Mycobacterium tuberculosis RNA polymerase-binding protein A (RbpA) and its interactions with sigma factors.

ABSTRACT: RNA polymerase-binding protein A (RbpA), encoded by Rv2050, is specific to the actinomycetes, where it is highly conserved. In the pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis, RbpA is essential for growth and survival. RbpA binds to the β subunit of the RNA polymerase where it activates transcription by unknown mechanisms, and it may also influence the response of M. tuberculosis to the current frontline anti-tuberculosis drug rifampicin. Here we report the solution structure of RbpA and identify the principle sigma factor σ(A) and the stress-induced σ(B) as interaction partners. The protein has a central ordered domain with a conserved hydrophobic surface that may be a potential protein interaction site. The N and C termini are highly dynamic and are involved in the interaction with the sigma fac

SUBMITTER: Bortoluzzi A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3656299 | biostudies-literature | 2013 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature