This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. In Escherichia coli (E. coli), transcription is driven by a single enzyme: RNA Polymerase (RNAP). In order to recognize promoters, transcribe genes, and terminate transcription, RNAP must interact with trans-acting factors. One aspect of our work, in collaboration with the Chait laboratory, is to identify those factors that associate with E. coli RNAP at different stages of the cell cycle, and in response to different stimuli. Previously unidentified RNAP-binding proteins will be studied in greater detail using genetic, biochemical, and structural techniques to determine their contribution to the transcription cycle. Bacteriophage offer an excellent and beautiful model for the study of development in biology. Upon infection with phage, E. coli RNAP is targeted by phage encoded proteins that bind to and appropriate the host RNAP to transcribe phage encoded genes. Thus, the second aspect of our work, again in collaboration with the Chait laboratory, will involve the identification of proteins from a number of different bacteriophage that associate with E. coli RNAP. Identification of these phage encoded RNAP-binding proteins will be the first step in understanding the development of the bacteriophage, and may serve as a class of antimicrobial.
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