A possible function of DNA curvature in transcription.
The region preceding the beta-lactamase promoter of Escherichia coli plasmid pUC19 has a DNA curvature (curved DNA or bent DNA). Studies using mutant plasmids showed that the curved DNA structure is required for efficient transcription of the beta-lactamase gene and suggested that the requisite shape is a small part of a right-handed coil. Based on these results, the possible functional significance of DNA curvature in transcription will be discussed.
Ohyama
T
T
Meiji Institute of Health Science, Odawara, Japan.
Hirota
Y
Y
D001483:Base Sequence; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000737:chemistry*; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000201:enzymology; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009690:Nucleic Acid Conformation; D010957:Plasmids; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic; D014158:Transcription, Genetic; D001618:beta-Lactamases / Q000235:genetics
D004269:DNA, Bacterial; D001618:beta-Lactamases