Multisubunit RNA polymerases

Curr Opin Struct Biol. 2002 Feb;12(1):89-97. doi: 10.1016/s0959-440x(02)00294-4.

Abstract

Transcription of the genetic information in all cells is carried out by multisubunit RNA polymerases (RNAPs). Comparison of the crystal structures of a bacterial and a eukaryotic RNAP reveals a conserved core that comprises the active site and a multifunctional clamp. Together with a further structure of eukaryotic RNAP bound to DNA and RNA, these results elucidate many aspects of the transcription mechanism, including initiation, elongation, nucleotide addition, processivity and proofreading.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Archaeal Proteins / chemistry
  • Binding Sites
  • DNA / metabolism
  • DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases / antagonists & inhibitors
  • DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases / chemistry*
  • DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases / physiology
  • Eukaryotic Cells
  • Humans
  • Models, Molecular
  • Protein Structure, Quaternary
  • Protein Subunits
  • RNA / biosynthesis
  • RNA Polymerase II / chemistry
  • RNA Polymerase II / physiology
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Transcription, Genetic

Substances

  • Archaeal Proteins
  • Protein Subunits
  • RNA
  • DNA
  • RNA Polymerase II
  • DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases