title: Multisubunit RNA polymerases.
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.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Biochemistry, Gene Center, University of Munich, Feodor-Lynen-Strasse 25, 81377, Munich, Germany. cramer@lmb.uni-muenchen.de
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Cramer
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D019843:Archaeal Proteins / Q000737:chemistry; D001665:Binding Sites; D004247:DNA / Q000378:metabolism; D012321:DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000502:physiology; D005057:Eukaryotic Cells; D006801:Humans; D008958:Models, Molecular; D020836:Protein Structure, Quaternary; D021122:Protein Subunits; D012313:RNA / Q000096:biosynthesis; D012319:RNA Polymerase II / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
chemical_list: D019843:Archaeal Proteins; D021122:Protein Subunits; D012313:RNA; D004247:DNA; D012319:RNA Polymerase II; D012321:DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases