Using cryo-EM to uncover mechanisms of bacterial transcriptional regulation. (17th December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wood, David M.; Dobson, Renwick C.J.; Horne, Christopher R.
• Is Part Of: Biochemical Society transactions. Volume 49:Number 6(2021)
• Page Start: 2711
• Page End: 2726
• Publication Date: 2021-12-17
• Subjects: bacterial transcription -- cryo-electron microscopy -- gene expression and regulation -- protein-DNA -- transcription factors; Biochemistry -- Congresses; 572
• DOI: 10.1042/BST20210674
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0300-5127

Abstract

Abstract : Transcription is the principal control point for bacterial gene expression, and it enables a global cellular response to an intracellular or environmental trigger. Transcriptional regulation is orchestrated by transcription factors, which activate or repress transcription of target genes by modulating the activity of RNA polymerase. Dissecting the nature and precise choreography of these interactions is essential for developing a molecular understanding of transcriptional regulation. While the contribution of X-ray crystallography has been invaluable, the 'resolution revolution' of cryo-electron microscopy has transformed our structural investigations, enabling large, dynamic and often transient transcription complexes to be resolved that in many cases had resisted crystallisation. In this review, we highlight the impact cryo-electron microscopy has had in gaining a deeper understanding of transcriptional regulation in bacteria. We also provide readers working within the field with an overview of the recent innovations available for cryo-electron microscopy sample preparation and image reconstruction of transcription complexes.