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Zheng Y, Kan CH, Tsang TF, Liu Y, Liu T, Tsang MW, Lam LY, Yang X, Ma C. Discovery of Inhibitors Targeting Protein-Protein Interaction between Bacterial RNA Polymerase and NusG as Novel Antimicrobials. J Med Chem 2024. [PMID: 39196895 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c01386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2024]
Abstract
Bacterial RNA polymerase (RNAP), the core enzyme responsible for bacterial transcription, requires the NusG factor for efficient transcription elongation and termination. As the primary binding site for NusG, the RNAP clamp-helix (CH) domain represents a potential protein-protein interaction (PPI) target for novel antimicrobial agent design and discovery. In this study, we designed a pharmacophore model based on the essential amino acids of the CH for binding to NusG, such as R270, R278, and R281 (Escherichia coli numbering), and identified a hit compound with mild antimicrobial activity. Subsequent rational design and synthesis of this hit compound led to improved antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus pneumoniae, with the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) reduced from 128 to 1 μg/mL. Additional characterization of the antimicrobial activity, inhibitory activity against RNAP-NusG interaction, and cell-based transcription and fluorescent assays of the optimized compounds demonstrated their potential for further lead optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingbo Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Cheuk Hei Kan
- Department of Microbiology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tsz Fung Tsang
- Department of Microbiology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yanpeng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tiankuang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Man Wai Tsang
- Department of Microbiology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Long Yin Lam
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xiao Yang
- Department of Microbiology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Cong Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
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2
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Tarău D, Grünberger F, Pilsl M, Reichelt R, Heiß F, König S, Urlaub H, Hausner W, Engel C, Grohmann D. Structural basis of archaeal RNA polymerase transcription elongation and Spt4/5 recruitment. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:6017-6035. [PMID: 38709902 PMCID: PMC11162788 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Archaeal transcription is carried out by a multi-subunit RNA polymerase (RNAP) that is highly homologous in structure and function to eukaryotic RNAP II. Among the set of basal transcription factors, only Spt5 is found in all domains of life, but Spt5 has been shaped during evolution, which is also reflected in the heterodimerization of Spt5 with Spt4 in Archaea and Eukaryotes. To unravel the mechanistic basis of Spt4/5 function in Archaea, we performed structure-function analyses using the archaeal transcriptional machinery of Pyrococcus furiosus (Pfu). We report single-particle cryo-electron microscopy reconstructions of apo RNAP and the archaeal elongation complex (EC) in the absence and presence of Spt4/5. Surprisingly, Pfu Spt4/5 also binds the RNAP in the absence of nucleic acids in a distinct super-contracted conformation. We show that the RNAP clamp/stalk module exhibits conformational flexibility in the apo state of RNAP and that the enzyme contracts upon EC formation or Spt4/5 engagement. We furthermore identified a contact of the Spt5-NGN domain with the DNA duplex that stabilizes the upstream boundary of the transcription bubble and impacts Spt4/5 activity in vitro. This study, therefore, provides the structural basis for Spt4/5 function in archaeal transcription and reveals a potential role beyond the well-described support of elongation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Tarău
- Institute of Microbiology & Archaea Centre, Single-Molecule Biochemistry Lab, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Felix Grünberger
- Institute of Microbiology & Archaea Centre, Single-Molecule Biochemistry Lab, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Michael Pilsl
- Regensburg Center for Biochemistry (RCB), Structural Biochemistry Group, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Robert Reichelt
- Institute of Microbiology & Archaea Centre, Single-Molecule Biochemistry Lab, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Florian Heiß
- Regensburg Center for Biochemistry (RCB), Structural Biochemistry Group, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sabine König
- Bioanalytic Mass Spectrometry, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Henning Urlaub
- Bioanalytic Mass Spectrometry, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Winfried Hausner
- Institute of Microbiology & Archaea Centre, Single-Molecule Biochemistry Lab, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Engel
- Regensburg Center for Biochemistry (RCB), Structural Biochemistry Group, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Dina Grohmann
- Institute of Microbiology & Archaea Centre, Single-Molecule Biochemistry Lab, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
- Regensburg Center for Biochemistry (RCB), University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
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3
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Ye J, Kan CH, Yang X, Ma C. Inhibition of bacterial RNA polymerase function and protein-protein interactions: a promising approach for next-generation antibacterial therapeutics. RSC Med Chem 2024; 15:1471-1487. [PMID: 38784472 PMCID: PMC11110800 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00690e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant pathogens necessitates the urgent development of new antimicrobial agents with innovative modes of action for the next generation of antimicrobial therapy. Bacterial transcription has been identified and widely studied as a viable target for antimicrobial development. The main focus of these studies has been the discovery of inhibitors that bind directly to the core enzyme of RNA polymerase (RNAP). Over the past two decades, substantial advancements have been made in understanding the properties of protein-protein interactions (PPIs) and gaining structural insights into bacterial RNAP and its associated factors. This has led to the crucial role of computational methods in aiding the identification of new PPI inhibitors to affect the RNAP function. In this context, bacterial transcriptional PPIs present promising, albeit challenging, targets for the creation of new antimicrobials. This review will succinctly outline the structural foundation of bacterial transcription networks and provide a summary of the known small molecules that target transcription PPIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiqing Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Kowloon Hong Kong SAR China
- School of Pharmacy, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University Hefei 230032 China
| | - Cheuk Hei Kan
- Department of Microbiology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital Shatin Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Xiao Yang
- Department of Microbiology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital Shatin Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Cong Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Kowloon Hong Kong SAR China
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4
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Kompaniiets D, He L, Wang D, Zhou W, Yang Y, Hu Y, Liu B. Structural basis for transcription activation by the nitrate-responsive regulator NarL. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:1471-1482. [PMID: 38197271 PMCID: PMC10853779 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad1231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Transcription activation is a crucial step of regulation during transcription initiation and a classic check point in response to different stimuli and stress factors. The Escherichia coli NarL is a nitrate-responsive global transcription factor that controls the expression of nearly 100 genes. However, the molecular mechanism of NarL-mediated transcription activation is not well defined. Here we present a cryo-EM structure of NarL-dependent transcription activation complex (TAC) assembled on the yeaR promoter at 3.2 Å resolution. Our structure shows that the NarL dimer binds at the -43.5 site of the promoter DNA with its C-terminal domain (CTD) not only binding to the DNA but also making interactions with RNA polymerase subunit alpha CTD (αCTD). The key role of these NarL-mediated interactions in transcription activation was further confirmed by in vivo and in vitro transcription assays. Additionally, the NarL dimer binds DNA in a different plane from that observed in the structure of class II TACs. Unlike the canonical class II activation mechanism, NarL does not interact with σ4, while RNAP αCTD is bound to DNA on the opposite side of NarL. Our findings provide a structural basis for detailed mechanistic understanding of NarL-dependent transcription activation on yeaR promoter and reveal a potentially novel mechanism of transcription activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmytro Kompaniiets
- Section of Transcription & Gene Regulation, The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA
| | - Lina He
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Dong Wang
- Section of Transcription & Gene Regulation, The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA
| | - Wei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Yangbo Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
- Hubei JiangXia Laboratory, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Section of Transcription & Gene Regulation, The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA
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5
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Stephanie F, Tambunan USF, Siahaan TJ. M. tuberculosis Transcription Machinery: A Review on the Mycobacterial RNA Polymerase and Drug Discovery Efforts. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:1774. [PMID: 36362929 PMCID: PMC9695777 DOI: 10.3390/life12111774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) is the main source of tuberculosis (TB), one of the oldest known diseases in the human population. Despite the drug discovery efforts of past decades, TB is still one of the leading causes of mortality and claimed more than 1.5 million lives worldwide in 2020. Due to the emergence of drug-resistant strains and patient non-compliance during treatments, there is a pressing need to find alternative therapeutic agents for TB. One of the important areas for developing new treatments is in the inhibition of the transcription step of gene expression; it is the first step to synthesize a copy of the genetic material in the form of mRNA. This further translates to functional protein synthesis, which is crucial for the bacteria living processes. MTB contains a bacterial DNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RNAP), which is the key enzyme for the transcription process. MTB RNAP has been targeted for designing and developing antitubercular agents because gene transcription is essential for the mycobacteria survival. Initiation, elongation, and termination are the three important sequential steps in the transcription process. Each step is complex and highly regulated, involving multiple transcription factors. This review is focused on the MTB transcription machinery, especially in the nature of MTB RNAP as the main enzyme that is regulated by transcription factors. The mechanism and conformational dynamics that occur during transcription are discussed and summarized. Finally, the current progress on MTB transcription inhibition and possible drug target in mycobacterial RNAP are also described to provide insight for future antitubercular drug design and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filia Stephanie
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Indonesia, Depok 16424, Indonesia
| | - Usman Sumo Friend Tambunan
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Indonesia, Depok 16424, Indonesia
| | - Teruna J. Siahaan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
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6
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Mandell ZF, Zemba D, Babitzke P. Factor-stimulated intrinsic termination: getting by with a little help from some friends. Transcription 2022; 13:96-108. [PMID: 36154805 PMCID: PMC9715273 DOI: 10.1080/21541264.2022.2127602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcription termination is known to occur via two mechanisms in bacteria, intrinsic termination (also frequently referred to as Rho-independent or factor-independent termination) and Rho-dependent termination. Based primarily on in vitro studies using Escherichia coli RNA polymerase, it was generally assumed that intrinsic termination and Rho-dependent termination are distinct mechanisms and that the signals required for intrinsic termination are present primarily within the nucleic acids. In this review, we detail recent findings from studies in Bacillus subtilis showing that intrinsic termination in this organism is highly stimulated by NusA, NusG, and even Rho. In NusA-stimulated intrinsic termination, NusA facilitates the formation of weak terminator hairpins and compensates for distal U-rich tract interruptions. In NusG-stimulated intrinsic termination, NusG stabilizes a sequence-dependent pause at the point of termination, which extends the time frame for RNA hairpins with weak terminal base pairs to form in either a NusA-stimulated or a NusA-independent fashion. In Rho-stimulated intrinsic termination, Rho prevents the formation of antiterminator-like RNA structures that could otherwise compete with the terminator hairpin. Combined, NusA, NusG, and Rho stimulate approximately 97% of all intrinsic terminators in B. subtilis. Thus, the general view that intrinsic termination is primarily a factor-independent process needs to be revised to account for recent findings. Moreover, the historical distinction between Rho-dependent and intrinsic termination is overly simplistic and needs to be modernized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary F. Mandell
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for RNA Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics and Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United State
| | - Dani Zemba
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for RNA Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Paul Babitzke
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for RNA Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
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7
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Deng N, Zhang Y, Ma Z, Lin R, Cheng TH, Tang H, Snyder M, Cohen S. DSIF modulates RNA polymerase II occupancy according to template G + C content. NAR Genom Bioinform 2022; 4:lqac054. [PMID: 35910045 PMCID: PMC9326580 DOI: 10.1093/nargab/lqac054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The DSIF complex comprising the Supt4h and Supt5h transcription elongation proteins clamps RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) onto DNA templates, facilitating polymerase processivity. Lowering DSIF components can differentially decrease expression of alleles containing nucleotide repeat expansions, suggesting that RNAPII transit through repeat expansions is dependent on DSIF functions. To globally identify sequence features that affect dependence of the polymerase on DSIF in human cells, we used ultra-deep ChIP-seq analysis and RNA-seq to investigate and quantify the genome-wide effects of Supt4h loss on template occupancy and transcript production. Our results indicate that RNAPII dependence on Supt4h varies according to G + C content. Effects of DSIF knockdown were prominent during transcription of sequences high in G + C but minimal for sequences low in G + C and were particularly evident for G + C-rich segments of long genes. Reanalysis of previously published ChIP-seq data obtained from mouse cells showed similar effects of template G + C composition on Supt5h actions. Our evidence that DSIF dependency varies globally in different template regions according to template sequence composition suggests that G + C content may have a role in the selectivity of Supt4h knockdown and Supt5h knockdown during transcription of gene alleles containing expansions of G + C-rich repeats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Deng
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine , Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine , Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Zhihai Ma
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine , Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Richard Lin
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine , Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Tzu-Hao Cheng
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University , Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Hua Tang
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine , Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Michael P Snyder
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine , Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Stanley N Cohen
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine , Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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8
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Molina JA, Galaz-Davison P, Komives EA, Artsimovitch I, Ramírez-Sarmiento CA. Allosteric couplings upon binding of RfaH to transcription elongation complexes. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:6384-6397. [PMID: 35670666 PMCID: PMC9226497 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
In every domain of life, NusG-like proteins bind to the elongating RNA polymerase (RNAP) to support processive RNA synthesis and to couple transcription to ongoing cellular processes. Structures of factor-bound transcription elongation complexes (TECs) reveal similar contacts to RNAP, consistent with a shared mechanism of action. However, NusG homologs differ in their regulatory roles, modes of recruitment, and effects on RNA synthesis. Some of these differences could be due to conformational changes in RNAP and NusG-like proteins, which cannot be captured in static structures. Here, we employed hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry to investigate changes in local and non-local structural dynamics of Escherichia coli NusG and its paralog RfaH, which have opposite effects on expression of xenogenes, upon binding to TEC. We found that NusG and RfaH regions that bind RNAP became solvent-protected in factor-bound TECs, whereas RNAP regions that interact with both factors showed opposite deuterium uptake changes when bound to NusG or RfaH. Additional changes far from the factor-binding site were observed only with RfaH. Our results provide insights into differences in structural dynamics exerted by NusG and RfaH during binding to TEC, which may explain their different functional outcomes and allosteric regulation of transcriptional pausing by RfaH.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Alejandro Molina
- Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Schools of Engineering, Medicine and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,ANID - Millennium Science Initiative Program - Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBio), Santiago, Chile
| | - Pablo Galaz-Davison
- Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Schools of Engineering, Medicine and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,ANID - Millennium Science Initiative Program - Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBio), Santiago, Chile
| | - Elizabeth A Komives
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Irina Artsimovitch
- Department of Microbiology and The Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - César A Ramírez-Sarmiento
- Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Schools of Engineering, Medicine and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,ANID - Millennium Science Initiative Program - Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBio), Santiago, Chile
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9
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Roles of zinc-binding domain of bacterial RNA polymerase in transcription. Trends Biochem Sci 2022; 47:710-724. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2022.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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10
