title: DNA photodamage recognition by RNA polymerase II.
abstract: During gene transcription, RNA polymerase (Pol) II encounters obstacles, including lesions in the DNA template. Here, we review a recent structure-function analysis of Pol II transcribing DNA with a bulky photo-lesion in the template strand. The study provided the molecular basis for recognition of a damaged DNA by Pol II, which is the first step in transcription-coupled DNA repair (TCR). The results have general implications for damage recognition and the TCR mechanism.
authors.affiliation: Gene Center Munich, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Feodor-Lynen-Strasse 25, D-81377 Munich, Germany.
authors.forename: Florian
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Brueckner
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Cramer
mesh_terms: D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000528:radiation effects; D004249:DNA Damage; D004260:DNA Repair; D008954:Models, Biological; D008958:Models, Molecular; D010777:Photochemistry; D011740:Pyrimidine Dimers / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D012319:RNA Polymerase II / Q000378:metabolism*; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
chemical_list: D011740:Pyrimidine Dimers; D004247:DNA; D012319:RNA Polymerase II