Skoltech Colloquium with Prof Werner Finn: Molecular Mechanisms of Transcription in the Third Domain – from molecules to systems

We are pleased to invite you to the Skoltech Colloquium with Prof Werner Finn, UCL.

When: March 26, 4 pm

Where:  Moscow School of Management, Beijing-1 Auditorium – China cluster

What: Molecular Mechanisms of Transcription in the Third Domain – from molecules to systems

Guest speaker: Prof. Werner Finn, RNAP laboratory, Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, University College London, UK

Abstract: Our laboratory is applying an interdisciplinary and multi scalar approach to characterize the molecular mechanisms of transcription and in particular of multisubunit RNA polymerases (RNAPs). We explore model systems from the third domain of life, the Archaea, not only because they are fascinating organisms in their own right but because their transcription apparatus is a model system for – and more biochemically tractable than – eukaryotic RNAPII.

Today I will present progress in our understanding of (i) the architecture of transcription initiation complexes, (ii) conformational dynamics of RNAP during the transcription cycle, and (iii) the whole genome-distribution of the basal transcription apparatus and -gene expression pattern. This analysis reveals the underlying molecular nature of the spontaneous DNA melting in archaea, which requires ATP hydrolysis in the RNAPII system. Our data furthermore show that the dynamic recruitment and release of basal factors that guide RNAP through the transcription cycle is modulated by the coupling of transcription and translation, of RNAPs and ribosomes

If you like to participate and for further information or questions, please Liliya Abaimova
We look forward to seeing you.