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Evrin C, Serra‐Cardona A, Duan S, Mukherjee PP, Zhang Z, Labib KPM. Spt5 histone binding activity preserves chromatin during transcription by RNA polymerase II. EMBO J 2022; 41:e109783. [PMID: 35102600 PMCID: PMC8886531 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2021109783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleosomes are disrupted transiently during eukaryotic transcription, yet the displaced histones must be retained and redeposited onto DNA, to preserve nucleosome density and associated histone modifications. Here, we show that the essential Spt5 processivity factor of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) plays a direct role in this process in budding yeast. Functional orthologues of eukaryotic Spt5 are present in archaea and bacteria, reflecting its universal role in RNA polymerase processivity. However, eukaryotic Spt5 is unique in having an acidic amino terminal tail (Spt5N) that is sandwiched between the downstream nucleosome and the upstream DNA that emerges from Pol II. We show that Spt5N contains a histone-binding motif that is required for viability in yeast cells and prevents loss of nucleosomal histones within actively transcribed regions. These findings indicate that eukaryotic Spt5 combines two essential activities, which together couple processive transcription to the efficient capture and re-deposition of nucleosomal histones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecile Evrin
- The MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation UnitSchool of Life SciencesUniversity of DundeeDundeeUK
| | - Albert Serra‐Cardona
- Institute for Cancer GeneticsDepartment of Pediatrics and Department of Genetics and DevelopmentColumbia University Irving Medical CenterNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Shoufu Duan
- Institute for Cancer GeneticsDepartment of Pediatrics and Department of Genetics and DevelopmentColumbia University Irving Medical CenterNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Progya P Mukherjee
- The MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation UnitSchool of Life SciencesUniversity of DundeeDundeeUK
| | - Zhiguo Zhang
- Institute for Cancer GeneticsDepartment of Pediatrics and Department of Genetics and DevelopmentColumbia University Irving Medical CenterNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Karim P M Labib
- The MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation UnitSchool of Life SciencesUniversity of DundeeDundeeUK
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11
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Lei L, Burton ZF. Early Evolution of Transcription Systems and Divergence of Archaea and Bacteria. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:651134. [PMID: 34026831 PMCID: PMC8131849 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.651134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA template-dependent multi-subunit RNA polymerases (RNAPs) found in all three domains of life and some viruses are of the two-double-Ψ-β-barrel (DPBB) type. The 2-DPBB protein format is also found in some RNA template-dependent RNAPs and a major replicative DNA template-dependent DNA polymerase (DNAP) from Archaea (PolD). The 2-DPBB family of RNAPs and DNAPs probably evolved prior to the last universal common cellular ancestor (LUCA). Archaeal Transcription Factor B (TFB) and bacterial σ factors include homologous strings of helix-turn-helix units. The consequences of TFB-σ homology are discussed in terms of the evolution of archaeal and bacterial core promoters. Domain-specific DPBB loop inserts functionally connect general transcription factors to the RNAP active site. Archaea appear to be more similar to LUCA than Bacteria. Evolution of bacterial σ factors from TFB appears to have driven divergence of Bacteria from Archaea, splitting the prokaryotic domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Lei
- Department of Biology, University of New England, Biddeford, ME, United States
| | - Zachary F Burton
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, E. Lansing, MI, United States
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12
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Weixlbaumer A, Grünberger F, Werner F, Grohmann D. Coupling of Transcription and Translation in Archaea: Cues From the Bacterial World. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:661827. [PMID: 33995325 PMCID: PMC8116511 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.661827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The lack of a nucleus is the defining cellular feature of bacteria and archaea. Consequently, transcription and translation are occurring in the same compartment, proceed simultaneously and likely in a coupled fashion. Recent cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and tomography data, also combined with crosslinking-mass spectrometry experiments, have uncovered detailed structural features of the coupling between a transcribing bacterial RNA polymerase (RNAP) and the trailing translating ribosome in Escherichia coli and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Formation of this supercomplex, called expressome, is mediated by physical interactions between the RNAP-bound transcription elongation factors NusG and/or NusA and the ribosomal proteins including uS10. Based on the structural conservation of the RNAP core enzyme, the ribosome, and the universally conserved elongation factors Spt5 (NusG) and NusA, we discuss requirements and functional implications of transcription-translation coupling in archaea. We furthermore consider additional RNA-mediated and co-transcriptional processes that potentially influence expressome formation in archaea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Weixlbaumer
- Department of Integrated Structural Biology, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Illkirch, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- CNRS UMR7104, Illkirch, France
- INSERM U1258, Illkirch, France
| | - Felix Grünberger
- Institute of Microbiology and Archaea Centre, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Finn Werner
- RNAP Lab, Division of Biosciences, Institute for Structural and Molecular Biology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dina Grohmann
- Institute of Microbiology and Archaea Centre, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Regensburg Center for Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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13
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Mandell ZF, Oshiro RT, Yakhnin AV, Vishwakarma R, Kashlev M, Kearns DB, Babitzke P. NusG is an intrinsic transcription termination factor that stimulates motility and coordinates gene expression with NusA. eLife 2021; 10:e61880. [PMID: 33835023 PMCID: PMC8060035 DOI: 10.7554/elife.61880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
NusA and NusG are transcription factors that stimulate RNA polymerase pausing in Bacillus subtilis. While NusA was known to function as an intrinsic termination factor in B. subtilis, the role of NusG in this process was unknown. To examine the individual and combinatorial roles that NusA and NusG play in intrinsic termination, Term-seq was conducted in wild type, NusA depletion, ΔnusG, and NusA depletion ΔnusG strains. We determined that NusG functions as an intrinsic termination factor that works alone and cooperatively with NusA to facilitate termination at 88% of the 1400 identified intrinsic terminators. Our results indicate that NusG stimulates a sequence-specific pause that assists in the completion of suboptimal terminator hairpins with weak terminal A-U and G-U base pairs at the bottom of the stem. Loss of NusA and NusG leads to global misregulation of gene expression and loss of NusG results in flagella and swimming motility defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary F Mandell
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for RNA Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkUnited States
| | - Reid T Oshiro
- Department of Biology, Indiana UniversityBloomingtonUnited States
| | - Alexander V Yakhnin
- NCI RNA Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, NCIFrederickUnited States
| | - Rishi Vishwakarma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for RNA Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkUnited States
| | - Mikhail Kashlev
- NCI RNA Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, NCIFrederickUnited States
| | - Daniel B Kearns
- Department of Biology, Indiana UniversityBloomingtonUnited States
| | - Paul Babitzke
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for RNA Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkUnited States
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14
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Yakhnin AV, Kashlev M, Babitzke P. NusG-dependent RNA polymerase pausing is a frequent function of this universally conserved transcription elongation factor. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2020; 55:716-728. [PMID: 33003953 DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2020.1828261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Although transcription by RNA polymerase (RNAP) is highly processive, elongation can be transiently halted by RNAP pausing. Pausing provides time for diverse regulatory events to occur such as RNA folding and regulatory factor binding. The transcription elongation factors NusA and NusG dramatically affect the frequency and duration of RNAP pausing, and hence regulation of transcription. NusG is the only transcription factor conserved in all three domains of life; its homolog in archaea and eukaryotes is Spt5. This review focuses on NusG-dependent pausing, which is a common occurrence in Bacillus subtilis. B. NusG induces pausing about once per 3 kb at a consensus TTNTTT motif in the non-template DNA strand within the paused transcription bubble. A conserved region of NusG contacts the TTNTTT motif to stabilize the paused transcription elongation complex (TEC) in multiple catalytically inactive RNAP conformations. The density of NusG-dependent pause sites is 3-fold higher in untranslated regions, suggesting that pausing could regulate the expression of hundreds of genes in B. subtilis. We describe how pausing in 5' leader regions contributes to regulating the expression of B. subtilis genes by transcription attenuation and translation control mechanisms. As opposed to the broadly accepted view that NusG is an anti-pausing factor, phylogenetic analyses suggest that NusG-dependent pausing is a widespread mechanism in bacteria. This function of NusG is consistent with the well-established role of its eukaryotic homolog Spt5 in promoter-proximal pausing. Since NusG is present in all domains of life, NusG-dependent pausing could be a conserved mechanism in all organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander V Yakhnin
- NCI RNA Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Mikhail Kashlev
- NCI RNA Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Paul Babitzke
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for RNA Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
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15
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Shi W, Jiang Y, Deng Y, Dong Z, Liu B. Visualization of two architectures in class-II CAP-dependent transcription activation. PLoS Biol 2020; 18:e3000706. [PMID: 32310937 PMCID: PMC7192510 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcription activation by cyclic AMP (cAMP) receptor protein (CAP) is the classic paradigm of transcription regulation in bacteria. CAP was suggested to activate transcription on class-II promoters via a recruitment and isomerization mechanism. However, whether and how it modifies RNA polymerase (RNAP) to initiate transcription remains unclear. Here, we report cryo–electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of an intact Escherichia coli class-II CAP-dependent transcription activation complex (CAP-TAC) with and without de novo RNA transcript. The structures reveal two distinct architectures of TAC and raise the possibility that CAP binding may induce substantial conformational changes in all the subunits of RNAP and transiently widen the main cleft of RNAP to facilitate DNA promoter entering and formation of the initiation open complex. These structural changes vanish during further RNA transcript synthesis. The observations in this study may reveal a possible on-pathway intermediate and suggest a possibility that CAP activates transcription by inducing intermediate state, in addition to the previously proposed stabilization mechanism. Cryo-EM structures of transcription activation complexes comprising cyclic AMP receptor protein (CAP) bound to a class-II promoter reveal two distinct architectures and suggest a possibility that CAP activates transcription by inducing an intermediate state, an important supplement to the previously proposed stabilization mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Shi
- Section of Transcription and Gene Regulation, The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Yanan Jiang
- Section of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, Minnesota, United States of America
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yibin Deng
- Section of Cell Death and Cancer Genetics, The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Zigang Dong
- Section of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, Minnesota, United States of America
- * E-mail: (BL); (ZD)
| | - Bin Liu
- Section of Transcription and Gene Regulation, The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, Minnesota, United States of America
- * E-mail: (BL); (ZD)
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16
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Structural basis of mitochondrial transcription. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2018; 25:754-765. [PMID: 30190598 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-018-0122-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The mitochondrial genome is transcribed by a single-subunit DNA-dependent RNA polymerase (mtRNAP) and its auxiliary factors. Structural studies have elucidated how mtRNAP cooperates with its dedicated transcription factors to direct RNA synthesis: initiation factors TFAM and TFB2M assist in promoter-DNA binding and opening by mtRNAP while the elongation factor TEFM increases polymerase processivity to the levels required for synthesis of long polycistronic mtRNA transcripts. Here, we review the emerging body of structural and functional studies of human mitochondrial transcription, provide a molecular movie that can be used for teaching purposes and discuss the open questions to guide future directions of investigation.
