A non-canonical multisubunit RNA polymerase encoded by a giant bacteriophage.

摘要: The infection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa by the giant bacteriophage phiKZ is resistant to host RNA polymerase (RNAP) inhibitor rifampicin. encodes two sets polypeptides that are distantly related fragments largest subunits cellular multisubunit RNAPs. Polypeptides one set encoded middle phage genes and found in virions. second early absent from Here, we report isolation a five-subunit RNAP phiKZ-infected cells. Four this enzyme homologs non-virion set; fifth subunit protein unknown function. In vitro, complex initiates transcription late promoters rifampicin-resistant manner. Thus, responsible for genes. lacks identifiable assembly promoter specificity subunits/factors characteristic eukaryal, archaeal bacterial RNAPs thus provides unique model comparative analysis mechanism, regulation evolution important class enzymes.