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    Cell. 2003 Jul 11;114(1):135-46.

    Structure of the Rho transcription terminator: mechanism of mRNA recognition and helicase loading.

    Source

    Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, 239 Hildebrand Hall, #3206, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.

    Abstract

    In bacteria, one of the major transcriptional termination mechanisms requires a RNA/DNA helicase known as the Rho factor. We have determined two structures of Rho complexed with nucleic acid recognition site mimics in both free and nucleotide bound states to 3.0 A resolution. Both structures show that Rho forms a hexameric ring in which two RNA binding sites--a primary one responsible for target mRNA recognition and a secondary one required for mRNA translocation and unwinding--point toward the center of the ring. Rather than forming a closed ring, the Rho hexamer is split open, resembling a "lock washer" in its global architecture. The distance between subunits at the opening is sufficiently wide (12 A) to accommodate single-stranded RNA. This open configuration most likely resembles a state poised to load onto mRNA and suggests how related ring-shaped enzymes may be breached to bind nucleic acids.

    PMID:
    12859904
    [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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