title: Structure and Function of RNA Polymerases and the Transcription Machineries.
abstract: In all living organisms, the flow of genetic information is a two-step process: first DNA is transcribed into RNA, which is subsequently used as template for protein synthesis during translation. In bacteria, archaea and eukaryotes, transcription is carried out by multi-subunit RNA polymerases (RNAPs) sharing a conserved architecture of the RNAP core. RNAPs catalyse the highly accurate polymerisation of RNA from NTP building blocks, utilising DNA as template, being assisted by transcription factors during the initiation, elongation and termination phase of transcription. The complexity of this highly dynamic process is reflected in the intricate network of protein-protein and protein-nucleic acid interactions in transcription complexes and the substantial conformational changes of the RNAP as it progresses through the transcription cycle.In this chapter, we will first briefly describe the early work that led to the discovery of multisubunit RNAPs. We will then discuss the three-dimensional organisation of RNAPs from the bacterial, archaeal and eukaryotic domains of life, highlighting the conserved nature, but also the domain-specific features of the transcriptional apparatus. Another section will focus on transcription factors and their role in regulating the RNA polymerase throughout the different phases of the transcription cycle. This includes a discussion of the molecular mechanisms and dynamic events that govern transcription initiation, elongation and termination.
authors.affiliation: Biochemie Zentrum Regensburg, Lehrstuhl Biochemie III, Universität Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Joachim
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Griesenbeck
authors.affiliation: Biochemie Zentrum Regensburg, Lehrstuhl Biochemie III, Universität Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Herbert
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Tschochner
authors.affiliation: Institut für Biochemie, Genetik und Mikrobiologie, Lehrstuhl Mikrobiologie, Universität Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany. dina.grohmann@ur.de.
authors.forename: Dina
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Grohmann
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001105:Archaea / Q000201:enzymology; D001419:Bacteria / Q000201:enzymology; D012321:DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism*; D056890:Eukaryota / Q000201:enzymology; D006801:Humans; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000378:metabolism; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
chemical_list: D014157:Transcription Factors; D012321:DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases
keywords: RNA polymerase; Transcription; Transcription cycle; Transcription factors