Abstract

Early work identified two promoter regions, the -10 and -35 elements, that interact sequence specifically with bacterial RNA polymerase (RNAP). However, we now know that several additional promoter elements contact RNAP and influence transcription initiation. Furthermore, our picture of promoter control has evolved beyond one in which regulation results solely from activators and repressors that bind to DNA sequences near the RNAP binding site: many important transcription factors bind directly to RNAP without binding to DNA. These factors can target promoters by affecting specific kinetic steps on the pathway to open complex formation, thereby regulating RNA output from specific promoters.

Author affiliations

1. Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin– Madison, 1550 Linden Drive, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA.

Correspondence to: Richard L. Gourse¹ Email: rgourse@bact.wisc.edu

Published online 3 June 2008

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