The RNA Polymerase α Subunit Recognizes the DNA Shape of the Upstream Promoter Element.

ABSTRACT: We demonstrate here that the α subunit C-terminal domain of Escherichia coli RNA polymerase (αCTD) recognizes the upstream promoter (UP) DNA element via its characteristic minor groove shape and electrostatic potential. In two compositionally distinct crystallized assemblies, a pair of αCTD subunits bind in tandem to the UP element consensus A-tract that is 6 bp in length (A₆-tract), each with their arginine 265 guanidinium group inserted into the minor groove. The A₆-tract minor groove is significantly narrowed in these crystal structures, as well as in computationally predicted structures of free and bound DNA duplexes derived by Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics simulations, respectively. The negative electrostatic potential of free A₆-tract DNA

SUBMITTER: Lara-Gonzalez S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8100869 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature