Translocation of sigma(70) with RNA polymerase during transcription: fluorescence resonance energy transfer assay for movement relative to DNA.
Cell 106:4 (2001) 453-463
Abstract:
Using fluorescence resonance energy transfer, we show that, in the majority of transcription complexes, sigma(70) is not released from RNA polymerase upon transition from initiation to elongation, but, instead, remains associated with RNA polymerase and translocates with RNA polymerase. The results argue against the presumption that there are necessary subunit-composition differences, and corresponding necessary mechanistic differences, in initiation and elongation. The methods of this report should be generalizable to monitor movement of any molecule relative to any nucleic acid.Structural transitions in transcription initiation: Kinetic and single molecule kinetic analyses
BIOPHYSICAL JOURNAL 80:1 (2001) 3A-3A
New core promoter element in RNA polymerase II-dependent transcription: sequence-specific DNA binding by transcription factor IIB.
Genes Dev 12:1 (1998) 34-44
Abstract:
A sequence element located immediately upstream of the TATA element, and having the consensus sequence 5'-G/C-G/C-G/A-C-G-C-C-3', affects the ability of transcription factor IIB to enter transcription complexes and support transcription initiation. The sequence element is recognized directly by the transcription factor IIB. Recognition involves alpha-helices 4' and 5' of IIB, which comprise a helix-turn-helix DNA-binding motif. These observations establish that transcription initiation involves a fourth core promoter element, the IIB recognition element (BRE), in addition to the TATA element, the initiator element, and the downstream promoter element, and involves a second sequence-specific general transcription factor, IIB, in addition to transcription factor IID.Mechanisms of viral activators.
Cold Spring Harb Symp Quant Biol 63 (1998) 243-252