore, in the context of the essential transcription factors CarD and RbpA, Mtb promoter escape is slowed via differential effects on initially transcribing complexes. Finally, based on their ability to increase the rate of open complex formation and decrease the rate of promoter escape, we suggest that CarD and RbpA are capable of activation or repression depending on the rate-limiting step of a given promoter's basal initiation kinetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drake Jensen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Ana Ruiz Manzano
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Jayan Rammohan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Christina L Stallings
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Eric A Galburt
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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21
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Fang C, Li L, Shen L, Shi J, Wang S, Feng Y, Zhang Y. Structures and mechanism of transcription initiation by bacterial ECF factors. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 47:7094-7104. [PMID: 31131408 PMCID: PMC6648896 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial RNA polymerase (RNAP) forms distinct holoenzymes with extra-cytoplasmic function (ECF) σ factors to initiate specific gene expression programs. In this study, we report a cryo-EM structure at 4.0 Å of Escherichia coli transcription initiation complex comprising σE-the most-studied bacterial ECF σ factor (Ec σE-RPo), and a crystal structure at 3.1 Å of Mycobacterium tuberculosis transcription initiation complex with a chimeric σH/E (Mtb σH/E-RPo). The structure of Ec σE-RPo reveals key interactions essential for assembly of E. coli σE-RNAP holoenzyme and for promoter recognition and unwinding by E. coli σE. Moreover, both structures show that the non-conserved linkers (σ2/σ4 linker) of the two ECF σ factors are inserted into the active-center cleft and exit through the RNA-exit channel. We performed secondary-structure prediction of 27,670 ECF σ factors and find that their non-conserved linkers probably reach into and exit from RNAP active-center cleft in a similar manner. Further biochemical results suggest that such σ2/σ4 linker plays an important role in RPo formation, abortive production and promoter escape during ECF σ factors-mediated transcription initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengli Fang
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lingting Li
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Liqiang Shen
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jing Shi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Sheng Wang
- Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Thuwal, 23955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yu Feng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
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22
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Heyduk E, Heyduk T. DNA template sequence control of bacterial RNA polymerase escape from the promoter. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 46:4469-4486. [PMID: 29546317 PMCID: PMC5961368 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Promoter escape involves breaking of the favourable contacts between RNA polymerase (RNAP) and the promoter to allow transition to an elongation complex. The sequence of DNA template that is transcribed during promoter escape (ITS; Initially Transcribed Sequence) can affect promoter escape by mechanisms that are not yet fully understood. We employed a highly parallel strategy utilizing Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) to collect data on escape properties of thousands of ITS variants. We show that ITS controls promoter escape through a combination of position-dependent effects (most prominently, sequence-directed RNAP pausing), and position-independent effects derived from sequence encoded physical properties of the template (for example, RNA/DNA duplex stability). ITS often functions as an independent unit affecting escape in the same manner regardless of the promoter from which transcription initiates. However, in some cases, a strong dependence of ITS effects on promoter context was observed suggesting that promoters may have 'allosteric' abilities to modulate ITS effects. Large effects of ITS on promoter output and the observed interplay between promoter sequence and ITS effects suggests that the definition of bacterial promoter should include ITS sequence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Heyduk
- Edward A. Doisy Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, St. Louis University Medical School, 1100 S. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63104, USA
| | - Tomasz Heyduk
- Edward A. Doisy Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, St. Louis University Medical School, 1100 S. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63104, USA
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23
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Pupov D, Petushkov I, Esyunina D, Murakami KS, Kulbachinskiy A. Region 3.2 of the σ factor controls the stability of rRNA promoter complexes and potentiates their repression by DksA. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 46:11477-11487. [PMID: 30321408 PMCID: PMC6265461 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The σ factor drives promoter recognition by bacterial RNA polymerase (RNAP) and is also essential for later steps of transcription initiation, including RNA priming and promoter escape. Conserved region 3.2 of the primary σ factor (‘σ finger’) directly contacts the template DNA strand in the open promoter complex and facilitates initiating NTP binding in the active center of RNAP. Ribosomal RNA promoters are responsible for most RNA synthesis during exponential growth but should be silenced during the stationary phase to save cell resources. In Escherichia coli, the silencing mainly results from the action of the secondary channel factor DksA, which together with ppGpp binds RNAP and dramatically decreases the stability of intrinsically unstable rRNA promoter complexes. We demonstrate that this switch depends on the σ finger that destabilizes RNAP–promoter interactions. Mutations in the σ finger moderately decrease initiating NTP binding but significantly increase promoter complex stability and reduce DksA affinity to the RNAP–rRNA promoter complex, thus making rRNA transcription less sensitive to DksA/ppGpp both in vitro and in vivo. Thus, destabilization of rRNA promoter complexes by the σ finger makes them a target for robust regulation by the stringent response factors under stress conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danil Pupov
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 123182, Russia
| | - Ivan Petushkov
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 123182, Russia
| | - Daria Esyunina
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 123182, Russia
| | - Katsuhiko S Murakami
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Center for RNA Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Andrey Kulbachinskiy
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 123182, Russia
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24
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Sudalaiyadum Perumal A, Vishwakarma R, Hu Y, Morichaud Z, Brodolin K. RbpA relaxes promoter selectivity of M. tuberculosis RNA polymerase. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 46:10106-10118. [PMID: 30102406 PMCID: PMC6212719 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcriptional activator RbpA associates with Mycobacterium tuberculosis RNA polymerase (MtbRNAP) during transcription initiation, and stimulates formation of the MtbRNAP-promoter open complex (RPo). Here, we explored the influence of promoter motifs on RbpA-mediated activation of MtbRNAP containing the stress-response σB subunit. We show that both the ‘extended −10’ promoter motif (T-17G-16T-15G-14) and RbpA stabilized RPo and allowed promoter opening at suboptimal temperatures. Furthermore, in the presence of the T-17G-16T-15G-14 motif, RbpA was dispensable for RNA synthesis initiation, while exerting a stabilization effect on RPo. On the other hand, RbpA compensated for the lack of sequence-specific interactions of domains 3 and 4 of σB with the extended −10 and the −35 motifs, respectively. Mutations of the positively charged residues K73, K74 and R79 in RbpA basic linker (BL) had little effect on RPo formation, but affected MtbRNAP capacity for de novo transcription initiation. We propose that RbpA stimulates transcription by strengthening the non-specific interaction of the σ subunit with promoter DNA upstream of the −10 element, and by indirectly optimizing MtbRNAP interaction with initiation substrates. Consequently, RbpA renders MtbRNAP promiscuous in promoter selection, thus compensating for the weak conservation of the −35 motif in mycobacteria.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Substitution
- Bacterial Proteins/chemistry
- Bacterial Proteins/genetics
- Bacterial Proteins/metabolism
- Binding Sites
- DNA, Bacterial/chemistry
- DNA, Bacterial/genetics
- DNA, Bacterial/metabolism
- DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases/chemistry
- DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases/genetics
- DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases/metabolism
- Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial
- Kinetics
- Lysine/chemistry
- Lysine/metabolism
- Models, Molecular
- Mutation
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis/genetics
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis/metabolism
- Nucleotide Motifs
- Promoter Regions, Genetic
- Protein Binding
- Protein Interaction Domains and Motifs
- Protein Structure, Secondary
- RNA, Bacterial/biosynthesis
- RNA, Bacterial/chemistry
- RNA, Bacterial/genetics
- RNA-Binding Proteins/chemistry
- RNA-Binding Proteins/genetics
- RNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism
- Sigma Factor/chemistry
- Sigma Factor/genetics
- Sigma Factor/metabolism
- Substrate Specificity
- Temperature
- Transcriptional Activation
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yangbo Hu
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Zakia Morichaud
- IRIM, CNRS, Univ Montpellier, 1919 route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France
| | - Konstantin Brodolin
- IRIM, CNRS, Univ Montpellier, 1919 route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +33 4 34359469; Fax: +33 4 34359411;
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25
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Mazumder A, Kapanidis AN. Recent Advances in Understanding σ70-Dependent Transcription Initiation Mechanisms. J Mol Biol 2019; 431:3947-3959. [PMID: 31082441 PMCID: PMC7057261 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2019.04.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Prokaryotic transcription is one of the most studied biological systems, with relevance to many fields including the development and use of antibiotics, the construction of synthetic gene networks, and the development of many cutting-edge methodologies. Here, we discuss recent structural, biochemical, and single-molecule biophysical studies targeting the mechanisms of transcription initiation in bacteria, including the formation of the open complex, the reaction of initial transcription, and the promoter escape step that leads to elongation. We specifically focus on the mechanisms employed by the RNA polymerase holoenzyme with the housekeeping sigma factor σ70. The recent progress provides answers to long-held questions, identifies intriguing new behaviours, and opens up fresh questions for the field of transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Mazumder
- Biological Physics Research Group, Clarendon Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Achillefs N Kapanidis
- Biological Physics Research Group, Clarendon Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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26
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The Role of Pyrophosphorolysis in the Initiation-to-Elongation Transition by E. coli RNA Polymerase. J Mol Biol 2019; 431:2528-2542. [PMID: 31029704 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2019.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Revised: 04/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
RNA polymerase can cleave a phosphodiester bond at the 3' end of a nascent RNA in the presence of pyrophosphate producing NTP. Pyrophosphorolysis has been characterized during elongation steps of transcription where its rate is significantly slower than the forward rate of NMP addition. In contrast, we report here that pyrophosphorolysis can occur in a millisecond time scale during the transition of Escherichia coli RNA polymerase from initiation to elongation at the psbA2 promoter. This rapid pyrophosphorolysis occurs during productive RNA synthesis as opposed to abortive RNA synthesis. Dissociation of σ70 or RNA extension beyond nine nucleotides dramatically reduces the rate of pyrophosphorolysis. We argue that the rapid pyrophosphorolysis allows iterative cycles of cleavage and re-synthesis of the 3' phosphodiester bond by the productive complexes in the early stage of transcription. This iterative process may provide an opportunity for the σ70 to dissociate from the RNA exit channel of the enzyme, enabling RNA to extend through the channel.
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Henderson KL, Evensen CE, Molzahn CM, Felth LC, Dyke S, Liao G, Shkel IA, Record MT. RNA Polymerase: Step-by-Step Kinetics and Mechanism of Transcription Initiation. Biochemistry 2019; 58:2339-2352. [PMID: 30950601 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.9b00049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
To determine the step-by-step kinetics and mechanism of transcription initiation and escape by E. coli RNA polymerase from the λPR promoter, we quantify the accumulation and decay of transient short RNA intermediates on the pathway to promoter escape and full-length (FL) RNA synthesis over a wide range of NTP concentrations by rapid-quench mixing and phosphorimager analysis of gel separations. Experiments are performed at 19 °C, where almost all short RNAs detected are intermediates in FL-RNA synthesis by productive complexes or end-products in nonproductive (stalled) initiation complexes and not from abortive initiation. Analysis of productive-initiation kinetic data yields composite second-order rate constants for all steps of NTP binding and hybrid extension up to the escape point (11-mer). The largest of these rate constants is for incorporation of UTP into the dinucleotide pppApU in a step which does not involve DNA opening or translocation. Subsequent steps, each of which begins with reversible translocation and DNA opening, are slower with rate constants that vary more than 10-fold, interpreted as effects of translocation stress on the translocation equilibrium constant. Rate constants for synthesis of 4- and 5-mer, 7-mer to 9-mer, and 11-mer are particularly small, indicating that RNAP-promoter interactions are disrupted in these steps. These reductions in rate constants are consistent with the previously determined ∼9 kcal cost of escape from λPR. Structural modeling and previous results indicate that the three groups of small rate constants correspond to sequential disruption of in-cleft, -10, and -35 interactions. Parallels to escape by T7 RNAP are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate L Henderson
- Department of Biochemistry , University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison , Wisconsin 53706 , United States
| | - Claire E Evensen
- Department of Biochemistry , University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison , Wisconsin 53706 , United States
| | - Cristen M Molzahn
- Department of Biochemistry , University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison , Wisconsin 53706 , United States
| | - Lindsey C Felth
- Department of Biochemistry , University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison , Wisconsin 53706 , United States
| | - Sarah Dyke
- Department of Biochemistry , University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison , Wisconsin 53706 , United States
| | - Guanyu Liao
- Department of Biochemistry , University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison , Wisconsin 53706 , United States
| | - Irina A Shkel
- Department of Biochemistry , University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison , Wisconsin 53706 , United States.,Department of Chemistry , University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison , Wisconsin 53706 , United States
| | - M Thomas Record
- Department of Biochemistry , University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison , Wisconsin 53706 , United States.,Department of Chemistry , University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison , Wisconsin 53706 , United States
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28
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Li L, Fang C, Zhuang N, Wang T, Zhang Y. Structural basis for transcription initiation by bacterial ECF σ factors. Nat Commun 2019; 10:1153. [PMID: 30858373 PMCID: PMC6411747 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-09096-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial RNA polymerase employs extra-cytoplasmic function (ECF) σ factors to regulate context-specific gene expression programs. Despite being the most abundant and divergent σ factor class, the structural basis of ECF σ factor-mediated transcription initiation remains unknown. Here, we determine a crystal structure of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) RNAP holoenzyme comprising an RNAP core enzyme and the ECF σ factor σH (σH-RNAP) at 2.7 Å, and solve another crystal structure of a transcription initiation complex of Mtb σH-RNAP (σH-RPo) comprising promoter DNA and an RNA primer at 2.8 Å. The two structures together reveal the interactions between σH and RNAP that are essential for σH-RNAP holoenzyme assembly as well as the interactions between σH-RNAP and promoter DNA responsible for stringent promoter recognition and for promoter unwinding. Our study establishes that ECF σ factors and primary σ factors employ distinct mechanisms for promoter recognition and for promoter unwinding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingting Li
- 0000000119573309grid.9227.eKey Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032 China ,0000 0004 1797 8419grid.410726.6University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
