Structural and functional studies of multiple complexes of RNA polymerase

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 23370048
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Structural biochemistry
• Research Institution: The Institute of Physical and Chemical Research (2012-2014); The University of Tokyo (2011)
• Principal Investigator: SEKINE Shun-ichi 独立行政法人理化学研究所, ライフサイエンス技術基盤研究センター, チームリーダー (50321774)
• Project Period (FY): 2011-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: 転写 / RNAポリメラーゼ / 転写因子 / 校正 / Ｘ線結晶構造解析 / バクテリオファージ

Outline of Final Research Achievements

RNA polymerase accomplishes transcription by temporally changing its conformation. We developed the CPX method to analyze the RNAP conformation in solution, and first established relationships between major transcription functions and RNAP’s tight-ratcheted structural forms. We also performed crystallographic analyses of RNAP complexes relevant to transcription initiation and elongation, and revealed the structural basis for proofreading, as well as the regulation mechanism by an external factor.

Free Research Field

生物学