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17
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Abstract
Transcription is a discontinuous process, where each nucleotide incorporation cycle offers a decision between elongation, pausing, halting, or termination. Many cis-acting regulatory RNAs, such as riboswitches, exert their influence over transcription elongation. Through such mechanisms, certain RNA elements can couple physiological or environmental signals to transcription attenuation, a process where cis-acting regulatory RNAs directly influence formation of transcription termination signals. However, through another regulatory mechanism called processive antitermination (PA), RNA polymerase can bypass termination sites over much greater distances than transcription attenuation. PA mechanisms are widespread in bacteria, although only a few classes have been discovered overall. Also, although traditional, signal-responsive riboswitches have not yet been discovered to promote PA, it is increasingly clear that small RNA elements are still oftentimes required. In some instances, small RNA elements serve as loading sites for cellular factors that promote PA. In other instances, larger, more complicated RNA elements participate in PA in unknown ways, perhaps even acting alone to trigger PA activity. These discoveries suggest that what is now needed is a systematic exploration of PA in bacteria, to determine how broadly these transcription elongation mechanisms are utilized, to reveal the diversity in their molecular mechanisms, and to understand the general logic behind their cellular applications. This review covers the known examples of PA regulatory mechanisms and speculates that they may be broadly important to bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan R. Goodson
- The University of Maryland, Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, College Park, MD 20742
| | - Wade C. Winkler
- The University of Maryland, Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, College Park, MD 20742
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18
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Svetlov V, Nudler E. Reading of the non-template DNA by transcription elongation factors. Mol Microbiol 2018; 109:417-421. [PMID: 29757477 PMCID: PMC6173973 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.13984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Unlike transcription initiation and termination, which have easily discernable signals, such as promoters and terminators, elongation is regulated through a dynamic network involving RNA/DNA pause signals and states-rather than sequence-specific protein interactions. A report by Nedialkov et al. () provides experimental evidence for sequence-specific recruitment of elongation factor RfaH to transcribing RNA polymerase (RNAP) and outlines the mechanism of gene expression regulation by restraint ('locking') of the DNA non-template strand. According to this model, the elongation complex pauses at the so called 'operon polarity sequence' (found in some long bacterial operons coding for virulence genes), when the usually flexible non-template DNA strand adopts a distinct hairpin-loop conformation on the surface of transcribing RNAP. Sequence-specific binding of RfaH to this DNA segment facilitates conversion of RfaH from its inactive closed to its active open conformation. The interaction network formed between RfaH, non-template DNA and RNAP locks DNA in a conformation that renders RNAP resistant to pausing and termination. The effects of such locking on elongation can be mimicked by restraint of the non-template strand due to its shortening. This work advances our understanding of transcription regulation and has important implications for the action of general elongation factors, such as NusG, which lack apparent sequence-specificity, as well as for the mechanisms of other linked processes, such as transcription-coupled DNA repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Svetlov
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016
| | - Evgeny Nudler
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016
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19
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Kang JY, Mooney RA, Nedialkov Y, Saba J, Mishanina TV, Artsimovitch I, Landick R, Darst SA. Structural Basis for Transcript Elongation Control by NusG Family Universal Regulators. Cell 2018; 173:1650-1662.e14. [PMID: 29887376 PMCID: PMC6003885 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2018.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Revised: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
NusG/RfaH/Spt5 transcription elongation factors are the only transcription regulators conserved across all life. Bacterial NusG regulates RNA polymerase (RNAP) elongation complexes (ECs) across most genes, enhancing elongation by suppressing RNAP backtracking and coordinating ρ-dependent termination and translation. The NusG paralog RfaH engages the EC only at operon polarity suppressor (ops) sites and suppresses both backtrack and hairpin-stabilized pausing. We used single-particle cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) to determine structures of ECs at ops with NusG or RfaH. Both factors chaperone base-pairing of the upstream duplex DNA to suppress backtracking, explaining stimulation of elongation genome-wide. The RfaH-opsEC structure reveals how RfaH confers operon specificity through specific recognition of an ops hairpin in the single-stranded nontemplate DNA and tighter binding to the EC to exclude NusG. Tight EC binding by RfaH sterically blocks the swiveled RNAP conformation necessary for hairpin-stabilized pausing. The universal conservation of NusG/RfaH/Spt5 suggests that the molecular mechanisms uncovered here are widespread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Young Kang
- The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Rachel Anne Mooney
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Yuri Nedialkov
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; The Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Jason Saba
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Tatiana V Mishanina
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Irina Artsimovitch
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; The Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Robert Landick
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Seth A Darst
- The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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20
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Ehara H, Sekine SI. Architecture of the RNA polymerase II elongation complex: new insights into Spt4/5 and Elf1. Transcription 2018; 9:286-291. [PMID: 29624124 PMCID: PMC6150629 DOI: 10.1080/21541264.2018.1454817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription by RNA polymerase II (Pol II) is accomplished with the aid of numerous accessory factors specific to each transcriptional stage. The structure of the Pol II elongation complex (EC) bound with Spt4/5, Elf1, and TFIIS unveiled the sophisticated basal EC architecture essential for transcription elongation and other transcription-related events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruhiko Ehara
- a RIKEN Center for Life Science Technologies , 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku , Yokohama 230-0045 , Japan
| | - Shun-Ichi Sekine
- a RIKEN Center for Life Science Technologies , 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku , Yokohama 230-0045 , Japan
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21
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Liu B, Hong C, Huang RK, Yu Z, Steitz TA. Structural basis of bacterial transcription activation. Science 2018; 358:947-951. [PMID: 29146813 DOI: 10.1126/science.aao1923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Revised: 08/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
In bacteria, the activation of gene transcription at many promoters is simple and only involves a single activator. The cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate receptor protein (CAP), a classic activator, is able to activate transcription independently through two different mechanisms. Understanding the class I mechanism requires an intact transcription activation complex (TAC) structure at a high resolution. Here we report a high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy structure of an intact Escherichia coli class I TAC containing a CAP dimer, a σ70-RNA polymerase (RNAP) holoenzyme, a complete class I CAP-dependent promoter DNA, and a de novo synthesized RNA oligonucleotide. The structure shows how CAP wraps the upstream DNA and how the interactions recruit RNAP. Our study provides a structural basis for understanding how activators activate transcription through the class I recruitment mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Liu
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Chuan Hong
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, CryoEM Shared Resource, Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Rick K Huang
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, CryoEM Shared Resource, Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Zhiheng Yu
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, CryoEM Shared Resource, Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA.