| | - Chengli Fang
- 0000000119573309grid.9227.eKey Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032 China ,0000 0004 1797 8419grid.410726.6University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
| | - Ningning Zhuang
- 0000000119573309grid.9227.eKey Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Tiantian Wang
- 0000000119573309grid.9227.eKey Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032 China ,0000 0004 1797 8419grid.410726.6University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
| | - Yu Zhang
- 0000000119573309grid.9227.eKey Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032 China
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29
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Structural basis of ECF-σ-factor-dependent transcription initiation. Nat Commun 2019; 10:710. [PMID: 30755604 PMCID: PMC6372665 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-08443-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracytoplasmic (ECF) σ factors, the largest class of alternative σ factors, are related to primary σ factors, but have simpler structures, comprising only two of six conserved functional modules in primary σ factors: region 2 (σR2) and region 4 (σR4). Here, we report crystal structures of transcription initiation complexes containing Mycobacterium tuberculosis RNA polymerase (RNAP), M. tuberculosis ECF σ factor σL, and promoter DNA. The structures show that σR2 and σR4 of the ECF σ factor occupy the same sites on RNAP as in primary σ factors, show that the connector between σR2 and σR4 of the ECF σ factor–although shorter and unrelated in sequence–follows the same path through RNAP as in primary σ factors, and show that the ECF σ factor uses the same strategy to bind and unwind promoter DNA as primary σ factors. The results define protein-protein and protein-DNA interactions involved in ECF-σ-factor-dependent transcription initiation. No structural data have been available for RNA polymerase holoenzymes or transcription initiation complexes that contain extracytoplasmic σ factors. Here the authors report the crystal structures of transcription initiation complexes comprising Mycobacterium tuberculosis RNA polymerase, extracytoplasmic σ factor σL and promoter DNA.
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30
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Esyunina D, Pupov D, Kulbachinskiy A. Dual role of the σ factor in primer RNA synthesis by bacterial RNA polymerase. FEBS Lett 2018; 593:361-368. [PMID: 30536890 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Revised: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial RNA polymerase (RNAP) serves as a primase during replication of single-stranded plasmids and filamentous phages. Primer RNA (prRNA) synthesis from the origin regions of these replicons depends on the σ factor that normally participates in promoter recognition. However, it was proposed that σ may not be required for origin recognition but is rather involved in RNA extension by RNAP. Here, by analyzing the natural replication origin of bacteriophage M13 and synthetic ssDNA templates, we show that interactions of σ with promoter-like motifs stabilize priming complexes and can control prRNA synthesis by trapping RNAP on the template. Thus, the σ factor is involved in both DNA recognition and RNA priming, unifying its functions in transcription initiation from double- and single-stranded templates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Esyunina
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Danil Pupov
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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31
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Julius C, Yuzenkova Y. Noncanonical RNA-capping: Discovery, mechanism, and physiological role debate. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2018; 10:e1512. [PMID: 30353673 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Recently a new type of 5'-RNA cap was discovered. In contrast to the specialized eukaryotic m7 G cap, the novel caps are abundant cellular cofactors like NAD+ . RNAs capped with cofactors are found in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Unlike m7 G cap, installed by specialized enzymes, cofactors are attached by main enzyme of transcription, RNA polymerase (RNAP). Cofactors act as noncanonical initiating substrates, provided cofactor's nucleoside base-pairs with template DNA at the transcription start site. Adenosine-containing NAD(H), flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), and CoA modify transcripts on promoters starting with +1A. Similarly, uridine-containing cell wall precursors, for example, uridine diphosphate-N-acetylglucosamine were shown to cap RNA in vitro on +1U promoters. Noncanonical capping is a universal feature of evolutionary unrelated RNAPs-multisubunit bacterial and eukaryotic RNAPs, and single-subunit mitochondrial RNAP. Cellular concentrations of cofactors, for example, NAD(H) are significantly higher than their Km in transcription. Yet, only a small proportion of a given cellular RNA is noncanonically capped (if at all). This proportion is a net balance between capping, seemingly stochastic, and decapping, possibly determined by RNA folding, protein binding and transcription rate. NUDIX hydrolases in bacteria and eukaryotes, and DXO family proteins eukaryotes act as decapping enzymes for noncanonical caps. The physiological role of noncanonical RNA capping is only starting to emerge. It was demonstrated to affect RNA stability in vivo in bacteria and eukaryotes and to stimulate RNAP promoter escape in vitro in Escherichia coli. NAD+ /NADH capping ratio may connect transcription to cellular redox state. Potentially, noncanonical capping affects mRNA translation, RNA-protein binding and RNA localization. This article is categorized under: RNA Processing > Capping and 5' End Modifications RNA Export and Localization > RNA Localization RNA Structure and Dynamics > RNA Structure, Dynamics, and Chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Julius
- Centre for Bacterial Cell Biology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Yulia Yuzenkova
- Centre for Bacterial Cell Biology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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32
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Julius C, Riaz-Bradley A, Yuzenkova Y. RNA capping by mitochondrial and multi-subunit RNA polymerases. Transcription 2018; 9:292-297. [PMID: 29624107 PMCID: PMC6150613 DOI: 10.1080/21541264.2018.1456258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, it was found that bacterial and eukaryotic transcripts are capped with cellular cofactors installed by their respective RNA polymerases (RNAPs) during transcription initiation. We now show that mitochondrial RNAP efficiently caps transcripts with ADP - containing cofactors. However, a functional role of universal RNAP - catalysed capping is not yet clear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Julius
- a Centre for Bacterial Cell Biology , Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences , Newcastle University , Newcastle upon Tyne , NE2 4AX , UK
| | - Amber Riaz-Bradley
- a Centre for Bacterial Cell Biology , Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences , Newcastle University , Newcastle upon Tyne , NE2 4AX , UK
| | - Yulia Yuzenkova
- a Centre for Bacterial Cell Biology , Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences , Newcastle University , Newcastle upon Tyne , NE2 4AX , UK
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33
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Dulin D, Bauer DLV, Malinen AM, Bakermans JJW, Kaller M, Morichaud Z, Petushkov I, Depken M, Brodolin K, Kulbachinskiy A, Kapanidis AN. Pausing controls branching between productive and non-productive pathways during initial transcription in bacteria. Nat Commun 2018; 9:1478. [PMID: 29662062 PMCID: PMC5902446 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-03902-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcription in bacteria is controlled by multiple molecular mechanisms that precisely regulate gene expression. It has been recently shown that initial RNA synthesis by the bacterial RNA polymerase (RNAP) is interrupted by pauses; however, the pausing determinants and the relationship of pausing with productive and abortive RNA synthesis remain poorly understood. Using single-molecule FRET and biochemical analysis, here we show that the pause encountered by RNAP after the synthesis of a 6-nt RNA (ITC6) renders the promoter escape strongly dependent on the NTP concentration. Mechanistically, the paused ITC6 acts as a checkpoint that directs RNAP to one of three competing pathways: productive transcription, abortive RNA release, or a new unscrunching/scrunching pathway. The cyclic unscrunching/scrunching of the promoter generates a long-lived, RNA-bound paused state; the abortive RNA release and DNA unscrunching are thus not as tightly linked as previously thought. Finally, our new model couples the pausing with the abortive and productive outcomes of initial transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Dulin
- Biological Physics Research Group, Clarendon Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PU, UK.
