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RNA polymerase II–TFIIB structure and mechanism of transcription initiation

Author

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  • Dirk Kostrewa

    (Gene Center Munich and Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Feodor-Lynen-Strasse 25, 81377 Munich, Germany)

  • Mirijam E. Zeller

    (Institut für Biochemie, Genetik und Mikrobiologie, Universität Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 31)

  • Karim-Jean Armache

    (Gene Center Munich and Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Feodor-Lynen-Strasse 25, 81377 Munich, Germany
    Present address: Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA.)

  • Martin Seizl

    (Gene Center Munich and Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Feodor-Lynen-Strasse 25, 81377 Munich, Germany)

  • Kristin Leike

    (Gene Center Munich and Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Feodor-Lynen-Strasse 25, 81377 Munich, Germany)

  • Michael Thomm

    (Institut für Biochemie, Genetik und Mikrobiologie, Universität Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 31)

  • Patrick Cramer

    (Gene Center Munich and Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Feodor-Lynen-Strasse 25, 81377 Munich, Germany)

Abstract

To initiate gene transcription, RNA polymerase II (Pol II) requires the transcription factor IIB (B). Here we present the crystal structure of the complete Pol II–B complex at 4.3 Å resolution, and complementary functional data. The results indicate the mechanism of transcription initiation, including the transition to RNA elongation. Promoter DNA is positioned over the Pol II active centre cleft with the ‘B-core’ domain that binds the wall at the end of the cleft. DNA is then opened with the help of the ‘B-linker’ that binds the Pol II rudder and clamp coiled-coil at the edge of the cleft. The DNA template strand slips into the cleft and is scanned for the transcription start site with the help of the ‘B-reader’ that approaches the active site. Synthesis of the RNA chain and rewinding of upstream DNA displace the B-reader and B-linker, respectively, to trigger B release and elongation complex formation.

Suggested Citation

  • Dirk Kostrewa & Mirijam E. Zeller & Karim-Jean Armache & Martin Seizl & Kristin Leike & Michael Thomm & Patrick Cramer, 2009. "RNA polymerase II–TFIIB structure and mechanism of transcription initiation," Nature, Nature, vol. 462(7271), pages 323-330, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:462:y:2009:i:7271:d:10.1038_nature08548
    DOI: 10.1038/nature08548
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    Cited by:

    1. Simona Pilotto & Michal Sýkora & Gwenny Cackett & Christopher Dulson & Finn Werner, 2024. "Structure of the recombinant RNA polymerase from African Swine Fever Virus," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-15, December.

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