FEATURES

FAMILY

poxviridae DNA-directed RNA polymerase 18 kDa subunit family

DESCRIPTION

Also known as RP18_VACCA, RPO18. Part of the DNA-dependent RNA polymerase which catalyzes the transcription of viral DNA into RNA using the four ribonucleoside triphosphates as substrates. Responsible for the transcription of early, intermediate and late genes. DNA-dependent RNA polymerase associates with the early transcription factor (ETF), itself composed of D6 and A7, thereby allowing the early genes transcription. Late transcription, and probably also intermediate transcription, require newly synthesized RNA polymerase. The DNA-dependent RNA polymerase used for intermediate and late genes expression consists of eight subunits 147 kDa, 133 kDa, 35 kDa, 30 kDa, 22 kDa, 19 kDa, 18 kDa and 7 kDa totalling more than 500 kDa in mass. The same holoenzyme, with the addition of the transcription-specificity factor RAP94, is used for early gene expression (By similarity).

EXTERNAL LINKS

RPO18

DNA-directed RNA polymerase 18 kDa subunit

RPO18

Molecular Synopsis