A Structural Model of Transcription Elongation

• DOI: 10.1126/science.289.5479.619
• Publication Date: 2002-07-27T09:48:21Z
• Authors: Nataliya Korzheva; Arkady Mustaev; Maxim Kozlov; Arun Malhotra; Vadim Nikiforov; Alex Goldfarb; Seth A. Darst
• Keywords: Transcription; RNA polymerase II

The path of the nucleic acids through a transcription elongation complex was tracked by mapping cross-links between bacterial RNA polymerase (RNAP) and transcript or template DNA onto x-ray crystal structure. In resulting model, downstream duplex is nestled in trough formed β′ subunit enclosed on top β subunit. RNAP channel, RNA/DNA hybrid extends from enzyme active site, along region harboring rifampicin resistance mutations, to “rudder.” single-stranded then extruded another channel β-subunit flap domain. model provides insight into functional properties complex.