RNA polymerase I and III: similar yet unique

Curr Opin Struct Biol. 2017 Dec:47:88-94. doi: 10.1016/j.sbi.2017.05.008. Epub 2017 Jul 22.

Abstract

The majority of non-protein-coding RNAs present in eukaryotic cells comprises rRNAs, tRNAs and U6 snRNA that are involved in protein biosynthesis and are synthesized by DNA-dependent-RNA polymerase I and III. The transcription cycle (initiation, elongation and termination) has similar principles in all three nuclear RNA polymerases with specific features that are reflected back in their structures. Recently, owing to the 'resolution revolution' in electron cryo-microscopy, there has been a significant advancement in the understanding of these molecular machines. Here, we highlight the structure-function adaptation in specificity and activity of these molecular machines and present parallels and distinctions between their transcription mechanisms.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cryoelectron Microscopy
  • Models, Molecular
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Conformation
  • Protein Subunits
  • RNA Polymerase I / chemistry*
  • RNA Polymerase I / metabolism*
  • RNA Polymerase II / chemistry
  • RNA Polymerase II / metabolism
  • RNA Polymerase III / chemistry*
  • RNA Polymerase III / metabolism*
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Transcription Initiation, Genetic

Substances

  • Protein Subunits
  • RNA Polymerase II
  • RNA Polymerase I
  • RNA Polymerase III