Structural basis of RNA polymerase I transcription elongation (A08*)

• Subject Area: Biochemistry
• Term: from 2019 to 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 185476941

RNA polymerase (Pol) I consists of 14 protein subunits with a total molecular weight of almost 600 kDa in yeast. Transcription activation by Pol I is accompanied by a contraction of a DNA-binding active center cleft. Here, we will investigate whether activation by contraction and de-activation by expansion are conserved features of Pol I. We will furthermore determine the influence of Pol-I-specific subunits and their domains on the process. To achieve this goal, we employ a single-particle cryo-Electron Microscopy Approach.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 960: Ribosome Formation: Principles of RNP Biogenesis and Control of their Function
• Applicant Institution: Universität Regensburg
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Christoph Engel