Actinomycin and DNA transcription

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1985 Aug;82(16):5328-31. doi: 10.1073/pnas.82.16.5328.

Abstract

Recent advances in understanding how actinomycin binds to DNA have suggested its mechanism of action. Actinomycin binds to a premelted DNA conformation present within the transcriptional complex. This immobilizes the complex, interfering with the elongation of growing RNA chains. The model has a number of implications for understanding RNA synthesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Nucleolus / metabolism
  • DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases / metabolism
  • Dactinomycin / pharmacology*
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Nucleic Acid Conformation
  • Nucleic Acid Denaturation
  • Transcription, Genetic / drug effects*

Substances

  • Dactinomycin
  • DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases