The σ regulon in serovar Typhimurium includes a predicted RNA repair operon encoding homologs of the metazoan Ro60 protein (Rsr), Y RNAs (YrlBA), RNA ligase (RtcB), and RNA 3'-phosphate cyclase (RtcA). Transcription from σ-dependent promoters requires that a cognate bacterial enhancer binding protein (bEBP) be activated by a specific environmental or cellular signal; the cognate bEBP for the σ-dependent promoter of the operon is RtcR. To identify conditions that generate the signal for RtcR activation in Typhimurium, transcription of the RNA repair operon was assayed under multiple stress conditions that result in nucleic acid damage.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe variable sigma (σ) subunit of the bacterial RNA polymerase (RNAP) holoenzyme, which is responsible for promoter specificity and open complex formation, plays a strategic role in the response to environmental changes. serovar Typhimurium utilizes the housekeeping σ and five alternative sigma factors, including σ The σ-RNAP differs from other σ-RNAP holoenzymes in that it forms a stable closed complex with the promoter and requires ATP hydrolysis by an activated cognate bacterial enhancer binding protein (bEBP) to transition to an open complex and initiate transcription. In Typhimurium, σ-dependent promoters normally respond to one of 13 different bEBPs, each of which is activated under a specific growth condition.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFTranscription sigma factors direct the selective binding of RNA polymerase holoenzyme (Eσ) to specific promoters. Two families of sigma factors determine promoter specificity, the σ(70) (RpoD) family and the σ(54) (RpoN) family. In transcription controlled by σ(54), the Eσ(54)-promoter closed complex requires ATP hydrolysis by an associated bacterial enhancer-binding protein (bEBP) for the transition to open complex and transcription initiation.
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