Structural Basis of Transcription: Role of the Trigger Loop in Substrate Specificity and Catalysis

Dong Wang, David A. Bushnell, Kenneth D. Westover, Craig D. Kaplan, Roger D. Kornberg

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

381 Scopus citations

Abstract

New structures of RNA polymerase II (pol II) transcribing complexes reveal a likely key to transcription. The trigger loop swings beneath a correct nucleoside triphosphate (NTP) in the nucleotide addition site, closing off the active center and forming an extensive network of interactions with the NTP base, sugar, phosphates, and additional pol II residues. A histidine side chain in the trigger loop, precisely positioned by these interactions, may literally "trigger" phosphodiester bond formation. Recognition and catalysis are thus coupled, ensuring the fidelity of transcription.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)941-954
Number of pages14
JournalCell
Volume127
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1 2006

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

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