| | - Thomas A Steitz
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA. .,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.,Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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22
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Demo G, Rasouly A, Vasilyev N, Svetlov V, Loveland AB, Diaz-Avalos R, Grigorieff N, Nudler E, Korostelev AA. Structure of RNA polymerase bound to ribosomal 30S subunit. eLife 2017; 6:28560. [PMID: 29027901 PMCID: PMC5655137 DOI: 10.7554/elife.28560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In bacteria, mRNA transcription and translation are coupled to coordinate optimal gene expression and maintain genome stability. Coupling is thought to involve direct interactions between RNA polymerase (RNAP) and the translational machinery. We present cryo-EM structures of E. coli RNAP core bound to the small ribosomal 30S subunit. The complex is stable under cell-like ionic conditions, consistent with functional interaction between RNAP and the 30S subunit. The RNA exit tunnel of RNAP aligns with the Shine-Dalgarno-binding site of the 30S subunit. Ribosomal protein S1 forms a wall of the tunnel between RNAP and the 30S subunit, consistent with its role in directing mRNAs onto the ribosome. The nucleic-acid-binding cleft of RNAP samples distinct conformations, suggesting different functional states during transcription-translation coupling. The architecture of the 30S•RNAP complex provides a structural basis for co-localization of the transcriptional and translational machineries, and inform future mechanistic studies of coupled transcription and translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Demo
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, United States
| | - Aviram Rasouly
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, United States.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, United States
| | - Nikita Vasilyev
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, United States
| | - Vladimir Svetlov
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, United States
| | - Anna B Loveland
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, United States
| | - Ruben Diaz-Avalos
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, United States
| | - Nikolaus Grigorieff
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, United States
| | - Evgeny Nudler
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, United States.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, United States
| | - Andrei A Korostelev
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, United States
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23
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Structure of a transcribing RNA polymerase II-DSIF complex reveals a multidentate DNA-RNA clamp. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2017; 24:809-815. [PMID: 28892040 DOI: 10.1038/nsmb.3465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
During transcription, RNA polymerase II (Pol II) associates with the conserved elongation factor DSIF. DSIF renders the elongation complex stable and functions during Pol II pausing and RNA processing. We combined cryo-EM and X-ray crystallography to determine the structure of the mammalian Pol II-DSIF elongation complex at a nominal resolution of 3.4 Å. Human DSIF has a modular structure with two domains forming a DNA clamp, two domains forming an RNA clamp, and one domain buttressing the RNA clamp. The clamps maintain the transcription bubble, position upstream DNA, and retain the RNA transcript in the exit tunnel. The mobile C-terminal region of DSIF is located near exiting RNA, where it can recruit factors for RNA processing. The structure provides insight into the roles of DSIF during mRNA synthesis.
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24
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Rohilla KJ, Gagnon KT. RNA biology of disease-associated microsatellite repeat expansions. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2017; 5:63. [PMID: 28851463 PMCID: PMC5574247 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-017-0468-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Microsatellites, or simple tandem repeat sequences, occur naturally in the human genome and have important roles in genome evolution and function. However, the expansion of microsatellites is associated with over two dozen neurological diseases. A common denominator among the majority of these disorders is the expression of expanded tandem repeat-containing RNA, referred to as xtrRNA in this review, which can mediate molecular disease pathology in multiple ways. This review focuses on the potential impact that simple tandem repeat expansions can have on the biology and metabolism of RNA that contain them and underscores important gaps in understanding. Merging the molecular biology of repeat expansion disorders with the current understanding of RNA biology, including splicing, transcription, transport, turnover and translation, will help clarify mechanisms of disease and improve therapeutic development.
