ISSN:
1365-2958
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Enhancer-dependent transcription in bacteria requires the alternative transcription factor σN (σ54), which forms an RNA polymerase holoenzyme that binds promoters as a transcriptionally inactive complex. We have examined the structure of σN by circular dichroism (CD) analysis. The σN protein and its domains are well structured in the absence of the core RNA polymerase subunits or promoter DNA. Denaturation of σN by temperature as followed by changes in CD shows a concomitant loss of secondary and tertiary structures with a melting temperature of 36°C. The secondary structure displays a two-state melting curve with a second Tm of 85°C. The amino-terminal Region I activation domain together with the acidic Region II does not contribute to the two-state melting. In marked contrast, the integrity of the C-terminal DNA-binding domain is required for the two-state melting. Measurements of pKb also demonstrated that a C-terminal part of σN, but not regions I or I + II, is required for the structural integrity of σN at high pH. Measurements of pKa suggested that α-helical structures are important in σN for the establishment of tertiary structural elements. The tertiary structure near ultraviolet CD signals of σN do not require regions I or I + II but were strongly diminished by C-terminal truncation of σN. Promoter DNA binding resulted in aconformational change in σN, permitting the determination of a binding constant. A typical B-DNA conformation was adopted by the promoter DNA. Implications for the modular domain organization of σN, the function of C-terminal sequences, and domain communication and its role in activation of transcription are discussed.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2958.1997.3691738.x
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