- Junior Research Group 2, Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Hartmannstrasse 14, 91052, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - David L V Bauer
- Biological Physics Research Group, Clarendon Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PU, UK
| | - Anssi M Malinen
- Biological Physics Research Group, Clarendon Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PU, UK
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku, 20014, Turku, Finland
| | - Jacob J W Bakermans
- Biological Physics Research Group, Clarendon Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PU, UK
| | - Martin Kaller
- Biological Physics Research Group, Clarendon Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PU, UK
| | - Zakia Morichaud
- Institut de Recherche en Infectiologie de Montpellier (IRIM) UMR9004 CNRS-Université de Montpellier, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293, Montpellier, France
| | - Ivan Petushkov
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 123182, Russia
| | - Martin Depken
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Konstantin Brodolin
- Institut de Recherche en Infectiologie de Montpellier (IRIM) UMR9004 CNRS-Université de Montpellier, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293, Montpellier, France
| | - Andrey Kulbachinskiy
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 123182, Russia
| | - Achillefs N Kapanidis
- Biological Physics Research Group, Clarendon Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PU, UK.
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34
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Boyaci H, Chen J, Lilic M, Palka M, Mooney RA, Landick R, Darst SA, Campbell EA. Fidaxomicin jams Mycobacterium tuberculosis RNA polymerase motions needed for initiation via RbpA contacts. eLife 2018; 7:34823. [PMID: 29480804 PMCID: PMC5837556 DOI: 10.7554/elife.34823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Fidaxomicin (Fdx) is an antimicrobial RNA polymerase (RNAP) inhibitor highly effective against Mycobacterium tuberculosis RNAP in vitro, but clinical use of Fdx is limited to treating Clostridium difficile intestinal infections due to poor absorption. To identify the structural determinants of Fdx binding to RNAP, we determined the 3.4 Å cryo-electron microscopy structure of a complete M. tuberculosis RNAP holoenzyme in complex with Fdx. We find that the actinobacteria general transcription factor RbpA contacts fidaxomycin, explaining its strong effect on M. tuberculosis. Additional structures define conformational states of M. tuberculosis RNAP between the free apo-holoenzyme and the promoter-engaged open complex ready for transcription. The results establish that Fdx acts like a doorstop to jam the enzyme in an open state, preventing the motions necessary to secure promoter DNA in the active site. Our results provide a structural platform to guide development of anti-tuberculosis antimicrobials based on the Fdx binding pocket. Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that affects over ten million people every year. The Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria that cause the disease spread through the air from one person to another and mainly infect the lungs. Although curable, TB is difficult to eradicate because it is remarkably widespread, with one third of the world’s population estimated to carry the bacteria. Treatment for TB involves a mix of antibiotics that should be taken for several months to a year. The number of multidrug-resistant TB cases, where the infection is not treatable by the common cocktail of antibiotics, is rapidly increasing. There is therefore a need to discover new drugs that can kill the M. tuberculosis bacteria. An antibiotic called fidaxomicin is used to treat intestinal infections. Although it can kill Mycobacterium tuberculosis cells in culture, it is not absorbed from the intestines to the blood and thus cannot reach the lungs to kill the bacteria. It may be possible to change the structure of the drug so that it can enter the bloodstream. Before this can be done, researchers need to understand exactly how fidaxomicin kills the bacteria so that they know which parts of the drug they can alter without making it less effective. Fidaxomicin kills bacterial cells by binding to an enzyme called RNA polymerase. The antibiotic prevents the enzyme from reading and ‘transcribing’ DNA to form molecules that are essential for life. To learn more about how fidaxomicin has this effect, Boyaci, Chen et al. used cryo-electron microscopy to look at structures of the M. tuberculosis RNA polymerase in different states, including when it was bound to fidaxomicin. The structures reveal the chemical details of the interactions between the RNA polymerase and the antibiotic. The two molecules bind to each other through a region of the RNA polymerase that is unique to M. tuberculosis and closely related bacteria. Fidaxomicin acts like a doorstop to jam the RNA polymerase in an open state that cannot bind to DNA and transcribe genes. Medicinal chemists could now build on these findings to develop new drugs that might treat TB, either by modifying fidaxomicin or designing new antibiotics that bind to the same region of the RNA polymerase. Because the fidaxomicin-binding region of the RNA polymerase is specific to M. tuberculosis new antibiotics could be tailored towards the bacteria that have a minimal effect on a patient’s normal gut bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hande Boyaci
- The Rockefeller University, New York, United States
| | - James Chen
- The Rockefeller University, New York, United States
| | | | - Margaret Palka
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, United States
| | - Rachel Anne Mooney
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, United States
| | - Robert Landick
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, United States.,Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, United States
| | - Seth A Darst
- The Rockefeller University, New York, United States
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35
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Interplay between σ region 3.2 and secondary channel factors during promoter escape by bacterial RNA polymerase. Biochem J 2017; 474:4053-4064. [DOI: 10.1042/bcj20170436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Revised: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
In bacterial RNA polymerase (RNAP), conserved region 3.2 of the σ subunit was proposed to contribute to promoter escape by interacting with the 5′-end of nascent RNA, thus facilitating σ dissociation. RNAP activity during transcription initiation can also be modulated by protein factors that bind within the secondary channel and reach the enzyme active site. To monitor the kinetics of promoter escape in real time, we used a molecular beacon assay with fluorescently labeled σ70 subunit of Escherichia coli RNAP. We show that substitutions and deletions in σ region 3.2 decrease the rate of promoter escape and lead to accumulation of inactive complexes during transcription initiation. Secondary channel factors differentially regulate this process depending on the promoter and mutations in σ region 3.2. GreA generally increase the rate of promoter escape; DksA also stimulates promoter escape on certain templates, while GreB either stimulates or inhibits this process depending on the template. When observed, the stimulation of promoter escape correlates with the accumulation of stressed transcription complexes with scrunched DNA, while changes in the RNA 5′-end structure modulate promoter clearance. Thus, the initiation-to-elongation transition is controlled by a complex interplay between RNAP-binding protein factors and the growing RNA chain.
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36
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Julius C, Yuzenkova Y. Bacterial RNA polymerase caps RNA with various cofactors and cell wall precursors. Nucleic Acids Res 2017; 45:8282-8290. [PMID: 28531287 PMCID: PMC5737558 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkx452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial RNA polymerase is able to initiate transcription with adenosine-containing cofactor NAD+, which was proposed to result in a portion of cellular RNAs being ‘capped’ at the 5′ end with NAD+, reminiscent of eukaryotic cap. Here we show that, apart from NAD+, another adenosine-containing cofactor FAD and highly abundant uridine-containing cell wall precursors, UDP-Glucose and UDP-N-acetylglucosamine are efficiently used to initiate transcription in vitro. We show that the affinity to NAD+ and UDP-containing factors during initiation is much lower than their cellular concentrations, and that initiation with them stimulates promoter escape. Efficiency of initiation with NAD+, but not with UDP-containing factors, is affected by amino acids of the Rifampicin-binding pocket, suggesting altered RNA capping in Rifampicin-resistant strains. However, relative affinity to NAD+ does not depend on the −1 base of the template strand, as was suggested earlier. We show that incorporation of mature cell wall precursor, UDP-MurNAc-pentapeptide, is inhibited by region 3.2 of σ subunit, possibly preventing targeting of RNA to the membrane. Overall, our in vitro results propose a wide repertoire of potential bacterial RNA capping molecules, and provide mechanistic insights into their incorporation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Julius
- Centre for Bacterial Cell Biology, Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Newcastle University, Baddiley-Clark Building, Richardson Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4AX, UK
| | - Yulia Yuzenkova
- Centre for Bacterial Cell Biology, Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Newcastle University, Baddiley-Clark Building, Richardson Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4AX, UK
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37
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Petushkov I, Esyunina D, Kulbachinskiy A. Possible roles of σ-dependent RNA polymerase pausing in transcription regulation. RNA Biol 2017; 14:1678-1682. [PMID: 28816625 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2017.1356568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The σ subunit of bacterial RNA polymerase is required for promoter recognition during transcription initiation but may also regulate transcription elongation. The principal σ70 subunit of Escherichia coli was shown to travel with RNA polymerase and induce transcriptional pausing at promoter-like motifs, with potential regulatory output. We recently demonstrated that an alternative σ38 subunit can also induce RNA polymerase pausing. Here, we outline proposed regulatory roles of σ-dependent pausing in bacteria and discuss possible interplay between alternative σ variants and regulatory factors during transcription elongation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Petushkov
- a Laboratory of Molecular Genetics of Microorganisms, Institute of Molecular Genetics , Russian Academy of Sciences , Moscow , Russia.,b Molecular Biology Department, Biological Faculty , Moscow State University , Moscow , Russia
| | - Daria Esyunina
- a Laboratory of Molecular Genetics of Microorganisms, Institute of Molecular Genetics , Russian Academy of Sciences , Moscow , Russia
| | - Andrey Kulbachinskiy
- a Laboratory of Molecular Genetics of Microorganisms, Institute of Molecular Genetics , Russian Academy of Sciences , Moscow , Russia.,b Molecular Biology Department, Biological Faculty , Moscow State University , Moscow , Russia
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38
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Petushkov I, Esyunina D, Kulbachinskiy A. σ38-dependent promoter-proximal pausing by bacterial RNA polymerase. Nucleic Acids Res 2017; 45:3006-3016. [PMID: 27928053 PMCID: PMC5389655 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkw1213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription initiation by bacterial RNA polymerase (RNAP) requires a variable σ subunit that directs it to promoters for site-specific priming of RNA synthesis. The principal σ subunit responsible for expression of house-keeping genes can bind the transcription elongation complex after initiation and induce RNAP pausing through specific interactions with promoter-like motifs in transcribed DNA. We show that the stationary phase and stress response σ38 subunit can also induce pausing by Escherichia coli RNAP on DNA templates containing promoter-like motifs in the transcribed regions. The pausing depends on σ38 contacts with the DNA template and RNAP core enzyme and results in formation of backtracked transcription elongation complexes, which can be reactivated by Gre factors that induce RNA cleavage by RNAP. Our data suggest that σ38 can bind the transcription elongation complex in trans but likely acts in cis during transcription initiation, by staying bound to RNAP and recognizing promoter-proximal pause signals. Analysis of σ38-dependent promoters reveals that a substantial fraction of them contain potential pause-inducing motifs, suggesting that σ38-depended pausing may be a common phenomenon in bacterial transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Petushkov
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 123182, Russia.,Molecular Biology Department, Biological Faculty, Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Daria Esyunina
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 123182, Russia
| | - Andrey Kulbachinskiy
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 123182, Russia.,Molecular Biology Department, Biological Faculty, Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia
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39
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Mechanism of transcription initiation and promoter escape by E. coli RNA polymerase. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:E3032-E3040. [PMID: 28348246 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1618675114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate roles of the discriminator and open complex (OC) lifetime in transcription initiation by Escherichia coli RNA polymerase (RNAP; α2ββ'ωσ70), we compare productive and abortive initiation rates, short RNA distributions, and OC lifetime for the λPR and T7A1 promoters and variants with exchanged discriminators, all with the same transcribed region. The discriminator determines the OC lifetime of these promoters. Permanganate reactivity of thymines reveals that strand backbones in open regions of long-lived λPR-discriminator OCs are much more tightly held than for shorter-lived T7A1-discriminator OCs. Initiation from these OCs exhibits two kinetic phases and at least two subpopulations of ternary complexes. Long RNA synthesis (constrained to be single round) occurs only in the initial phase (<10 s), at similar rates for all promoters. Less than half of OCs synthesize a full-length RNA; the majority stall after synthesizing a short RNA. Most abortive cycling occurs in the slower phase (>10 s), when stalled complexes release their short RNA and make another without escaping. In both kinetic phases, significant amounts of 8-nt and 10-nt transcripts are produced by longer-lived, λPR-discriminator OCs, whereas no RNA longer than 7 nt is produced by shorter-lived T7A1-discriminator OCs. These observations and the lack of abortive RNA in initiation from short-lived ribosomal promoter OCs are well described by a quantitative model in which ∼1.0 kcal/mol of scrunching free energy is generated per translocation step of RNA synthesis to overcome OC stability and drive escape. The different length-distributions of abortive RNAs released from OCs with different lifetimes likely play regulatory roles.
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Lee J, Borukhov S. Bacterial RNA Polymerase-DNA Interaction-The Driving Force of Gene Expression and the Target for Drug Action. Front Mol Biosci 2016; 3:73. [PMID: 27882317 PMCID: PMC5101437 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2016.00073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA-dependent multisubunit RNA polymerase (RNAP) is the key enzyme of gene expression and a target of regulation in all kingdoms of life. It is a complex multifunctional molecular machine which, unlike other DNA-binding proteins, engages in extensive and dynamic interactions (both specific and nonspecific) with DNA, and maintains them over a distance. These interactions are controlled by DNA sequences, DNA topology, and a host of regulatory factors. Here, we summarize key recent structural and biochemical studies that elucidate the fine details of RNAP-DNA interactions during initiation. The findings of these studies help unravel the molecular mechanisms of promoter recognition and open complex formation, initiation of transcript synthesis and promoter escape. We also discuss most current advances in the studies of drugs that specifically target RNAP-DNA interactions during transcription initiation and elongation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jookyung Lee
- Department of Cell Biology, Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine Stratford, NJ, USA
| | - Sergei Borukhov
- Department of Cell Biology, Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine Stratford, NJ, USA
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Regulation of transcription initiation by Gfh factors from Deinococcus radiodurans. Biochem J 2016; 473:4493-4505. [PMID: 27754888 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20160659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Revised: 10/15/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Transcription factors of the Gre family bind within the secondary channel of bacterial RNA polymerase (RNAP) directly modulating its catalytic activities. Universally conserved Gre factors activate RNA cleavage by RNAP, by chelating catalytic metal ions in the RNAP active site, and facilitate both promoter escape and transcription elongation. Gfh factors are Deinococcus/Thermus-specific homologues of Gre factors whose transcription functions remain poorly understood. Recently, we found that Gfh1 and Gfh2 proteins from Deinococcus radiodurans dramatically stimulate RNAP pausing during transcription elongation in the presence of Mn2+, but not Mg2+, ions. In contrast, we show that Gfh1 and Gfh2 moderately inhibit transcription initiation in the presence of either Mg2+ or Mn2+ ions. By using a molecular beacon assay, we demonstrate that Gfh1 and Gfh2 do not significantly change promoter complex stability or the rate of promoter escape by D. radiodurans RNAP. At the same time, Gfh factors significantly increase the apparent KM value for the 5'-initiating nucleotide, without having major effects on the affinity of metal ions for the RNAP active site. Similar inhibitory effects of Gfh factors are observed for transcription initiation on promoters recognized by the principal and an alternative σ factor. In summary, our data suggest that D. radiodurans Gfh factors impair the binding of initiating substrates independently of the metal ions bound in the RNAP active site, but have only mild overall effects on transcription initiation. Thus the mechanisms of modulation of RNAP activity by these factors are different for various steps of transcription.
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Duchi D, Bauer DLV, Fernandez L, Evans G, Robb N, Hwang LC, Gryte K, Tomescu A, Zawadzki P, Morichaud Z, Brodolin K, Kapanidis AN. RNA Polymerase Pausing during Initial Transcription. Mol Cell 2016; 63:939-50. [PMID: 27618490 PMCID: PMC5031556 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2016.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2015] [Revised: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
In bacteria, RNA polymerase (RNAP) initiates transcription by synthesizing short transcripts that are either released or extended to allow RNAP to escape from the promoter. The mechanism of initial transcription is unclear due to the presence of transient intermediates and molecular heterogeneity. Here, we studied initial transcription on a lac promoter using single-molecule fluorescence observations of DNA scrunching on immobilized transcription complexes. Our work revealed a long pause (“initiation pause,” ∼20 s) after synthesis of a 6-mer RNA; such pauses can serve as regulatory checkpoints. Region sigma 3.2, which contains a loop blocking the RNA exit channel, was a major pausing determinant. We also obtained evidence for RNA backtracking during abortive initial transcription and for additional pausing prior to escape. We summarized our work in a model for initial transcription, in which pausing is controlled by a complex set of determinants that modulate the transition from a 6- to a 7-nt RNA. E. coli RNA polymerase pauses during initial transcription at lac promoters Initiation pausing lasts for ∼20 s and occurs at the transition from 6- to 7-nt RNA Region 3.2 of σ70 is the main protein element controlling pausing Pausing is likely to be controlled further by a complex set of determinants
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Duchi
- Biological Physics Research Group, Clarendon Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PU, UK
| | - David L V Bauer
- Biological Physics Research Group, Clarendon Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PU, UK
| | - Laurent Fernandez
- Biological Physics Research Group, Clarendon Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PU, UK
| | - Geraint Evans
- Biological Physics Research Group, Clarendon Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PU, UK
| | - Nicole Robb
- Biological Physics Research Group, Clarendon Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PU, UK
| | - Ling Chin Hwang
- Biological Physics Research Group, Clarendon Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PU, UK
| | - Kristofer Gryte
- Biological Physics Research Group, Clarendon Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PU, UK
| | - Alexandra Tomescu
- Biological Physics Research Group, Clarendon Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PU, UK
| | - Pawel Zawadzki
- Biological Physics Research Group, Clarendon Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PU, UK
| | - Zakia Morichaud
- CNRS FRE 3689, Centre d'études d'agents Pathogénes et Biotechnologies pour la Santé (CPBS), 1919 route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France
| | - Konstantin Brodolin
- CNRS FRE 3689, Centre d'études d'agents Pathogénes et Biotechnologies pour la Santé (CPBS), 1919 route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France
| | - Achillefs N Kapanidis
- Biological Physics Research Group, Clarendon Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PU, UK.