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25
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Yang X, Luo MJ, Yeung ACM, Lewis PJ, Chan PKS, Ip M, Ma C. First-In-Class Inhibitor of Ribosomal RNA Synthesis with Antimicrobial Activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Biochemistry 2017; 56:5049-5052. [PMID: 28782938 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.7b00349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
We report the discovery of the first bacterial ribosomal RNA (rRNA) synthesis inhibitor that has specific antimicrobial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). A pharmacophore model was constructed on the basis of the protein-protein interaction between essential bacterial rRNA transcription factors NusB and NusE and employed for an in silico screen to identify potential leads. One compound, (E)-2-{[(3-ethynylphenyl)imino]methyl}-4-nitrophenol (MC4), demonstrated antimicrobial activity against a panel of S. aureus strains, including MRSA, without significant toxicity to mammalian cells. MC4 resulted in a decrease in the rRNA level in bacteria, and the target specificity of MC4 was confirmed at the molecular level. Results obtained from this work validated the bacterial rRNA transcription machinery as a novel antimicrobial target. This approach may be extended to other factors in rRNA transcription, and MC4 could be applied as a chemical probe to dissect the relationship among MRSA infection, MRSA growth rate, and rRNA synthesis, in addition to its therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Yang
- Department of Microbiology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital , Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Ming Jing Luo
- Department of Microbiology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital , Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Apple C M Yeung
- Department of Microbiology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital , Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Peter J Lewis
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle , Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Paul K S Chan
- Department of Microbiology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital , Shatin, Hong Kong.,Stanley Ho Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The Chinese University of Hong Kong , Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Margaret Ip
- Department of Microbiology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital , Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Cong Ma
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology and State Key Laboratory of Chirosciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University , Hung Hom, Hong Kong.,The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute , Shenzhen, China
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26
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Abstract
At the end of the multistep transcription process, the elongating RNA polymerase (RNAP) is dislodged from the DNA template either at specific DNA sequences, called the terminators, or by a nascent RNA-dependent helicase, Rho. In Escherichia coli, about half of the transcription events are terminated by the Rho protein. Rho utilizes its RNA-dependent ATPase activities to translocate along the mRNA and eventually dislodges the RNAP via an unknown mechanism. The transcription elongation factor NusG facilitates this termination process by directly interacting with Rho. In this review, we discuss current models describing the mechanism of action of this hexameric transcription terminator, its regulation by different cis and trans factors, and the effects of the termination process on physiological processes in bacterial cells, particularly E. coli and Salmonella enterica Typhimurium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pallabi Mitra
- Laboratory of Transcription, Center for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics, Nampally, Hyderabad-500001, India; , , ,
| | - Gairika Ghosh
- Laboratory of Transcription, Center for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics, Nampally, Hyderabad-500001, India; , , , .,Department of Graduate Studies, Manipal University, Manipal, Karnataka-576104, India
| | - Md Hafeezunnisa
- Laboratory of Transcription, Center for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics, Nampally, Hyderabad-500001, India; , , , .,Department of Graduate Studies, Manipal University, Manipal, Karnataka-576104, India
| | - Ranjan Sen
- Laboratory of Transcription, Center for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics, Nampally, Hyderabad-500001, India; , , ,
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27
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Fouqueau T, Blombach F, Werner F. Evolutionary Origins of Two-Barrel RNA Polymerases and Site-Specific Transcription Initiation. Annu Rev Microbiol 2017; 71:331-348. [PMID: 28657884 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-micro-091014-104145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Evolution-related multisubunit RNA polymerases (RNAPs) carry out RNA synthesis in all domains life. Although their catalytic cores and fundamental mechanisms of transcription elongation are conserved, the initiation stage of the transcription cycle differs substantially in bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes in terms of the requirements for accessory factors and details of the molecular mechanisms. This review focuses on recent insights into the evolution of the transcription apparatus with regard to (a) the surprisingly pervasive double-Ψ β-barrel active-site configuration among different nucleic acid polymerase families, (b) the origin and phylogenetic distribution of TBP, TFB, and TFE transcription factors, and
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Fouqueau
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Division of Biosciences, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom; ,
| | - Fabian Blombach
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Division of Biosciences, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom; ,
| | - Finn Werner
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Division of Biosciences, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom; ,
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28
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Mustaev A, Roberts J, Gottesman M. Transcription elongation. Transcription 2017; 8:150-161. [PMID: 28301288 PMCID: PMC5501382 DOI: 10.1080/21541264.2017.1289294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Revised: 01/25/2017] [Accepted: 01/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This review is focused on recent progress in understanding how Escherichia coli RNAP polymerase translocates along the DNA template and the factors that affect this movement. We discuss the fundamental aspects of RNAP translocation, template signals that influence forward or backward movement, and host or phage factors that modulate translocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arkady Mustaev
- PHRI Center, NJMS, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Jeffrey Roberts
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Max Gottesman
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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Said N, Krupp F, Anedchenko E, Santos KF, Dybkov O, Huang YH, Lee CT, Loll B, Behrmann E, Bürger J, Mielke T, Loerke J, Urlaub H, Spahn CMT, Weber G, Wahl MC. Structural basis for λN-dependent processive transcription antitermination. Nat Microbiol 2017; 2:17062. [DOI: 10.1038/nmicrobiol.2017.62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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