Fundamental discovery about how gene expression functions in bacteria
Thursday, April 22, 2010 - 17:26
in Biology & Nature
Researchers have discovered and characterized a general mechanism that controls transcription elongation in bacteria. The mechanism relies on physical cooperation between a moving ribosome and RNA polymerase (RNAP) that allows for a precise adjustment of the transcriptional yield in response to translational needs. The study could lead to the development of new ways to interfere with bacterial gene expression and serve as a new target for antimicrobial therapy.