We propose to study in detail the structure of the Escherichia coli RNA polymerase major sigma subunit(sigma70),the interaction of sigma70 with core polymerase subunits, and the additional members of the sigma family and how they compete for binding to core. In this way we hope to understand how sigma70 functions to determine the selectivity of RNA polymerase binding and RNA chain initiation, and how the cell can alter its pattern of transcription by using other sigma-like factors. Specifically, our aims are: A. To Study the Structure and Function of Sigma-70. We will test our hypothesis that sigma70 forms a """"""""hairpin"""""""" structure and must open or partially unfold to function. We will crystallize sigma70, determine its 3-D crystal structure, and compare its structure to other sigmas. We will use mutations and protein fragments to probe functional domains utilizing a rapid method for producing proteins and protein fragments in Escherichia coli S-30 extract systems. We will determine what step in the transcription process each MAb to sigma70 is inhibiting. We will more precisely epitope map and study several particularly interesting MAbs. B. To Identify Regions of Core Polymerase Subunits Involved in Sigma Interaction. We will use chemical crosslinking and specific MAbs to determine the site of binding of sigma70 and a short 25 amino acid region of sigma70 to core. We will also determine the regions on core involved in interactions with other sigmas. C. To Study Competition of Sigma-Family Members for Core. We will measure the in vivo levels of known sigmas as a function of growth conditions. We will study the competition of these various sigmas for core polymerase both in vivo and in purified in vitro systems. We will examine the role of anti-sigmas in affecting sigma competition. D. To Study Sigma-S and Sigma-70 Holoenzyme Interaction with the bolAp1 Promoter. We will determine the interactions of holoenzyme containing sigma70 or sigmaS with the bolAp1 promoter and determine why both holoenzymes function in vitro but only E-sigma-S functions in vivo at this promoter. We propose to continue to study sigma structure and function by a concerted use of biochemistry, protein and physical chemistry, MAb. technology, and molecular genetics. Our long experience studying sigma and our recent progress place us in a unique position to carry out the proposed experiments and to answer many important remaining questions about the structure and function of Escherichia coli sigmas.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01GM028575-17
Application #
2608777
Study Section
Microbial Physiology and Genetics Subcommittee 2 (MBC)
Project Start
1980-12-01
Project End
1999-11-30
Budget Start
1997-12-01
Budget End
1998-11-30
Support Year
17
Fiscal Year
1998
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Wisconsin Madison
Department
Internal Medicine/Medicine
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
161202122
City
Madison
State
WI
Country
United States
Zip Code
53715
Stalder, Elizabeth S; Nagy, Lauren H; Batalla, Pilar et al. (2011) The epitope for the polyol-responsive monoclonal antibody 8RB13 is in the flap-domain of the beta-subunit of bacterial RNA polymerase and can be used as an epitope tag for immunoaffinity chromatography. Protein Expr Purif 77:26-33
Zhao, Kai; Liu, Mingzhu; Burgess, Richard R (2010) Promoter and regulon analysis of nitrogen assimilation factor, sigma54, reveal alternative strategy for E. coli MG1655 flagellar biosynthesis. Nucleic Acids Res 38:1273-83
Thompson, Nancy E; Glaser, Bryan T; Foley, Katherine M et al. (2009) Minimal promoter systems reveal the importance of conserved residues in the B-finger of human transcription factor IIB. J Biol Chem 284:24754-66
Glaser, Bryan T; Bergendahl, Veit; Anthony, Larry C et al. (2009) Studying the salt dependence of the binding of sigma70 and sigma32 to core RNA polymerase using luminescence resonance energy transfer. PLoS One 4:e6490
Glaser, Bryan T; Bergendahl, Veit; Thompson, Nancy E et al. (2007) LRET-based HTS of a small-compound library for inhibitors of bacterial RNA polymerase. Assay Drug Dev Technol 5:759-68
Zhao, Kai; Liu, Mingzhu; Burgess, Richard R (2007) Adaptation in bacterial flagellar and motility systems: from regulon members to 'foraging'-like behavior in E. coli. Nucleic Acids Res 35:4441-52
Probasco, Mitchell D; Thompson, Nancy E; Burgess, Richard R (2007) Immunoaffinity purification and characterization of RNA polymerase from Shewanella oneidensis. Protein Expr Purif 55:23-30
Lamberski, Jennifer A; Thompson, Nancy E; Burgess, Richard R (2006) Expression and purification of a single-chain variable fragment antibody derived from a polyol-responsive monoclonal antibody. Protein Expr Purif 47:82-92
Sabree, Zakee L; Bergendahl, Veit; Liles, Mark R et al. (2006) Identification and characterization of the gene encoding the Acidobacterium capsulatum major sigma factor. Gene 376:144-51
Thompson, Nancy E; Jensen, Debra Bridges; Lamberski, Jennifer A et al. (2006) Purification of protein complexes by immunoaffinity chromatography: application to transcription machinery. Genet Eng (N Y) 27:81-100

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