Mycobacterium tuberculosis RbpA protein is a new type of transcriptional activator that stabilizes the σ A-containing RNA polymerase holoenzyme.

ABSTRACT: RbpA is an RNA polymerase (RNAP)-binding protein whose presence increases the tolerance levels of Mycobacteria to the first-line anti-tuberculosis drug rifampicin by an unknown mechanism. Here, we show that the role of Mycobacterium tuberculosis RbpA in resistance is indirect because it does not affect the sensitivity of RNAP to rifampicin while it stimulates transcription controlled by the housekeeping σ(A)-factor. The transcription regulated by the stress-related σ(F) was not affected by RbpA. The binding site of RbpA maps to the RNAP β subunit Sandwich-Barrel Hybrid Motif, which has not previously been described as an activator target and does not overlap the rifampicin binding site. Our data suggest that RbpA modifies the structure of the core RNAP, increases its affinity for σ(A) and

SUBMITTER: Hu Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3413145 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature