Bacterial RNA Polymerases: Structural and Functional Relationships
Overview
Microbiology
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The essential role of DNA-dependent RNA polymerases in gene expression and the fact that the multimeric species are highly conserved throughout nature makes these enzymes a particular fascinating area of study. Here we shall review the conservation of structures and their relationship to function, especially in the multimeric eubacterial RNA polymerases, paying particular attention to the β core subunit and to recent studies of σ-factors of both the σ (70) and σ (54) families. We shall conclude with a brief consideration of phage-encoded RNA polymerases and phage-mediated modification of the host enzyme, and of the evolution of RNA-synthesising enzymes.
Peck M, Gaal T, Fisher R, Gourse R, Long S J Bacteriol. 2002; 184(14):3808-14.
PMID: 12081950 PMC: 135166. DOI: 10.1128/JB.184.14.3808-3814.2002.