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Santillán O, Ramírez-Romero MA, Lozano L, Checa A, Encarnación SM, Dávila G. Region 4 of Rhizobium etli Primary Sigma Factor (SigA) Confers Transcriptional Laxity in Escherichia coli. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:1078. [PMID: 27468278 PMCID: PMC4943231 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sigma factors are RNA polymerase subunits engaged in promoter recognition and DNA strand separation during transcription initiation in bacteria. Primary sigma factors are responsible for the expression of housekeeping genes and are essential for survival. RpoD, the primary sigma factor of Escherichia coli, a γ-proteobacteria, recognizes consensus promoter sequences highly similar to those of some α-proteobacteria species. Despite this resemblance, RpoD is unable to sustain transcription from most of the α-proteobacterial promoters tested so far. In contrast, we have found that SigA, the primary sigma factor of Rhizobium etli, an α-proteobacteria, is able to transcribe E. coli promoters, although it exhibits only 48% identity (98% coverage) to RpoD. We have called this the transcriptional laxity phenomenon. Here, we show that SigA partially complements the thermo-sensitive deficiency of RpoD285 from E. coli strain UQ285 and that the SigA region σ4 is responsible for this phenotype. Sixteen out of 74 residues (21.6%) within region σ4 are variable between RpoD and SigA. Mutating these residues significantly improves SigA ability to complement E. coli UQ285. Only six of these residues fall into positions already known to interact with promoter DNA and to comprise a helix-turn-helix motif. The remaining variable positions are located on previously unexplored sites inside region σ4, specifically into the first two α-helices of the region. Neither of the variable positions confined to these helices seem to interact directly with promoter sequence; instead, we adduce that these residues participate allosterically by contributing to correct region folding and/or positioning of the HTH motif. We propose that transcriptional laxity is a mechanism for ensuring transcription in spite of naturally occurring mutations from endogenous promoters and/or horizontally transferred DNA sequences, allowing survival and fast environmental adaptation of α-proteobacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orlando Santillán
- Programa de Genómica Evolutiva, Centro de Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | | | - Luis Lozano
- Programa de Genómica Evolutiva, Centro de Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Alberto Checa
- Programa de Genómica Funcional de Procariontes, Centro de Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Sergio M Encarnación
- Programa de Genómica Funcional de Procariontes, Centro de Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Guillermo Dávila
- Programa de Genómica Evolutiva, Centro de Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de MéxicoCuernavaca, Mexico; Laboratorio Internacional de Investigación sobre el Genoma Humano, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de MéxicoJuriquilla, Mexico
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Morichaud Z, Chaloin L, Brodolin K. Regions 1.2 and 3.2 of the RNA Polymerase σ Subunit Promote DNA Melting and Attenuate Action of the Antibiotic Lipiarmycin. J Mol Biol 2016; 428:463-76. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2015.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2015] [Revised: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 12/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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Bae B, Feklistov A, Lass-Napiorkowska A, Landick R, Darst SA. Structure of a bacterial RNA polymerase holoenzyme open promoter complex. eLife 2015; 4. [PMID: 26349032 PMCID: PMC4593229 DOI: 10.7554/elife.08504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2015] [Accepted: 09/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Initiation of transcription is a primary means for controlling gene expression. In bacteria, the RNA polymerase (RNAP) holoenzyme binds and unwinds promoter DNA, forming the transcription bubble of the open promoter complex (RPo). We have determined crystal structures, refined to 4.14 Å-resolution, of RPo containing Thermus aquaticus RNAP holoenzyme and promoter DNA that includes the full transcription bubble. The structures, combined with biochemical analyses, reveal key features supporting the formation and maintenance of the double-strand/single-strand DNA junction at the upstream edge of the −10 element where bubble formation initiates. The results also reveal RNAP interactions with duplex DNA just upstream of the −10 element and potential protein/DNA interactions that direct the DNA template strand into the RNAP active site. Addition of an RNA primer to yield a 4 base-pair post-translocated RNA:DNA hybrid mimics an initially transcribing complex at the point where steric clash initiates abortive initiation and σA dissociation. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.08504.001 Inside cells, molecules of double-stranded DNA encode the instructions needed to make proteins. To make a protein, the two strands of DNA that make up a gene are separated and one strand acts as a template to make molecules of messenger ribonucleic acid (or mRNA for short). This process is called transcription. The mRNA is then used as a template to assemble the protein. An enzyme called RNA polymerase carries out transcription and is found in all cells ranging from bacteria to humans and other animals. Bacteria have the simplest form of RNA polymerase and provide an excellent system to study how it controls transcription. It is made up of several proteins that work together to make RNA using DNA as a template. However, it requires the help of another protein called sigma factor to direct it to regions of DNA called promoters, which are just before the start of the gene. When RNA polymerase and the sigma factor interact the resulting group of proteins is known as the RNA polymerase ‘holoenzyme’. Transcription takes place in several stages. To start with, the RNA polymerase holoenzyme locates and binds to promoter DNA. Next, it separates the two strands of DNA and exposes a portion of the template strand. At this point, the DNA and the holoenzyme are said to be in an ‘open promoter complex’ and the section of promoter DNA that is within it is known as a ‘transcription bubble’. However, it is not clear how RNA polymerase holoenzyme interacts with DNA in the open promoter complex. Bae, Feklistov et al. have now used X-ray crystallography to reveal the three-dimensional structure of the open promoter complex with an entire transcription bubble from a bacterium called Thermus aquaticus. The experiments show that there are several important interactions between RNA polymerase holoenzyme and promoter DNA. In particular, the sigma factor inserts into a region of the DNA at the start of the transcription bubble. This rearranges the DNA in a manner that allows the DNA to be exposed and contact the main part of the RNA polymerase. If the holoenyzyme fails to contact the DNA in this way, the holoenzyme does not bind properly to the promoter and transcription does not start. These findings build on previous work to provide a detailed structural framework for understanding how the RNA polymerase holoenzyme and DNA interact to form the open promoter complex. Another study by Bae et al.—which involved some of the same researchers as this study—reveals how another protein called CarD also binds to DNA at the start of the transcription bubble to stabilize the open promoter complex. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.08504.002
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Bae
- Laboratory for Molecular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, United States
| | - Andrey Feklistov
- Laboratory for Molecular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, United States
| | - Agnieszka Lass-Napiorkowska
- Edward A. Doisy Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St Louis, United States
| | - Robert Landick
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-madison, Madison, United States.,Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, United States
| | - Seth A Darst
- Laboratory for Molecular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, United States
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Skancke J, Bar N, Kuiper M, Hsu LM. Sequence-Dependent Promoter Escape Efficiency Is Strongly Influenced by Bias for the Pretranslocated State during Initial Transcription. Biochemistry 2015; 54:4267-75. [PMID: 26083830 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.5b00272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Abortive transcription initiation can be rate-limiting for promoter escape and therefore represents a barrier to productive gene expression. The mechanism for abortive initiation is unknown, but the amount of abortive transcript is known to vary with the composition of the initial transcribed sequence (ITS). Here, we used a thermodynamic model of translocation combined with experimental validation to investigate the relationship between ITS and promoter escape on a set of phage T5 N25 promoters. We found a strong, negative correlation between RNAP's propensity to occupy the pretranslocated state during initial transcription and the efficiency of promoter escape (r = -0.67; p < 10(-6)). This correlation was almost entirely caused by free energy changes due to variation in the RNA 3' dinucleotide sequence at each step, implying that this sequence element controls the disposition of initial transcribing complexes. We tested our model experimentally by constructing a set of novel N25-ITS promoter variants; quantitative transcription analysis again showed a strong correlation (r = -0.81; p < 10(-6)). Our results support a model in which sequence-directed bias for the pretranslocated state during scrunching results in increased backtracking, which limits the efficiency of promoter escape. This provides an answer to the long-standing issue of how sequence composition of the ITS affects promoter escape efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jørgen Skancke
- †Department of Chemical Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Sem Sælandsvei 4, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Nadav Bar
- †Department of Chemical Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Sem Sælandsvei 4, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Martin Kuiper
- ‡Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Høgskoleringen 5, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Lilian M Hsu
- §Program in Biochemistry, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Massachusetts 01075, United States
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Zuo Y, Steitz TA. Crystal structures of the E. coli transcription initiation complexes with a complete bubble. Mol Cell 2015; 58:534-40. [PMID: 25866247 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2015.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2015] [Revised: 02/12/2015] [Accepted: 03/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
During transcription initiation, RNA polymerase binds to promoter DNA to form an initiation complex containing a DNA bubble and enters into abortive cycles of RNA synthesis before escaping the promoter to transit into the elongation phase for processive RNA synthesis. Here we present the crystal structures of E. coli transcription initiation complexes containing a complete transcription bubble and de novo synthesized RNA oligonucleotides at about 6-Å resolution. The structures show how RNA polymerase recognizes DNA promoters that contain spacers of different lengths and reveal a bridging interaction between the 5'-triphosphate of the nascent RNA and the σ factor that may function to stabilize the short RNA-DNA hybrids during the early stage of transcription initiation. The conformation of the RNA oligonucleotides and the paths of the DNA strands in the complete initiation complexes provide insights into the mechanism that controls both the abortive and productive RNA synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhong Zuo
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Thomas A Steitz
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
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48
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Bick MJ, Malik S, Mustaev A, Darst SA. TFIIB is only ∼9 Å away from the 5'-end of a trimeric RNA primer in a functional RNA polymerase II preinitiation complex. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0119007. [PMID: 25774659 PMCID: PMC4361453 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0119007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2014] [Accepted: 01/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent X-ray crystallographic studies of Pol II in complex with the general transcription factor (GTF) IIB have begun to provide insights into the mechanism of transcription initiation. These structures have also shed light on the architecture of the transcription preinitiation complex (PIC). However, structural characterization of a functional PIC is still lacking, and even the topological arrangement of the GTFs in the Pol II complex is a matter of contention. We have extended our activity-based affinity crosslinking studies, initially developed to investigate the interaction of bacterial RNA polymerase with σ, to the eukaryotic transcription machinery. Towards that end, we sought to identify GTFs that are within the Pol II active site in a functioning PIC. We provide biochemical evidence that TFIIB is located within ∼9 Å of the -2 site of promoter DNA, where it is positioned to play a role in de novo transcription initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J. Bick
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Sohail Malik
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Arkady Mustaev
- Department of Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, New Jersey Institute of Technology, University Heights, Newark, NJ, United States of America
| | - Seth A. Darst
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States of America
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Basu RS, Warner BA, Molodtsov V, Pupov D, Esyunina D, Fernández-Tornero C, Kulbachinskiy A, Murakami KS. Structural basis of transcription initiation by bacterial RNA polymerase holoenzyme. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:24549-59. [PMID: 24973216 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.584037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The bacterial RNA polymerase (RNAP) holoenzyme containing σ factor initiates transcription at specific promoter sites by de novo RNA priming, the first step of RNA synthesis where RNAP accepts two initiating ribonucleoside triphosphates (iNTPs) and performs the first phosphodiester bond formation. We present the structure of de novo transcription initiation complex that reveals unique contacts of the iNTPs bound at the transcription start site with the template DNA and also with RNAP and demonstrate the importance of these contacts for transcription initiation. To get further insight into the mechanism of RNA priming, we determined the structure of initially transcribing complex of RNAP holoenzyme with 6-mer RNA, obtained by in crystallo transcription approach. The structure highlights RNAP-RNA contacts that stabilize the short RNA transcript in the active site and demonstrates that the RNA 5'-end displaces σ region 3.2 from its position near the active site, which likely plays a key role in σ ejection during the initiation-to-elongation transition. Given the structural conservation of the RNAP active site, the mechanism of de novo RNA priming appears to be conserved in all cellular RNAPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritwika S Basu
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Center for RNA Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802
| | - Brittany A Warner
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Center for RNA Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802
| | - Vadim Molodtsov
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Center for RNA Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802
| | - Danil Pupov
- the Laboratory of Molecular Genetics of Microorganisms, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 123182, Russia
| | - Daria Esyunina
- the Laboratory of Molecular Genetics of Microorganisms, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 123182, Russia
| | - Carlos Fernández-Tornero
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain, and
| | - Andrey Kulbachinskiy
- the Laboratory of Molecular Genetics of Microorganisms, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 123182, Russia
| | - Katsuhiko S Murakami
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Center for RNA Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802,
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50
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Feklístov A, Sharon BD, Darst SA, Gross CA. Bacterial sigma factors: a historical, structural, and genomic perspective. Annu Rev Microbiol 2014; 68:357-76. [PMID: 25002089 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-micro-092412-155737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 327] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Transcription initiation is the crucial focal point of gene expression in prokaryotes. The key players in this process, sigma factors (σs), associate with the catalytic core RNA polymerase to guide it through the essential steps of initiation: promoter recognition and opening, and synthesis of the first few nucleotides of the transcript. Here we recount the key advances in σ biology, from their discovery 45 years ago to the most recent progress in understanding their structure and function at the atomic level. Recent data provide important structural insights into the mechanisms whereby σs initiate promoter opening. We discuss both the housekeeping σs, which govern transcription of the majority of cellular genes, and the alternative σs, which direct RNA polymerase to specialized operons in response to environmental and physiological cues. The review concludes with a genome-scale view of the extracytoplasmic function σs, the most abundant group of alternative σs.
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