Repressor CopG prevents access of RNA polymerase to promoter and actively dissociates open complexes.

ABSTRACT: Replication of the promiscuous plasmid pMV158 requires expression of the initiator repB gene, which is controlled by the repressor CopG. Genes repB and copG are co-transcribed from promoter P(cr). We have studied the interactions between RNA polymerase, CopG and the promoter to elucidate the mechanism of repression by CopG. Complexes formed at 0 degrees C and at 37 degrees C between RNA polymerase and P(cr) differed from each other in stability and in the extent of the DNA contacted. The 37 degrees C complex was very stable (half-life of about 3 h), and shared features with typical open complexes generated at a variety of promoters. CopG protein repressed transcription from P(cr) at two different stages in the process leading to the initiation complex. First, CopG hindered binding of RNA p

SUBMITTER: Hernandez-Arriaga AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2724298 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature