Ruth M. Saecker

Jul 1, 2024 | nature.com | Andreas Mueller |James Chen |Nina Molina |Edward T. Eng |Ruth M. Saecker

AbstractDuring formation of the transcription-competent open complex (RPo) by bacterial RNA polymerases (RNAPs), transient intermediates pile up before overcoming a rate-limiting step. Structural descriptions of these interconversions in real time are unavailable. To address this gap, here we use time-resolved cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to capture four intermediates populated 120 ms or 500 ms after mixing Escherichia coli σ70–RNAP and the λPR promoter.