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Bacterial RNA polymerases: structural and functional relationships

  • Special Topic Review: Control of Gene Expression Microorganisms. Edited by Miguel Vicente
  • Special Topic Review
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Abstract

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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biochemistry, University of Nottingham Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, NG7 2UH, Nottingham, UK

    R. E. Glass

  2. Institute of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Edinburgh, Mayfield Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JR, UK

    R. S. Hayward

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  1. R. E. Glass
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  2. R. S. Hayward
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Glass, R.E., Hayward, R.S. Bacterial RNA polymerases: structural and functional relationships. World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology 9, 403–413 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00328028

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